"The layers of our history are evident in our landscape. Let our era be the one that ensures the future of the Great Chautauqua Tree Canopy." - Chautauqua Oaks Project
Intent of Community Tree Plans
- To provide guidelines for future municipal street tree and park plantings.
- To provide recommendations for private property plantings.
- To be used in conjunction with any tree protection by-laws or policies that provide area-specific guidelines for discretionary decisions regarding trees.
Chautauqua Community Tree Plan Mandate
To maintain the distinctive landscape of Chautauqua:
- Respect the unique beauty and harmony of the Chautauqua tree canopy.
- Respect the historical layers while accommodating contemporary conditions.
- Retain distinctive streetscapes, vistas, focal points and landscape gestures.
- Identify and protect the iconic landmark heritage trees.
- Recognize that in addition to healthy habitat and public safety, the aesthetic and experiential aspects of the landscape are essential considerations.
Distinctive Qualities of Chautauqua Landscape
General Atmosphere:
There is a relaxed ambiance throughout Chautauqua. Although year-round residences predominate the area, it still maintains a cottage resort atmosphere. The architecture is eclectic, and the curb-free roads feel more like large sidewalks. The epic tree canopy, however, is responsible for the strong ‘sense of place.’ It has been nicknamed the Cathedral of the Everyday. The feelings it evokes are paradoxical: majestic and cozy, uplifting and grounded. This dichotomy is key to the distinct quality of Chautauqua.
The majestic, uplifting aspect is achieved by the signature ‘regal’ form of the native Oaks, the predominant trees of Chautauqua. The high-limbed, soaring trunks culminate in a canopy of large, artfully meandering branches that draw the eye upward.
The cozy, grounded aspect is created by the understory of ‘cottagey’ flowering shrubs and small trees. The multi-stemmed mounding forms create a comforting nest from which to view the majestic Oaks.
The strong contrast between the cozy and the uplifting makes a big impact. Key to this is the minimal presence of low branches or mid-sized trees that would undermine the effect. This remarkable relationship needs to be preserved.
Tree Canopy Arrangement:
The elegant, noble trees are scattered across many properties in a random arrangement, implying a natural forest setting rather than developers’ regimentation. Formal silhouettes, layouts, and arrangements recall urban formality and are at odds with Chautauqua's relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Tree Canopy Harmony:
A very limited range of species creates this very harmonious canopy. Widespread planting of other species will dilute the tranquil unity of this arboreal wonder.
Recommended Design Guidelines for Private Property Plantings
It is recognized that specific species in a specific relationship are the key to the unique harmony of the Great Chautauqua Tree Canopy. It is also recognized that within this harmony, individual streetscapes provide variations on the theme. The following outlines the general framework.
General Tree Arrangements
Canopy Trees
Maintain ‘remnants of the forest’ quality with non-formal, scattered arrangements that create the effect of a grove of trees spanning many properties. This is achieved best with staggered groups and clusters of 'a pair and a friend nearby.'
Street Trees:
Placed off-centre and not rigidly aligned along the street.
Private Property:
Placed at the edges and corners of the property will preclude interference with the house and safeguard against future removal for renovations and rebuilds.
Mid Story Trees
Street Trees:
None should be planted on the road allowance.
Private Property:
Best placed in backyards or closer to houses.
Understory Trees
Street Trees:
None should be planted on the road allowance.
Private Property:
Clusters of multi-stemmed or mounding small trees and shrubs create the comforting nest aspect of Chautauqua.
General Trimming
Canopy Trees
Street Trees:
Prune as high-limbed to maintain the iconic Cathedrals of the Everyday and to prevent interference with large municipal vehicles such as garbage trucks and ploughs.
Private Property:
There are some exceptions, but generally, prune to high-limbed as well. This is more compatible with small lots by allowing large trees to ‘live above’ the houses. It also allows air movement and prevents claustrophobia. A certified arborist should complete all pruning.
Recommended Tree Species for Private Property Plantings
The following lists provide choices for homeowners to plant on their property. It includes native species as well as species now naturalized and deemed compatible with the native species.
**** Denotes those species that are particularly iconic of the distinctive Chautauqua landscape.