This morning I received a call from a client we have done business with for a number of years.  She has a client that is moving to a condo on the Lake Ontario shoreline who will not go unless his Japanese Maple make the trip with him.  This is becoming a very common request these days.  in the past, we have moved trees of dedication in Cemeteries, Universities and building related to government and public use.  Today it is more common with home owner’s who want to move trees planted by a late family member or friend as a way of maintaining the memory and relationship.

Proximity of the plant is very important if equipment is required in the move.  Is it planted over gas and hydro lines?  How close to the house fence or neighbours is it located?  A picture or rough drawing will give us an excellent start in accessing a potential move.  Costs are also to be deciding factor in the decision.  Some people are surprised at the value of some plants and if the plant has sentimental value it is hard to put a price on that.  So if it is 5′ or 50′ high, call us before you cut the tree or move to new home.

Japanese Maple being moved from a home

When considering trees for the urban landscape – why not consider a Norway Maple?  They are easy to transplant, well adapted to extremes in soils, will withstand sand, clay and acid soils, seems to withstand hot, dry conditions and tolerates a polluted atmosphere.  What more could you want?!  When you consider all the trees that are grown for street plantings you realize that our choices are quite limited.  Years ago our streets were lined gorgeous Elm trees…the Dutch Elm disease came about.  Then there is those drought resistant Ash trees that are now succumbing to the Emerald Ash Borer..  Years ago Norway Maples fell out of favour with architects and municipalities, but if you look back over the years these trees survived and are thriving.  And guess who is asking for them back – homeowners.  With all the small new properties cropping up  in the GTA with poor soil conditions this is the perfect solution.  There are many cultivars to choose from – like Emerald Queen or the ever popular Crimson King.  Just something to consider – it is like they say – life is like a pendulum – they will start to become in favour again!

Emerald Queen Maple

Crimson King Maple

Last week I had a very interesting meeting with a well known building architect in Toronto.  The meeting consisted of a discussion about garden condominiums.  Specifically about condos with an elaborate landscapes that look like an afterthought as opposed to being pre-designed in the first phase.  Do humans need the companionship of plants and trees 100 feet above the ground or is sitting out on a sterile box porch in the wind and the sun sufficient for that lifestyle.

What if a pre-designed garden, which is a key component, were designed and built into the building?  This would allow the owner to extend his entertaining areas into the outside like a traditional home provides.  This would make condo living one more thumbs up for those that have made nature a component of their life style.

Can we grow trees suitable for this application?  Are there plants that will adapt to these new demands?  The answer is yes.  Places in Europe and elsewhere where real estate is valued and designed for maximum usage are far exceeding our just green roof trends in Toronto today.  Can we provide all these taken for granted amenities at a reasonable price with a high percentage of success?  Will a segment of the public pay and appreciate additional product to their luxury condo complex?

Please let us know your thoughts and ideas on this new and interesting addition to in the sky living.

Forest in the Sky

Tree House

Vertical Tower

We are looking to source 2 large Magnolias to re-plant in Toronto.  If you have a large Magnolia that was planted too close to the house or if it has just gotten to big for the property we will come and rescue it.  As you know we are in the business of re-locating large trees.  We will come to your property and hand dig the root ball and remove the tree.  We will back fill the hole and make sure  the lawn is back to grade.  We will then re-plant the tree  on a property in Toronto.  If you have a such a tree or know of a person who has a large Magnolia that they are willing to part with please contact us.

For forty years PAO Horticultural has been sourcing and shipping a wide variety of mature trees and shrubs for public, corporate and residential clients.  PAO has developed an expertise in digging, handling large specimen trees.  Our methods of transplanting trees allows PAO to move trees that traditional spade trucks are not able to handle.  Issues such as wide and low branching structures, underground utilities or structures, rocky and sandy soil conditions or simply the ability to get the tree spade to the tree are common issues.  At PAO we dig plants with self supporting root balls that provide a variety of options when actually moving the tree.  Root balls can be custom dug to accommodate the most awkward planting areas.  As a result we have a higher survival rate.

Large Magnolia Dig – wrapping root ball

Almost finished…

Finished product ready for moving