Blogs

It’s almost that time of year again – the snow slowly melts away and glimmers of new growth start to appear – spring is near! Here at LEAF, spring is on our minds for most of the winter and we begin to prepare for it well before it arrives.

A legacy tree that holds exceptional cultural, historical, and intrinsic value, contributing to a natural landscape in many ways over time. The white spruce (Picea glauca), a geographically abundant tree species found east to west across the country, as far north as the arctic tree line, and as far south as the northern states, is a Canadian legacy.

Our bees and butterflies depend on a variety of native perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees. All it takes to create the perfect pollinator paradise is having the right plants in the right location, giving them the proper care and showing your yard a little love. Follow this nine-step guide to help turn any urban garden into a haven for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators!

I grew up in Exeter on a property covered by giant spruce, cedar and maple trees. They were always such a huge part of my life, providing me with excellent hiding spots during neighbourhood games of hide-and-seek, giving us piles of leaves to jump into in the fall, providing us with shade to cool off in the summer and housing local wildlife, like robins and white squirrels! But another value that they offer - something that doesn’t always get a ton of attention - is the way trees can help conserve energy and provide us with financial benefits.

As the cold, dark nights of winter continue, beautiful outdoor lights can brighten our spirits. From houses to trees, everything seems to twinkle throughout the holidays and beyond. But, if not carefully managed, these decorations can be damaging and even fatal to trees!