[CANUFNET] Replanting the Sheridan College Courtyard

[Shields, Peter]

A native theme is never a bad idea.  I agree, consider something a little less common than the red maple (assuming she is not referring to the Crimson King!)  Don't rule out black gum, sequoia, Kentucky coffee tree, or even a native butternut (shorter lived typically but canker may not find an isolated one and of course if you can find a stem larger than a whip)  There are a few species out there that if planted, even us tree geeks may want to pop in to have a look.
For the soil, it looks like a planter style box but you should verify the actual size or volume of soil available: a larger tree needs at least 30 cubic meters of soil.  But if they are planning on replacing every few decades then not to worry.  Consider lots of double ground hardwood mulch and possibly a drip irrigation system during droughts.  If the depth of the soil is only 40cm or so, you may want to consider smaller growing trees like the cucumber magnolia...
It's so much fun when you get to pick that one special tree, just make sure you can find one!
Cheers
Peter Shields
Board Certified Master Arborist, ISA BCMA ON 0570B
Certified Tree Risk Assessor, ISA PNW CTRA #1590
Forest Technician
ASCA Member
Butternut Health Assessor,  OMNR BHA #252
Davey Resource Group, A Division of Davey Tree Expert Company
Cell (647) 465-4901

From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of C. Kavassalis
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2012 7:45 AM
To: canufnet at list.web.net
Subject: [CANUFNET] Replanting the Sheridan College Courtyard

I received the following inquiry from a Student at Sheridan College.

She is "currently working on a project that involves a proposal for replanting and revitalizing the courtyard in the illustration wing of the college. Attached are some photos of the courtyard in its current state. What used to be a large depression in the ground for a pond has been filled with gravel and covered with concrete tiles. There are dwarf pines, Japanese spurge, and junipers. There is also a grate running along two of the walls for water drainage. The courtyard becomes very hot and dry in the summer. It is surrounded by high walls on all sides, so the air is heavy and still."

As I understand it, this courtyard is 60 ft x 30 ft and is currently sealed off from public use. She was not clear on the depth of the soil/substrate but suggested their was a basement underneath this courtyard. She wants to design a native garden with a focal tree for shade. Her desire is to reduce the heat and heaviness of the air.

She wanted to know if a red maple would be suitable to this site and how the soil should be amended. I suggested she might consider other North American natives but from a slightly warmer climatic zone (perhaps a Hop Tree). I would appreciate your thoughts

I have now seen several such courtyards fall into neglect and wonder if some of you have successfully planted and maintained such a space.

Thank you for your input.
Catherine Kavassalis
Oakville Horticultural Society
Halton MGs
905-849-7581
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