QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2025

ART & ARBOR

BIOCHAR: The Modern Soil Supercharger with Ancient Roots

In a recent episode of CBC’s What on Earth, BioChar took centre stage as an emerging solution to soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience.
Read more…

Garden Mistakes to Avoid this Spring

Spring is a crucial time for tree care, but some common practices can do more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid.
Read more…

Norm's Notes |
SAVING STANLEY PARK

Every Sunday, I lead tree walks in Stanley Park, looking for interesting trees. But recently, these walks have sparked urgent discussions on tree removals, habitat loss, and the park’s future. Read more…

BioChar: The Modern Soil Supercharger with Ancient Roots

In a recent episode of CBC’s What on Earth, BioChar took centre stage as an emerging solution to soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. Google also announced massive investments in BioChar production spurring new interest in the technology. But what exactly is BioChar, and why should tree lovers in Vancouver take notice?

Detailed close-up of rough charcoal pieces spread outdoors, showcasing texture.
Close-up of gloved hands holding a young plant and soil, showcasing the delicate process of nurturing new life.
What IS BIOCHAR?

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter, such as wood or agricultural residues, in a low-oxygen environment—a process known as pyrolysis. This method transforms biomass into a stable form of carbon that, when added to soil, offers numerous advantages. Vancouver’s climate challenges us with heavy winter rains and summer droughts that stress plants. Biochar helps counter both.

 

HOW DOES BIOCHAR HELP SOIL?

Holds Nutrients – Prevents leaching, keeping nutrients available.
Supports Microbes – Creates habitat for beneficial soil life.
Balances pH – Reduces soil acidity , and acts as a buffer.
Moderates Moisture – Improves drainage and keeps soil hydrated.
Locks Carbon – Long-term storage, aiding climate resilience.

 

Creative visualization of mycorrhizae illustrating fungal networks intertwined plant root systems in nutrientrich soils
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Historical Roots and Modern Rediscovery

The use of biochar dates back over 2,000 years to the Amazonian rainforests, where indigenous practices created fertile soils known as Terra Preta. These dark, nutrient-rich soils were enriched with charred organic matter, significantly enhancing their fertility—a practice that modern science is now exploring for its potential.

 

BIOCHAR IN VANCOUVER LANDSCAPES

For homeowners, biochar is an investment in soil health with lasting dividends. While the effects are most pronounced in tropical and sandy soils, temperate soils also benefit. Mixed into gardens, amended to mulch, or blended with compost to “charge” it as a natural slow-release fertilizer. This is particularly important for urban soils that are often compacted, stressed and depleted.

If you’re curious about how to use biochar, reach out — we’re happy to chat, assist with sourcing or offer support and advice.

(Fun fact: Our former team member Aidan Zickmantel was so taken with biochar that he decided pursue a PhD in Portugal, studying its role in carbon sequestration in urban forests!).

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| Seasonal Tips

Garden Mistakes to Avoid this Spring

Spring is a crucial time for tree care, but some common practices can do more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid . . .

Early Fertilizing

Trees wake up gradually. Adding fertilizer too soon can trigger weak, rapid growth.

Mulch Volcanos

Piling mulch against the trunk leads to rot—keep it 4” away from the trunk

Good Cut, Wrong Place

Many talented gardeners make the mistake of pruning trees like perennials. This pruning stresses trees and triggers unsightly sprout growth.


| Norm's Notes

SAVING STANLEY PARK

Every Sunday, I lead tree walks in Stanley Park, looking for interesting trees. But recently, these walks have sparked urgent discussions on tree removals, habitat loss, and the park’s future.

Logging operations in Stanley Park Winter 2023-2024
What is Happening?
Logs stacked alongside logging operations in Stanley Park

Logging OPERATIONS

The city is logging the park using $19M+ taxpayer dollars (read more here).

Screenshot of Vancouver Sun article by Tiffany Crawford on latest legal challenge to the Stanley Park Logging

LEGAL CHALLENGES

A legal challenge aims to halt mass removals (Vancouver Sun article).

Save Stanley Park Stop the Logging Sign

LOCAL ADVOCACY

Community groups advocate for a selective, conservation-based approach (Save Stanley Park).

Industrial Logging Activity being conducted in Stanley Park at a cost of 19M+ to local taxpayers
Show Your Support

The industrial scale is shocking and the forest fire risk is likely overstated. Many dangerous trees have been left standing. I started these walks to educate, not to advocate. But seeing what’s happening, I have to ask: What is the justification?

Vote in the Municipal Election

Arbutus Tree Service is endorsing TEAM’s Colleen Hardwick and Theodore Abbott for Vancouver city council for their advocacy positions on Stanley Park.

LaWn Signs and Park Tours
Join the weekly Stanley Park Tree Tours every Sun @11a meeting at the concrete bridge on the West side of Lost Lagoon or contact me for a woodpecker sign for your yard. 

Norm Oberson - Headshot
Norm Oberson
Owner/Operator,
Arbutus Tree Service