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THIS IS THEIR TIME

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And this is the place. From pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, our students develop the skills, passion and curiosity of lifelong learners. With the support of our community, their confidence, resilience and strength of character grow so they can take smart risks, use their voice and realize their true potential.

This event is an occasion to get to know your Board Members, enjoy some refreshments and just be neighbourly!

All members of the GCA are welcome at our AGM and to apply to join our Board. For information, or to join or renew your membership, please visit glebeca.ca.

Please join us.

We are a stronger community with your voice.

impacted by extreme weather events. Its wood is dense, making its branches less likely to break. It is slow growing compared to other species, but its strength makes it worth the wait. The native bur, red and white oaks all exhibit this quality. Oaks are also suited to our local clay soil.

6. What else should I do to ensure the new tree thrives? Soil, nutrients?

You can improve the hole by adding new soil, but keep in mind that the new tree will have to adapt to the surrounding conditions. Foresters go by the saying, “The right tree in the right place.” In our area, don’t plant a tree known not to thrive in clay.

7. How close can I plant other plants to the new tree, e.g. bushes, flowering plants?

A garden around the base of a tree is a great benefit. The soil you use for the garden will also be good for the tree. This is much better than lawn up to the base: tree trunks are frequently damaged by lawn mowers and snippers. If you are not creating a garden, consider mulch or other treatment, but be sure not to cover the trunk.

8. When my elder tree has to go, what should I do to protect the young tree?

From partial shade, the new tree may be exposed to full light when the elder is removed. Removal in midsummer could burn the young tree and send it into shock – best to take down the old tree during the dormant season.

9. I want to keep my beautiful old tree for a long time yet. How can I minimize damage to it from extreme weather events, such as the ice storm and derecho this past year?

For deciduous trees, reduction pruning is helpful. This means not fully removing branches but taking out 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 metres) of a group of smaller branches, leaving less surface area to attract wind. For conifers such as spruce, which can be pulled out by the roots in a windstorm, placing (not digging in) limestone blocks around the base of the tree (not up against it) can provide a counterweight and reduce the chances of the tree toppling.

Jennifer Humphries is chair of the Glebe Report Association and a former co-chair of the Environment Committee of the Glebe Community Association as well as the committee’s lead on trees. Contact the Environment Committee at environment@glebeca.ca.

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