2020 Tree Of Signifance For Moose Jaw Announced

Located at 1515 Spadina Street sits one of the last adult members of a tree species almost extinct in Moose Jaw.

A lone sentiment of what was a major part of this city’s urban forest. An adult weeping birch one of the last few remaining in the city.

The distintive bark adds colour to the Winter after the leaves fall off - MJ Independent photo

National Tree Day this year is September 23, coinciding with National Forest Week (September 20- 26). The City of Moose Jaw’s Tree of Significance program is held annually in conjunction with these events. Trees for the award are submitted by Moose Jaw residents.

“This program encourages residents to take notice of and appreciate our Urban Forest,” City Horticulturalist, Sarah Regent said in a statement. “It is also a chance to bring awareness to a tree with special significance in our community.”

A look into the thick leaf canopy that provides lots of Summer shade - MJ Independent photo

Weeping birch or Betula Pendula, to use its full botanical name, receives its name from the the very distinctive the heart shaped to triangular leaves which grow on long thinner branches and as an adult plant hang or drape towards the ground.

The distinctive hanging leaves of a weeping birch - MJ Independent photo

The tree provides a spectacular backdrop in the Winter months and in the Summer provides a great deal of shade.

The weeping birch that is this year’s Tree of Significance for the City of Moose Jaw is one of the few surviving adult birch trees in Moose Jaw after most were killed by the Bronze Birch Borer. The Bronze Birch Borer enters the tree and essentially kills the tree from the inside out.