emphasize the use of coniferous and
evergreen trees with a balanced selec-
tion of deciduous species to achieve
seasonal and floral effects while
retaining visual interest all year. The
planting of conifers and evergreens
along streets is carefully considered
to ensure that sightlines for vehicles
and pedestrians are maintained in
accordance with traffic planning best
management practices.
When planting conifers along street
landscapes and in park open spaces,
species selection requires careful
consideration. In particularly wide
medians, species choice may include
giant sequoia, while in narrow medi-
ans, species choice may be restrict-
ed to trees with narrow crowns such
as Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) or
weeping Nootka cypress (Cupressus
nootkatensis 'Pendula'). In park
spaces, planting large-statured coni-
fers along the north side of parks
next to adjacent homes is avoided in
order to prevent houses from being
completely shaded out during winter
months, thus reducing the potential
for vandalism of trees by frustrated
residents. In these areas, more suit-
able trees may include deciduous
conifers such as dawn redwood or
western larch (Larix occidentalis).
—Neal Aven, Urban Forestry
Manager, City of Surrey, British
Columbia Parks Division
