MOUNT FOREST – Bright blue skies, falling autumn leaves and a crowd of community members set the scene for Mount Forest’s second annual Tree of the Year ceremony.
This year, the honour went to a sugar maple at Louise Marshall Hospital that was selected by local judges from 12 nominations.
The tree overlooks the hospital grounds and is easily visible from the windows, providing beauty and health benefits for patients and staff alike, officials say.
On Sept. 20 the 100-year-old sugar maple, originally nominated by Erin Kiers, received maintenance and preservation care from Tree Trust-certified arborists at Tober Tree Management Ltd.
Honoured – Hospital representative RoseAnne Desmarais and Wellington North councillor Sherry Burke tied a festive sash around the sugar maple.
Their work included pruning to reduce stress from rubbing branches, deadwood and excess weight, as well as the installation of a flexible cable around its two central trunks to minimize the risk of breakage.
Various local representatives and contributors showed their support.
Wellington North councillor Sherry Burke and RoseAnne Desmarais of the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation placed a festive sash around the tree’s 101cm trunk.
Tree Trust executive director Toni Ellis spoke about the organization’s mission, Tober Tree Management arborist Manuela Demedeiros andGreen Team member Manuela Demedeiros highlighted the value of sugar maples.
A land acknowledgement was delivered by Claudette Stevens and the Caela and Iris duo played original, nature-inspired music.
Sutherland Insurance sponsored the nearby planting of two “understudy trees”: a white pine and white oak. These understudy trees serve as future successors to the main Tree of the Year, ensuring the legacy of mature urban trees continues for generations to come, officials say.
