Deciduous Trees

Apple, "Gemini"

Malus 'Gemini'
Appearance: A small, upright specimen with a rounded form and low canopy (4' from ground), Gemini Apple makes a lovely accent or fruit tree for the landscape. A cross between the Norland and Haralson, this variety produces medium sweet, crisp and juicy fruit that is excellent for fresh eating, cooking and baking. Pomes have yellow-green skins with a red blush, and white flesh. In spring, showy, lightly scented, white blossoms emerge from distinctive red buds. Pointy, green leaves turn yellow in fall.

Care and Maintenance: Gemini Apple requires a pollinator and some maintenance. It needs well-drained, average to moist soil conditions. Highly tolerant of urban pollution.

Mature Height: 25-30' Mature Spread: 12-15'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full sun

Apple, "Red Sparkle"

Malus 'Red Sparkle'

Appearance: Its low canopy (4' from ground) and rounded form make Red Sparkle Apple a lovely accent or edible fruit tree for the landscape. Showy, white, delicately scented clusters of blossoms emerge from light pink buds in spring. Pointy, forest green foliage turns yellow in fall. Pomes feature green skins with a bright crimson overlay, and white flesh. Descended from the classic McIntosh, this variety produces a mellow, fruity/nutty tasting "dessert apple" with a pleasing texture, excellent for eating, cooking and storage.

Care and Maintenance: Bred in Morden, Manitoba (released 1990), Red Sparkle is a small, hardy variety capable of surviving the harsh prairie winter. This tree requires a pollinator and some maintenance. It is best pruned in later winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Requires well-drained, average to moist soil conditions. Highly tolerant of urban pollution.

Mature Height: 20' Mature Spread: 20'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 3
Sunlight: Full sun

Black Hawk Mountain Ash

Sorbus aucuparia 'Black Hawk'

Appearance: A visually spectacular, mid-sized tree for any yard. This variety has a shapely, columnar form, low canopy (4' from ground) and shiny olive bark. Deep green, fern-like compound leaves provide a fine texture to the landscape. Foliage turns spectacular shades of orange and red in fall. Abundant, aromatic white spring blossoms develop into large, showy clusters of orange fruit which remain on the branches through winter.

Care and Maintenance: With its persistent fruit, Black Hawk Mountain Ash is a relatively low maintenance tree that attracts birds and provides winter interest. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. It is highly tolerant of dry or moist (but not wet) soil conditions and various soil types/pH, as well as urban pollution. Resistant to wind burn and sun scald.

Mature Height: 30' Mature Spread: 20'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 3
Sunlight: Full sun

Brandon Elm

Ulmus americana 'Brandon'

Appearance: A native North American species with a dense, upright growth habit, Brandon Elm is suited to shelterbelts and urban streetscapes alike. Its arching, vase-shaped form lends it a stately appearance. Given the tree's high canopy, lower limbs can readily be pruned to allow for foot traffic beneath. Serrated, pointy, deep green foliage turns a vivid gold in fall.

Care and Maintenance: A native North American species, Brandon Elm is remarkably hardy, adaptable and low maintenance. Pruning of elms is restricted to the colder months between October/November and March, while the tree is dormant. This tree will tolerate some standing water, but prefers good drainage and can even handle drought conditions. Not particular about soil types/pH. Highly tolerant of urban pollution, this tree that can thrive in city landscapes.

Mature Height: 40' Mature Spread: 25'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone: 2b
Sunlight: Full sun

Byland Green Poplar

Populus cross 'Byland Green'

Appearance: Byland Green Poplar is an incredibly hardy, "cottonless" variety with an upright growth habit, strongly pyramidal shape and high canopy (7' from ground, but lower limbs can be pruned to allow for foot traffic beneath). Its furrowed, grey-green bark provides coarse texture and contrast within the landscape. Glossy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves turn lovely shades of yellow in fall.

Care and Maintenance: Known for its outstanding adaptability, the Byland Green Poplar is a low maintenance specimen ideal for windbreaks and/or shade. It can tolerate both standing water (some) and drought, various soil types/pH, as well as environmental salt and urban pollution. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Please note that poplar roots can be aggressive and destructive. As such, careful consideration should be given to this tree's placement within the landscape.

Mature Height: 60' Mature Spread: 25'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full sun

Flowering Crabapple, "Courageous"

Malus cross 'DurLawrence'

Appearance: An eye-catching feature tree, Courageous Flowering Crabapple has a low canopy (4' from ground) and broad, upright, rounded form. Bronze-red leaves emerge in spring, before maturing to a deep green, followed by yellow and/or orange fall colour. Masses of aromatic pink flowers with white overtones bloom from red buds in spring.

Care and Maintenance: A seedless variety, Courageous Flowering Crabapple only rarely produces pea-sized, ornamental fruit that persists on branches through winter. As such, this tree is relatively low maintenance, requiring little cleanup and only occasional upkeep. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. It grows best in average to moist soil conditions and is adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH. Highly tolerant of urban pollution.

Mature Height: 26' Mature Spread: 16'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2b
Sunlight: Full sun

Flowering Crabapple, "Gladiator"

Malus 'Gladiator'
Appearance: A lush and hardy specimen with a desirably narrow, upright/columnar growth habit, Gladiator Flowering Crabapple is a sought after accent tree for anywhere space is limited. Showy, fragrant, deep pink blossoms emerge from rose-coloured buds in spring. Leaves are a pointy, oval shape in a rich burgundy hue, turning yellow in fall. Purple, ornamental fruit is small in size and persists on branches until winter.

Care and Maintenance: This disease resistant variety features a low canopy (3' from ground) and requires only occasional maintenance. It is best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Prefers average to moist soil conditions and is adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH. Highly tolerant of urban pollution, this tree can thrive in city landscapes.

Mature Height: 20' Mature Spread: 9-10'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full sun

Flowering Crabapple, 'Rosthern'

Malus baccata 'Rosthern'
Appearance: An upright, columnar growth habit and compact stature make Rosthern Flowering Crabapple an ideal specimen for small spaces. Abundant, aromatic white blossoms emerge in spring. Pointy, deep green foliage turns yellow in fall. Persistent, bright red fruit remains on branches through early winter, attracting birds and providing visual interest.

Care and Maintenance: Rosthern Flowering Crabapple is a narrow cultivar with a low canopy (3' from) that often looks its best without pruning. Therefore, any maintenance associated with this tree generally takes place in fall. It grows best in average to moist soil conditions and is adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH. Highly tolerant of urban pollution, this tree can thrive in city landscapes.

Mature Height:  25' Mature Spread:  8'
Growth Rate:  Moderate
Hardiness Zone:  2
Sunlight: Full sun

Flowering Crabapple, 'Spring Snow'

Malus 'Spring Snow'
Appearance: Spring Snow Flowering Crabapple has rapidly become one of the most popular ornamental trees on the market. It has a tightly compact, oval form and lovely yellow bark. A prolific bloomer, this tree produces fragrant, gently cascading, double white blossoms, which emerge from pink buds in spring. Attracts butterflies and honeybees. Leaves are pointy and deep green, with yellow fall colour.

Care and Maintenance: The desirability of Spring Snow Flowering Crabapple stems from its hardy, no mess nature, making it a lower maintenance alternative. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. This tree features a low canopy (4' from ground), is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH, and quite tolerant of urban pollution. Prefers to be average to moist soil conditions.

Mature Height:  20' Mature Spread:  15'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone:
Sunlight: Full sun

Flowering Crabapple, 'Starlite'

Malus x 'Jeflite'
Appearance: Derived from a cross between 'Rosthern' and 'Spring Snow', Starlite Flowering Crabapple is another desirable cultivar for smaller spaces, given its graceful, upright growth habit. Features abundant clusters of white flowers in spring. Pointy foliage is a glossy deep green, turning yellow in fall. Fruit is showy, red, and ornamental. It persists on branches throughout the season, attracting birds and providing winter interest.

Care and Maintenance: A very cold hardy, disease resistant cultivar, Spring Snow Flowering Crabapple is relatively low maintenance. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. It has a low canopy (4' from ground), is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH, and is highly tolerant of urban pollution. This tree prefers to be grown in average to moist soil.

Mature Height:  25' Mature Spread:  15'
Growth Rate:  Moderate
Hardiness Zone:  2a
Sunlight: Full sun

Hawthorn, Snowbird

Crataegus mordenensis 'Snowbird'
Appearance: An upright, rounded, visually pleasing specimen, Snowbird Hawthorn is well suited to small yards and gardens. Masses of subtly fragrant, double white flowers in spring attract butterflies, birds and bees to the garden. Shiny, dark green leaves are serrated and lobed. This tree produces thorns and sparse, ornamental red fruit.

Care and Maintenance: Snowbird Hawthorn is a very cold hardy and relatively low maintenance tree with a low canopy (4' from ground). Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Not particular about soil types/pH levels, it adapts well to both dry and moist soil conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. Requires a wind sheltered site

Mature Height: 16' Mature Spread: 13'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Hawthorn, Toba

Crataegus mordenensis 'Toba'
Appearance: A visually appealing tree with a distinctive, twisted trunk, Toba Hawthorn is a lovely cultivar with an upright, vase shaped form. Clusters of subtly fragrant, double pink-and-white flowers in spring attract butterflies, birds and bees to the garden. Shiny, dark green leaves are serrated and lobed. This tree produces thorns and sparse, ornamental red fruit.

Care and Maintenance: Toba Hawthorn is a very cold hardy and relatively low maintenance tree, with a low canopy (4' from ground). Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Not particular about soil types/pH levels, it adapts well to both dry and moist soil conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. Requires a wind sheltered site

Mature Height: 18' Mature Spread: 12'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Laurel Leaf Willow

Salix pentandra
Appearance: Ideal for windbreak and shelterbelt, or as an attractive shade tree for a large space. Laurel Leaf Willow trees have distinctive, very glossy deep green leaves, furrowed bark and a low, broad, rounded form.

Care and Maintenance: An incredibly fast growing and adaptable specimen, Laurel Leaf Willow tolerates both drought and even some standing water. While it fares well with a variety of soil types, this tree prefers acidic pH and is prone to yellowing of foliage in alkaline conditions. Highly tolerant of urban pollution. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Roots can be aggressive and destructive, so it is not recommended for planting near structures.

Mature Height: 40' Mature Spread: 30'
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness Zone:
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Maple, "Sensation"

Acer negundo 'Sensation'
Appearance: Also known as Manitoba Maple or Box Elder, Sensation is a beautiful, mid-sized variety with a uniform growth habit. Foliage emerges with hints of apricot-red before changing to green with a copper undertone during summer months. Displays the brilliant fall colour for which maples are renowned, in shades of gold, orange and red.

Care and Maintenance: An incredibly adaptable tree, Sensation Maple is tolerant of a variety of soil types/pH, including poorer soil conditions. Drought tolerant once established. A seedless, male clone, this cultivar is resistant to the box elder bug. Symmetrical branch structure results in reduced susceptibility to wind damage, but performs best in a sheltered spot. This tree has a high canopy, the lower limbs of which may be pruned to accommodate human traffic beneath. Due to its tendency to "bleed" sap, prune only after leaves are fully developed.

Mature Height: 30' Mature Spread: 25'
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Sunlight: Full sun

Maple, "Silver Cloud"

Acer saccharinum 'Silver Cloud'
Appearance: Silver Cloud maple is a large specimen with a strong leader, upright, rounded growth habit and a tendency toward a single trunk. Makes an excellent shade or feature tree. The iconically shaped leaves on this maple are green, with silver undersides that shimmer in the breeze. Golden yellow fall colour.

Care and Maintenance: Native to North America, Silver Cloud is the hardiest of maple specimens, and the best suited to colder northern climates. Tolerates a variety of soil types and pH levels. Prefers moist to wet conditions, and can handle some standing water. This tree has a high canopy, the lower limbs of which may be pruned to accommodate human traffic beneath. Due to its tendency to "bleed" sap, prune only after leaves are fully developed.

Mature Height: 40-50' Mature Spread: 20'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone: 3
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Mayday

Prunus padus 'Commutata'
Appearance: A shapely, mid-sized ornamental specimen with an upright oval form, Mayday is the first tree to leaf out each season. Long, stately racemes of fragrant, white flowers emerge in spring. Leaves are pointy and deep green in summer, turning an outstanding orange-yellow in fall. Ornamental, black fruit attracts birds and butterflies to the garden.

Care and Maintenance: Maydays requires only occasional maintenance and upkeep. This tree has a low canopy (4' from ground), is adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH, and is highly tolerant of urban pollution. It prefers average to moist soil conditions, but does not tolerate standing water. Best pruned in late winter, once the risk of extreme cold passed.

Mature Height: 30' Mature Spread: 25'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Sunlight: Full

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera
Appearance: Paper Birch is an eye-catching landscape specimen in every season. It has an upright growth habit and stately form. Oval, serrated, green leaves turn a spectacular gold in fall. This tree's trademark peeling, light-brown-and-white bark matures to a chalky white and provides exceptional winter interest.

Care and Maintenance: Paper Birch is deer resistant and needs only occasional upkeep. Prune in summer, after leafing out, as this tree will "bleed" sap if pruned in late winter or spring. Tolerant of a variety of soil types and pH, it prefers normal to moist soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is recommended that homeowners water well in fall prior to the ground freezing.

Mature Height: 39' Mature Spread: 20'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Zone Hardiness: 3
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Pin Cherry

Prunus pensylvanica
Appearance: A lovely accent tree, Pin Cherry has a straight trunk with a narrow, rounded, open crown. Clusters of white flowers in spring produce scarlet, edible summer fruit that is sour when raw, yet excellent for compotes and preserves. The fruit is so popular with birds that it is often referred to as "Bird Cherry". Finely serrated green leaves turn orange or deep purple in fall. Attractive, glossy bronze bark provides winter interest.

Care and Maintenance: Pin Cherry requires occasional maintenance. It has a low canopy (2' from ground) and is best pruned in late winter once the risk of extreme cold temperatures has passed. Although self-pollinating, will produce in greater abundance if other trees of the same species are nearby. Tolerant of most soil types/pH and conditions, except poorly drained soils.

Mature Height: 16-30' Mature Spread: 10-25'
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full Sun

Princess Kay Plum

2bPrunus nigra 'Princess Kay'
Appearance: A compact tree with a small stature and upright, spreading growth habit, frequently used as a highly ornamental landscape accent. Masses of fragrant, double white blossoms emerge in spring. Foliage is green, pointy and oval, with outstanding yellow fall colour. Produces, no fruit. Glossy, deep maroon bark provides dimension and winter interest.

Care and Maintenance: Despite its delicate appearance, Princess Kay Plum is a surprisingly hardy ornamental tree that requires only occasional maintenance and upkeep. It is best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Can handle a variety of soil types/pH. Performs best in average to evenly moist conditions, but fares poorly in standing water. Highly tolerant of urban pollution.

Mature Height: 16' Mature Spread: 10'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2b
Sunlight: Full sun

Schubert Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana 'Schubert'
Appearance: Popular for its shapely, oval form and rich, ornamental colour, Schubert Chockecherry is an excellent accent tree for smaller landscapes. Showy chains of fragrant, white flowers bloom in spring. Leaves are pointy and oval, emerging green before turning a deep, wine-red hue that is retained through the season. Small, ornamental fruit persists on branches through winter, attracting birds to the garden.

Care and Maintenance: A hardy self-pollinator native to North America, Schubert Chokecherry requires regular maintenance and upkeep due to its suckering habit. Any additional pruning should be done in late winter, once the risk of extreme cold has passed. Adaptable to a variety of soil types/pH, this tree performs best in average to moist conditions, but will struggle to survive in standing water. Highly tolerant of urban pollution.

Mature Height: 25' Mature Spread: 13'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2
Sunlight: Full sun

Sutherland Caragana

Caragana arborescens 'Sutherland'
Appearance: A visually dynamic tree with a narrow, tightly columnar form and upright growth habit. Excellent for tall hedges and screens, or as a vertical accent. Leggy branches with short spurs, smooth, olive green bark and pinnately compound leaves lend fine texture and interest to the landscape. Yellow, pea-like flowers in spring. Round, light-green, pinnately compound leaves turn a brilliant yellow in fall.

Care and Maintenance: Incredibly cold hardy and adaptable, Sutherland Caragana can withstand harsh climates and poor soils, alike. Deer resistant. Indifferent to soil type/pH, but performs best in well-drained sites, and will often die in standing water. Drought tolerant once established. Prune anytime.

Mature Height: 15' Mature Spread: 6'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Swedish Columnar Aspen

Populus tremula 'Erecta'
Appearance: With its rapid growth rate, stately appearance and compact, rigidly columnar habit, Swedish Aspen is a highly sought after choice anywhere space is limited. Round leaves that quake in the slightest breeze emerge coppery-bronze in spring before developing green summer colour. Brilliant shades of yellow, orange and sometimes red in fall. Furrowed, grey-white bark with greenish undertones is visually striking throughout the seasons.

Care and Maintenance: Incredibly hardy, low maintenance tree that tolerates a wide range of soil types/ph and moisture conditions, including drought (once established) and some standing water. Requires little to no pruning. Somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.

Mature Height: 49' Mature Spread: 4-5'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Sunlight: Full sun

Trembling Aspen

Populus tremuloides
Appearance: Round, green leaves on long stalks that flutter in even the gentlest of breezes lend Trembling Aspen its descriptive name. It has an oval growth habit and shapely form which provides lovely shade in larger spaces. Fall foliage is a brilliant gold. Showy white bark with green undertones offers year-round visual interest. Creates a natural look within the landscape.

Care and Maintenance: The most commonly distributed deciduous tree in North America, Trembling Aspen is vigorously cold hardy and adaptable. It is indifferent to soil type/pH, and capable of handling a broad range of moisture levels, including some standing water. Drought tolerant once established. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed.

Mature Height: 50' Mature Spread: 30'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone: 1a
Sunlight: Full sun

Trembling Aspen, Clump

Populus tremuloides 'Clump'
Appearance: A multi-stemmed habit and round, green leaves on long stalks that quake in the breeze lend Clump Trembling Aspen its descriptive name. Fall foliage is a brilliant gold. Showy white bark with green undertones offers year-round visual interest. Creates a natural look within the landscape.

Care and Maintenance: A vigorously cold hardy and adaptable tree. It is indifferent to soil type/pH, and capable of handling a broad range of moisture levels, including some standing water. Drought tolerant once established. Best pruned in late winter, after the risk of extreme cold has passed.

Mature Height: 50' Mature Spread: 30'
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zone: 1a
Sunlight: Full sun