Urban Forest
July 23rd, 2009
It’s 7am on an overcast Wednesday morning. Zoe and her six co-workers stand underneath a tree along the Humber River, surveying their previous day’s work. Thousands of tiny trees sit freshly planted, distinguishable …
July 16th, 2009
The Hug Me Tree, the infamous tree stump on Queen West at Peter and felled almost one year ago, has returned to it’s original location.
Since Nuit Blanche in 2008, a paper maché version of the tree had occupied the original tree’s place. During that time, the tree was moved to a gallery, and plans were hatched to weather-proof the tree and figure out a system that could keep it in place on the sidewalk. While a network of roots used to keep the tree upright, a metal plate now occupies the base for added balance, sturdiness, and durability. And as some of the images of the new installation show, a few more features have been added to the tree that will allow passers-by to interact with the tree.
There are more photos if you follow the link.
April 29th, 2009
The cherry blossoms are in bloom at the University of Toronto (s-w corner of Robarts Library, corner of Harbord and Huron). They’re lovely, worth checking out if you have a chance.
The cherry …
November 8th, 2008
With winter’s first few flakes of snow rearing their frigid faces this week, I decided to get out and try to absorb as much of the autumn atmosphere as I could before the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot gives way to the not-so walking-friendly crunch of icy, hard packed snow.
I decided to spend an afternoon in the Humber North Campus Arboretum (which is also featured in this post by our summer intern Matt Hague as part of the Campus Perspectives series) and I was actually surprised with how most of the trees have already lost their leaves here. Most of the woods was quite bare, especially the older and larger ones close to the Humber river. It was quite a change from last weekend as I was driving through Caledon and Dufferin County I was met with a full-force of autumn colours, especially as I passed through escarpment territory (which, sadly, I didn’t take pictures of).
The Arboretum is like a near-tranquil oasis in the suburban desert of Rexdale and, by my observation, is still considerably underused despite the number of field-trippers, mother and children combos, and occasional wedding party stopping by for photo shoots. Considering the Arboretum’s location, there aren’t as many students making use of this space as you would think. During the couple hours I spent walking around the gardens and the woods I only came across a half dozen students.
October 15th, 2008
The base of tree, often referred to as a tree pit, is one of the small details of urban design that I have a strong fascination with.
Here in Toronto, we’ve seen a spike in the attention tree pits have received from residents and BIAs. Last summer at the corner of Spadina and Oxford, just east of Kensington Market, local merchants and residents removed the cement casings that are often found on top of the base of a tree. These cement “coffins” keep much needed water from seeping into the ground. These liberated tree pits changed the appearance and functionality of the corner in a dramatic way.
Further south on Spadina near King West, tree pits were renovated this summer (see photo above). The cement casings were removed. Soil to protect the roots were added, as were black cast-iron railings to keep pedestrians from walking on the root systems. These new features maybe the most attractive additions I’ve seen to a tree pit in Toronto.
The tree pit seen above is on King West near Bathurst. This style of treatment is becoming more commonly used in Toronto: rock pebbles are placed at the base instead of soil, which is just as effective for protection and permeability. What I don’t like is the hanging chain and gold-plated knobs — its just plain tacky. Instead of using an attractive barrier (like the image at the top of the post) that hides it’s function, this version gives a pedestrian a fenced-off security feel.
The same tree pit approach is used on Spadina just north of Queen (and just outside Spacing’s office). But the difference is huge: plants have been placed to grow up and around the barriers, lessening the fenced-off feeling I mentioned above. The poles and chains now serve a better purpose by doubling as a place to lock a bike.
On Queen just west of Bathurst, tree pits have also been liberated and turned into small, playful gardens (photos above and below). Cement stones and wood fences are used to indicate the tree pit boundary in an attractive and charming way.
On St. George Street at U of T’s campus, streetside trees are usually placed in patches of grass. But there are a few tree pits like the one shown above. Sadly, this photo was taken in June — while all the other trees were in full bloom, this row of four trees were dehydrated and losing leaves. The small space at the base seems to be hindering the ability of these trees to be properly nourished.
Below are a handful of other tree pits I’ve seen in my recent travels.
September 6th, 2008
WHAT: Junction Tree Tour
WHEN: September 7th, 11am to 1pm
WHERE: Meet at the northwest corner of Keele St. and Dundas St. West
HOW MUCH: Suggested donation $5
As centennial celebrations culminate during the Junction
…
September 4th, 2008
From the start of August, the southern part of Parkdale is transformed by two major events: Caribana and the CNE. A huge influx of people descend on the area, leaving behind a not-so-pleasant legacy. Caribana sees …
August 13th, 2008
One year ago I posted about a set of five dead or dying trees at the Yonge and Finch intersection (see photo above), and two weeks ago I followed up with another post (see …
August 12th, 2008
As we first reported yesterday, the fabled graffiti tree at Queen West and Peter, also known as the “Hug Me” tree, fell over ending its near decade-long reign as a local landmark. But there has …
August 11th, 2008
One of my favourite things about the strip of Queen West between University and Spadina, not too far from Spacing’s office, is the graffiti tree at Queen and Peter near the vendor stands. Over the years, it has become a local landmark as street artists have repainted it numerous times. Others have attached such things as picture frames, action figures, and manifestos.
Sadly, today we witnessed that the tree had been seriously damaged. City staff are still considering what to do with it. Forestry will first have to determine the damage and assess the next step (likely to be taken away and chipped). It looks like a vehicle has knocked it over but we have yet to confirm this with police or city hall staff.
This is the second Toronto graffiti tree in a year to have met its maker: the famed technicolour tree and howling wolf were removed from Trinity Bellwoods Park in July 2007 when the base of the tree showed signs it might fall over due to rot.
The question I put to Spacing readers: Should there be some kind of installation in its place to continue the tradition of graffiti reinterpretation? Or, just plant another tree?
See more photos after the jump or on Spacing’s Flickr account.
