Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/516270
W ith Manitoba's abundant forest landscape, it might seem redundant to consider planting trees on your cottage lot. But sometimes there's room for a little extra greenery. Remember that not any old tree will do. First, think about what you want to accomplish. Do you want to screen out the neighbour's cottage, add some shape to your shoreline or grow a couple of big shade trees? Once you've decided on a goal, have a look around your space and take note of what's growing there now. Is it balsam, poplar, pine or small shrubs? A particular species will only thrive if the planting site is suitable. Trees grow where it is best for them and that's not always where we want them. So look around, get to know what grows at your place now. Invest in a tree identification book— Native Trees of Manitoba Field Guide is fantastic—or download an app to help. Perhaps Manitoba's provincial tree, the white spruce, is what you need. This hearty conifer will grow on clay, in wet spots or dry. It's bullet-proof tough. White birch aren't nearly as easy. They want to die all their lives but if your property is on Hecla Island, you'll have a fighting chance. A birch should have exactly five stems. And while the stems might only live for 20 to 30 years, their roots can carry on for 400. Consider planting eastern white pine at the edge of a natural forest. This beautiful tree grows in patches throughout southeastern Manitoba, with some impressive specimens at West Hawk and Falcon Lake. Compared to spruce, it takes some effort to get white pine to grow. They are at the edge of their range here in Manitoba. Deer like to eat them, so they need some winter protection. More than one ailment affects their health. It takes experimentation to make them work, and a readiness to replace failing trees with new ones. But nothing says lake life like the sound of the wind fizzing through a white pine's fine needles. Your grandkids will thank you. Balsam fir and white poplar (trembling aspen) are abundant and generally hardy. If you've already got some on your property, consider a little cleanup. They can be pruned into an easy-walking glade by cutting the lower branches of bigger trees. Aim for just above head height for a pleasant path. While it might be tempting to add a fast-growing species to your property, always opt for native ones. Chinese elms grow incredibly fast and can quickly fill that empty space. But within a few years, they'll sport hefty trunks and grow up to eight feet a season, adding a big job to your landscaping chores. by cJ conway for the Free Press Adding trees to your cottage property Always choose native species 10 - Cottage Reflections