Ice encased branches of a young cherry tree in Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard in Toronto

Over 300 thousand people in and around Toronto have lost power, some shivering in their dark homes for days. On every street, trees branches have crashed to the ground, crushing parked cars or downing power and cable lines. Torontonians continue to struggle to walk or drive on our slippery streets. We are experiencing one of the worst ice storms in our city’s history and yet the 14 young fruit trees in Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard have remained sturdy and safe despite the layer of ice that encases each of their branches.

An elm tree falls on the park’s harvest table during the storm 

The storm is not over so we’re not out of the woods yet. Even after all power is restored there is the danger of colder weather and heavy winds bringing even more challenges to our city. As for our fruit trees, our hope is that because we prune them well each spring, their branches will be able to bear the weight of the ice. The pruning techniques we use ensure that the branches will be strong enough to hold a generous harvest. So far that seems to be serving us well.

A well-pruned cherry tree is sturdy despite ice on its branches

We are also very careful only to plant trees that can survive Toronto’s harsh climate but this ice storm is unusually severe. Only time will tell how it will affect our tree’s buds, which need to be healthy in order to blossom and fruit properly in the spring and summer.

An ice-covered street in Toronto during the ice storm of 2013

In the meantime, here in Toronto, we are helping each other through these challenging times. Those who have power are reaching out to friends and family who do not. And while the ice storm has been quite frightening (A Toronto Sun newspaper headline screamed “SCARY CHRISTMAS” recently), it is also very beautiful to see the sun shine through our icy landscape. Have a happy holiday everyone! And we hope to see you in our orchard park this coming year!