Manitoba trees

September 14, 2026 In Manitoba trees, Newsletter Articles, Newsletters, Sustainable Gardening

Snag Appeal

by Laura Reeves

In 2008, I bought 160 acres with a homestead that had been abandoned for 25 years. The old houses and barn were starting to cave-in, the grass was long and matted, and the yard was dotted with giant 100-year-old Manitoba maples. These trees were spectacular, their trunks too big to wrap my arms around. Some had large limbs that ran along the ground for a time; others were within reach of an outstretched arm – perfect for climbing. I imagined all of the stories they could tell.

 

Dramatically, in 2011, a wildfire raged through the farm, taking the barn, houses and shed. The heat from the burning buildings was so intense that it killed or permanently damaged trees a fair distance away. Including all but one of the giant maple trees.

 

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February 27, 2025 In Inspiration, Manitoba Gardens, Manitoba trees, Newsletter Articles, Newsletters, Resource

Diversity of Trees for Manitoba Cities and Urban Areas

Prairie Horizon Manchurian Alder Landscape

Diversity of Trees for Manitoba Cities and Urban Areas
By Rick Durand

Do we have the capacity to diversify the Manitoba urban forests? This article will show you the challenges we have in our urban forests and how you can make a difference.

Challenges
Manitoba is one of the coldest regions in the world and the trees growing here must be as tough and rugged as Manitobans themselves. Another challenge for Manitoba trees is the very high pH of prairie soils, typically between 7.5 to 8.5. Most prairie soils rise in pH as one goes deeper into the soil. So, trees that may do well the first couple of years because they are growing in the upper layer of the soil, may decline in health in later years when the roots hit the lower layers that have a higher pH. With a higher pH soil, the tree has less availability to essential elements such as iron and some of the micronutrients.READ MORE