The trees in my neighbourhood
HTML version of the game
Do you know the right location to plant a tree?
That's the challenge of this game.
Here are four sites you can find
in a city: a residential street, a school yard, a public park and a commercial street.
For each site, choose from a selection of trees to plant at different locations – but be careful! Trees are not happy just anywhere!
Play now!
In each of the four zones of the game, you must plant four trees. You can choose from among seven or eight tree species, and up to ten planting locations are available.
Read the characteristics of each site and the description of each tree carefully, in order to create the best landscape design possible! A successful plantation must take into account a variety of criteria, such as the sunlight conditions, the size of the tree at maturity in relation to its surroundings, the changing display of each tree according to the season, the function of each zone of the game. What is the aim of each landscape…?
RESIDENTIAL STREET
Ah, the trees on a residential street!
How beautiful! They provide shade, offer a bit of privacy when they are placed in front of the windows of our houses, amaze us with their seasonal display and give birds an incomparable habitat. They also increase the value of our homes. But watch out for power lines! Not all trees like having a haircut!
| Residential street (Space #) |
Specifications |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 m from the power lines |
| 2 | back yard, 3 m from a pool |
| 3 | 4 m from the house, 3 m from the car |
| 4 | 5 m from the house, in front of a window |
| 5 | 4 m spacing between two houses |
| 6 | center of the driveway |
| 7 | 2 m spacing from the house |
| 8 | center of the full circle |
| 9 | between two houses |
| Species | Symbol | Shape | Description | Landscaping appeal & problems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
White cedar Thuja occidentalis |
 |
 |
Height: 12 m Width: 4 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 4 m |
Landscaping appeal: Stays green year round. |
|
European larch Larix decidua |
 |
 |
Height: 20 m Width: 7 m Sun Spacing: 6.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: This is the only conifer that loses its leaves in winter. The needles are yellow in autumn, light green in spring. Female cone turns reddish-pink to reddish-purple in June. |
|
White pine Pinus strobus |
 |
 |
Height: 20 m and more Width: 7 m Sun Spacing: 6.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Largest conifer in eastern North America. Soft, fine needles, pleasant scent. Care: Very resinous in spring, intolerant of deicing salts. |
|
Red horsechestnut Aesculus x carnea 'Briotii' |
 |
 |
Height: 10 m Width: 8 m Sun Spacing: 5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Red-orange leaves in autumn, highly visible red flowers in June. Care: Moderate tolerance to deicing salts. |
|
Rowan Sorbus aucuparia |
 |
 |
Height: 15 m Width: 7 m Sun Spacing: 5.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Flat corymbs in spring. Red or orange berries in autumn, well-liked by birds and persistent through winter. Care: May suffer from a bacterial disease. |
|
Japanese lilac Syringa reticulata |
 |
 |
Height: 8 m Width: 4 m Sun Spacing: 3.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Scented flowers in summer, salt-tolerant, resistant to urban pollution. |
|
Pyramidal English oak Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' |
 |
 |
Height: 15 m Width: 5 m Sun Spacing: 7.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Copper-coloured, persistent leaves in autumn and winter. Care: Poor tolerance to road salt. |
|
Balsa Ochroma pyramidale |
 |
 |
Height: 30 m Width: 27 m Sun Spacing: 30 m Origin: South America |
Landscaping appeal: Pubescent fruits imitating giant starfish. Care: Needs a hot and humid environment |
Samples of results
Overall result: 100%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Japanese lilac | 5 | Good choice |
| 6 | Red horsechestnut | 5 | Good choice |
| 8 | White pine | 4 | Stays green year-round |
| 9 | White cedar | 5 | Green screen between two properties |
Overall result: 25%
| Space # | Species |
Result | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pyramidal English oak | 1 | Too close to utilities |
| 2 | Rowan | 3 | Too close of the pool |
| 5 | European larch | 1 | Not enough space and sun to grow |
| 8 | Balsa | 0 | Tropical tree, cannot survive |
SCHOOLYARD
Hurrah for the trees in the schoolyard!
A true source of creativity and inspiration, their shadows are nice, they offer meeting points, divide the play areas, contribute to the identity of the school and to the well-being of all those who attend the school.
| School yard (Space #) |
Specifications |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 m from the school building |
| 2 | 6 m from the power line, in the parking lot |
| 3 | 2 m of 2 walls of the building |
| 4 | Grassed area |
| 5 | Sidewalk line in the entrance way |
| 6 | 3 m from picnic tables, 4 m from # 9 |
| 7 | Along the soccer field, 10 m from # 8 |
| 8 | 10 m from # 7 |
| 9 | 3 m from picnic tables, 4 m from # 6 |
| 10 | Under 2 power lines |
| Species | Symbol | Shape | Description | Landscaping appeal & problems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
White cedar Thuja occidentalis |
|
|
Height: 12 m Width: 4 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 4 m |
Landscaping appeal: Stays green year round. |
|
Hoopsi Colorado spruce Picea pungens 'Hoopsii' |
 |
 |
Height: 6 m Width: 4 m Sun Spacing: 4 m |
Landscaping appeal: Silvery-blue needles, reddish-purple cones in spring. |
|
Amur maple Acer tataricum |
 |
 |
Height: 6 m Width: 6 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: no restrictions |
Landscaping appeal: Leaves dark green on top and pale green underneath, yellow to bright red in autumn. Persistent fruits in autumn. |
|
American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana |
 |
 |
Height: 8 m Width: 7 m Sun, partial shade or shade Spacing: 4 m |
Landscaping appeal: Yellow, orange and scarlet red foliage in autumn. Care: poor tolerance to deicing salts and soil compacting. |
|
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba |
 |
 |
Height: 20 m Width: 8 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 7.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Leaves unique to its genus, golden-yellow in autumn. Disease free. Care: Be sure to plant a male specimen, as females bear smelly fruits. |
|
Silver linden Tilia tomentosa |
 |
 |
Height: 15 m Width: 9 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 7.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Highly scented flowers (honey-scented) in summer. Appreciated for the shade it provides. Care: May host aphids producing honeydew. |
|
Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis |
 |
 |
Height: 20 m Width: 15 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 12.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Tree emblem of Quebec. Golden bark, yellow leaves in autumn. |
|
Baobab Adansonia digitata |
 |
 |
Height: 20 m Width: 22.5 m Sun Spacing: 25 m Origin: Africa |
Landscaping appeal: Very large scented flowers. Care: Needs a warm environment. |
Samples of results
Overall result: 94%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American hornbeam | 5 | Good choice |
| 2 | Silver linden | 5 | Good choice |
| 3 | Ginkgo | 4 | Good choice |
| 6 | Amur maple | 4 | Good choice |
Overall result: 15%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Hoopsi Colorado spruce | 1 | Needs more light |
| 6 | Baobab | 0 | Tropical tree, cannot survive |
| 7 | White cedar | 1 | Needs more light |
| 8 | Yellow birch | 1 | Too close to utilities |
PUBLIC PARK
The trees in our parks are so majestic!
They form part of our heritage and the historical identity of our neighbourhood, help reduce stress, offer pleasant shade in which to rest, serve as a sound barrier, shelter diverse fauna and charm us with all their splendour!
| Public park (space #) |
Specicifications |
|---|---|
| 1 | under two power lines |
| 2 | 5 m from the children playing equipment |
| 3 | 5 m from the beach volleyball area |
| 4 | 4 m from the water play area |
| 5 | 3 m from a picnic table |
| 6 | side of the grassy knoll |
| 7 | 3 m from the pond |
| 8 | on top of the grassy knoll |
| Species | Symbol | Shape | Description | Landscaping appeal & problems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Toba hawthorn Crataegus x mordenensis 'Toba' |
 |
 |
Height: 5 m Width: 3 m Sun Spacing: no restrictions |
Landscaping appeal: In the spring, white and scented flowers. Red fruits persist through part of the winter. Copper-red leaves in autumn. Care: Spiny branches, poor tolerance to deicing salts. |
|
White pine Pinus strobus |
|
|
Height: 20 m and more Width: 7 m Sun Spacing: 6.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Largest conifer in eastern North America. Soft, fine needles, pleasant scent. Care: Very resinous in spring, intolerant of deicing salts. |
|
European larch Larix decidua |
|
|
Height: 20 m Width: 7 m Sun Spacing: 6.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: This is the only conifer that loses its leaves in winter. The needles are yellow in autumn, light green in spring. Female cone turns reddish-pink to reddish-purple in June. |
|
Norway maple Crimson King Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' |
 |
 |
Height: 12 m Width: 8 m Sun Spacing: 6 m |
Landscaping appeal: Burgundy leaves in summer. |
|
Red horsechestnut Aesculus x carnea 'Briotii' |
|
|
Height: 10 m Width: 8 m Sun Spacing: 5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Red-orange leaves in autumn, highly visible red flowers in June. Care: Moderate tolerance to deicing salts. |
|
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba |
|
|
Height: 20 m Width: 8 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 7.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Leaves unique to its genus, golden-yellow in autumn. Disease free. Care: Be sure to plant a male specimen, as females bear smelly fruits. |
|
Golden weeping willow Salix alba 'Tristis' |
 |
 |
Height: 15 m Width: 15 m Sun Spacing: 13.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Yellowish branches, majestic silhouette. Care: invasive roots, requires a lot of water. |
|
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus deglupta |
 |
 |
Height: 30 m Width: 22.5 m Sun Origin: Australia |
Landscaping appeal: Colored bark; umbels of scented flowers. |
Samples of results
Overall result: 95%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | White pine | 5 | Good choice |
| 5 | Toba hawthorn | 4 | Good choice |
| 7 | Golden weeping willow | 5 | Damp location and sufficient space |
| 8 | European larch | 5 | Good choice on the hill |
Overall result: 20%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White pine | 0 | Too close to utilities |
| 2 | Eucalyptus | 0 | Tropical tree, cannot survive |
| 4 | Toba hawthorn | 2 | Spiny branches - Too close to the pool |
| 5 | Golden weeping willow | 1 | Too big for this space |
COMMERCIAL STREET
How we like trees on a commercial street!
They protect us from the wind, offer shade, highlight buildings, and help us find our way in the city! They freshen the air with water vapour, capture dust and pollution! But be careful, they don't like to get too close to power lines, and not all are tolerant of the stress caused by compacted soil or winter's road salt.
| Commercial park (Space #) |
Specifications |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 m from the bus stop and the fire hydrant, under the power lines |
| 2 | in a container |
| 3 | 4 m from the wall, 2 m from the deck |
| 4 | west side of the street, near the deck and 3 m from the building |
| 5 | 4 m from the power lines, near the deck |
| 6 | 7 m from a glass window |
| 7 | 2.5 m from the building corner, in the lane |
| 8 | 3 m from a bicycle stand |
| 9 | 3 m from of a garage door used by trucks for delivery |
| 10 | in a planting hole, street corner near a bench |
| Species | Symbol | Shape | Description | Landscaping appeal & problems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Norway maple Crimson King Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' |
|
|
Height: 12 m Width: 8 m Sun Spacing: 6 m |
Landscaping appeal: Burgundy leaves in summer. |
|
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba |
|
|
Height: 20 m Width: 8 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 7.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Leaves unique to its genus, golden-yellow in autumn. Disease free. Care: Be sure to plant a male specimen, as females bear smelly fruits. |
|
Silver linden Tilia tomentosa |
|
|
Height: 15 m Width: 9 m Sun or partial shade Spacing: 7.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Highly scented flowers (honey-scented) in summer. Appreciated for the shade it provides. Care: May host aphids producing honeydew. |
|
Makamik flowering crabapple Malus 'Makamik' |
 |
 |
Height: 9 m Width: 9 m Sun Spacing: 4 m |
Landscaping appeal: Pinkish-purple flowers in spring; leaves greenish-bronze in summer and red in autumn; red crabapples in automn. Care: Moderate tolerance to deicing salts. |
|
Thornless honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis 'Sunburst' |
 |
 |
Height: 12 m Width: 10 m Sun Spacing: 7 m |
Landscaping appeal: Without spines and fruits. Leaves yellow-green in summer and golden yellow in autumn. Care: Poor tolerance to deicing salts. |
|
Chile pine Araucaria araucana |
 |
 |
Height: 30 m Width: 22.5 m Sun Origin: Chile |
Care: Low tolerance to urban pollution. |
|
Silver maple Acer saccharinum |
 |
 |
Height: 24 m Width: 24 m Sun, partial shade or shade Spacing: 14.5 m |
Landscaping appeal: Leaves light green on top and gray underneath, yellow in autumn. Care: Poor tolerance to deicing salts; very invasive, superficial roots. |
Samples of results
Overall result: 94%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Makamik flowering crabapple | 5 | Good choice for container |
| 6 | Thornless honeylocust | 4 | Good choice |
| 8 | Ginkgo | 4 | Good choice |
| 10 | Norway maple | 4 | Sufficient space |
Overall result: 16%
| Space # | Species |
Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Silver maple | 1 | Not enough space |
| 7 | Ginkgo | 1 | Not enough light |
| 8 | Thornless honeylocust | 1 | Will be damaged by trucks |
| 10 | Chile Pine | 0 | Tropical tree, cannot survive |
