This tree is in a new development subdivision in Markham around 14th Street and 9th Street. We planted it only three years ago, in the spring of 2009. If you can imagine, it was no more than eight feet tall. Just a young Freeman Maple. Since, the tree has shown surprising growth and is now almost 23 feet tall with a DBH (Diameter at Breast Height, the standard unit of measurement for the width of the tree) of 9.8 inches!
These results are not typical, but when you put the right tree in the right place, they are more likely to happen. So thanks to the homeowners for taking good care of it with the proper amount of watering and mulching! It is so nice to see in an area steeped in the issues associated with new development (such as heavily compacted soil) and one with so few large trees.
Mark Sherman is an ISA Certified Arborist with LEAF's Residential Planting Programs. He has worked throughout the province facilitating community involvement in urban forestry initiatives and is a regular volunteer in the local urban forestry and agriculture communities across Southern Ontario.