In October 2007, Ecoplans' landscape architectural team began preliminary landscape design for the medians containing the 250 year old, and well publicized, white oak (Quercus alba) tree for the Region of Halton.  Standing on the east side of Bronte Road just north of the QEW, the tree stood in the way of the planned widening of Bronte Road, part of MRC's interchange redesign associated with the widening of the QEW.  A public campaign to raise more than a quarter million dollars to pay for rerouting the road around the tree was successful, and the new plan leaves the tree standing in a broad median.

With the project already highly in the public eye, our design had to reflect and be conducive to the preservation and longevity of the oak tree.  Minimizing the impacts to the existing root structure, maximizing the use of drought-tolerant plant species, and alleviating the amount of salt spray from the roadway were just some of the critical key objectives throughout our design development. 

While trying to minimize impacts under the dripline, the focus on tree protection measures was critical to the design.  Pre, during, and post construction maintenance measures were developed including designated snow load zones and no salt zones.  The preliminary design package included project specific notes on aeration/radial trenching, seeding, tree management, and soil restoration that were also highly important aspects of the project.

As the project moves into detailed design, the landscape architectural team at Ecoplans Kitchener looks forward to continuing their work and influence on preserving the massive oak tree along Bronte Road in Oakville.

While trying to minimize impacts under the dripline, the focus on tree protection measures was critical to the design.  Pre, during, and post construction maintenance measures were developed including designated snow load zones and no salt zones.  The preliminary design package included project specific notes on aeration/radial trenching, seeding, tree management, and soil restoration that were also highly important aspects of the project.

As the project moves into detailed design, the landscape architectural team at Ecoplans Kitchener looks forward to continuing their work and influence on preserving the massive oak tree along Bronte Road in Oakville.