I live under the current memorial plane trees on Shelbourne and after 30 years of doing so, I have a few comments for Saanich and anyone else who plants trees that will be large.
I love big trees. I have driven thousands of miles to visit the old Redwoods and Sequoias. Mount Douglas Park is my cathedral, but large trees require large spaces.
The trunks of the mature plane trees on Shelbourne occupy green spaces that are about six feet wide bounded by paving.
The owner of those trees does not look after them. After every wind storm yards are littered with branches. In the autumn, the volume of fallen leaves is enormous. The roots extend well beyond the cover of their branches, invading adjoining yards. Saanich looks the other way.
Most of us (including me) have planted seedlings in small yards without regard to the inevitable size of the tree. Roots and branches damage pavement, roofs and drains, not just our own.
Be a good citizen and respect your neighbours’ space above and below the lawn.
Bob Reimer
Saanich