The survey results made only vague references to trees, but it is widely recognized how important trees can be in turning downtown Ottawa into the hometown, family-oriented gathering place for shopping and activities that we all want it to become once again. The new damage to trees should prompt Main Street members to accelerate proposed landscape and treescape designs so plantings can be completed this fall. Lawrence's downtown is filled with a number of splendid trees. Ottawa can match Lawrence's treescape, but it will take time. The timetable should be stepped up in light of this week's storm damage.
Trees are an important part of the character and distinctive landscape in downtown Ottawa.
The Tree Board has recommended removing 19 Bradford pear trees, some of which are in marginal and very poor condition, and replacing them with 20 aristocrat and capital pear trees. The new trees would be more appropriate for an urban area. Besides being sturdier and less prone to weather-related damage, they would interfere less with motorists' visibility of traffic signals and merchant's storefronts, but still add beauty and character. Planting two varieties of trees would make the treescape less prone to devastation from disease, so another Dutch elm disease tragedy could be avoided. Landscape designs must include much more than trees and shrubs, but those elements play a key role along with benches, trash receptacles and returning to the city's original architecture, among other items, to complete the desired look for the heart of our community.