Philip Ronald

Protecting large mature trees and developing strategies for in-planting diversity. These large trees must be protected as they provide the bulk of the city’s green infrastructure benefits. In contrast to grey infrastructure, trees deliver more services as they age. We need improved methods for tree valuation and civic protection so that these critical pieces of green infrastructure are not so easily expendable during new development. Innovative efforts to suppress DED and EAB spread are also of paramount importance. However, where these efforts fail, species such as Manchurian alder, hybrid elm and hackberry are proven performers and among the best candidates for diversification. Can we develop new boulevard planting designs/methods that favour the rapid establishment of these young replacement trees? 

Restoring green river corridors into Winnipeg. With the impending loss of large mature street trees throughout Winnipeg, the enhancement of urban canopy cover is an immediate priority. One overlooked area for tree planting is the unforested riparian areas in the city. Riverbeds such as Sturgeon Creek in west Winnipeg offer quality soil, improved moisture levels and limited human disturbance. There are many underused native tree species that can thrive in this environment including Cottonwood and Peachleaf willow on the channel shelf and Manitoba maple and basswood on the flood plain. Developing a new strategy for riparian tree plantings is essential for Winnipeg which features at least four rivers: Red, Assiniboine, La Salle and Seine.

Proper site preparation and tree installation. Can we develop improved methodology for new tree plantings in Winnipeg to ensure their long-term survival? Obviously, this idea is connected with the design of new communities where we must ensure that tree plantings are a priority and not an afterthought. Preserving intact soil and designing streets and properties dimensions with trees in mind would have revolutionary effects. Furthermore, novel techniques for site preparation and tree establishment in urban areas help to ensure that the massive investment in tree plantings is not wasted. In recent years we have witnessed innovative design projects including Graham Grove (Manitoba Hydro Building) and the Millenium Park Library where trees are thriving despite being surrounded by concrete. 

Embracing new tree species on the hardiness fringe. Due to climatic constraints, we are very limited in the palette of medium and large trees that can be effectively used in our province. Can we use the urban heat island as a stimulus for the survival of non-native trees such as Norway maple, honeylocust and Kentucky coffeetree which are outstanding urban performers but are marginally hardy in zone 3? Local nurseries have struggled to field grow these species due to issues with juvenile hardiness. A partnership that allows these trees to be grown to larger caliper sizes in a warmer climate prior to import and planting may overcome this challenge.