Native Trees, Shrubs and Plants
Trees and Shrubs
Native trees and shrubs have a place within the urban forest's public spaces and even in yards. They are resilient and well adapted to the local environment. Their presence ensures that insects, birds and other wildlife have a natural habitat within the city. Some insect species rely only on native plants for reproduction and food sources.
Once established these trees and shrubs require little maintenance. Much less water is required when they are planted in beds and allowed to maintain the leaf litter as mulch, mimicking wild spaces.
These plants are best planted in groupings as companion plantings. The trembling aspen needs space as it will continue to send up new seedlings. The Bur Oak, Manitoba Maple, Green Ash, Larch, Birch and Spruce all add value to a native landscape planting. Some of these species are not native to the Saskatoon area but they are all native to Saskatchewan and are hardy prairie trees.
Along with the trees, planting some native shrubs is also beneficial. Shrubs offer fruit and shelter for wildlife. Saskatoon berry, dogwood, buffaloberry, snowberry, wild rose, and highbush cranberry are just some of the many native shrubs that could be used in the landscape along with native trees.
There is no rule about mixing native and non native plants. In fact sometimes this mix might be what is needed depending on soil conditions, moisture and our changing climatic conditions. Doing research about what grows best in a particular site is the key to a successful planting.