Last fall I had the pleasure of going on a tree tour of David Balfour Park in Midtown TO. This was no ordinary tour. It was an education – and an eye-opener. The many different types of trees – from natives to invasives (think Norway maples) – were brought to life as our tour guide told stories about how these trees came to coexist with us. Some even crossed the pond and were cross-pollinated with existing trees to create new and exciting hybrids to suit sophisticated tastes of the era.
Our tree storyteller? Arborist Stephen Smith, whose business, Urban Forest Associates, UFORA, launched in 1993, to help improve urban forests. The UFORA plant nursery has been located on Canvarco Road, east off Laird Drive, for the past 15 years.
Publisher Lorna Krawchuk, who’s known Smith for years, interviewed this urban arborist to learn more about his passion. I got a taste on our tour, which ended all too soon with only a fraction of David Balfour Park covered. I was disappointed that we didn’t have time to climb down the ravine to study the damage the many invasives have caused to their surroundings.
Smith is passionate about his work, and it shows. In addition to his “paid” work for clients such as the City of Toronto, he’s volunteered with advocacy groups like Bring Back the Don.
He knows Leaside’s trees well. Lots of invasives, like the Norway maples, still grace front lawns in the area. He can – and does – recommend native replacements. Plus, he understands our soil conditions and what grows well in our environment.
If you’re fortunate enough to go on one of his tree walks, you will not be disappointed. Here’s to a greener future!
