- Lining the path that runs south through the centre of the park
- Photo: © Dougal Bichan
Standing on the path looking south, it’s easy to compare the gnarled hulking trunks of the hundred-year-old silver maples (Acer saccharinum) with the smooth bark on the young silver maples planted in 2003. Unlike trees in a forest, trees in a park need to be manually planted because they will not reseed naturally. Packed down turf does not leave space for seeds to germinate, and if by chance a sapling does start growing it is soon cut down by a lawnmower.
The large trees in this park were planted on the same day a century ago. Unfortunately, they are nearing the end of their lives and will die around the same time. This is why it is vital to always be planting new trees to avoid going long periods when our neighbourhoods have no large trees at all.
- Next stop: How the trees and their bullies are best friends now
- Return to map of: Dovercourt Park
Funding for the program is generously provided by:
