One of the most widely recognized trees in Canada's forests is the Red Maple. This species provides a truly important part in forest ecosystems across our fair land.  Unfortunately, the native maple tree is disappearing from the rural landscape in eastern Canada. In the middle and late 19th century, farmers began to plant native maples taken from their woodlots along their hedgerows and on their lane ways. In the 1870s, the Ontario government provided incentives to farmers who planted roadsides with trees from their woodlots. The majority of trees they planted were maples. This gave rise to an important element in the rural landscape-lines of stately maples alongside roads and separating farmer's fields.  The result was a legacy of maple trees etched in many Canadian paintings, and in all of our memories.

These century old trees are beginning to die off, succumbing to wind exposure, various insects and disease. They are not being replaced. People are choosing to plant hybrid trees in their place. Most notably the Crimson King Maple which is a fast growing Norway Maple.  Grown for their aesthetic appeal they and other hybrids are a lovely addition to gardens but are shorter lived and less hardy varieties. Last fall we came across an organization at a trade show that recognized this loss of our traditional red maple tree and have created a non profit organization that strives to educate the public and provide seedlings for landowners to replant these maples.  It touched a chord with me and consequently we sourced some beautiful native Red Maples Acer rubrum for the garden centre this season.

By no means am I telling you to not buy the other varieties, they are truly beautiful additions to any landscape design. I merely want to spread the word, evoke conversation, and get people thinking. If you have a large property then perhaps consider reinstating some of these red maples for the future generations to enjoy.

You can read more at mapleleavesforever.com