1. Select the right tree for the right place. Proper tree planting begins with planning.
   
   
2. Prepare a planting area as deep as the rootball and 2-5 times wider than the rootball diameter by loosening the soil. Dig a hole in the middle of the area and set the rootball even with the ground level.
   
   
3. The bottom of the rootball should rest on solid undisturbed soil. This prevents settling.
   
   
4. Make sure the sides of the hole are rough and uneven.
   
   
5. Place the tree in the hole. If the tree is in a container, remove the container. Place the rootball in the centre of the hole and adjust the tree so it s straight and at the proper level.
   
   Note: Do not bury the trunk. It should be planted at the same level as in the container.
   
   
6. Now is the time to make any adjustment.
   
   
7. Backfill with the original soil. Tamp gently with your foot to firm up the soil. Apply clean water to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Repeat this process until the hole is filled and the soil is firm and can support the tree upright.
   
   DO NOT MIX FERTILIZER, COMPOST OR OTHER MATERIALS WITH THE ORIGINAL SOIL.
8. Construct a small dam or berm three feet in diameter around the tree. The dam will hold water rather running off.
   
   
9. Cover the entire loosened area of soil with 10cm (4") of mulch. The mulch will reduce competition from weeds and grasses, moderate soil temperature and provide nutrients as the mulch decomposes.
   
   

Mulching provides an important barrier against lawnmowers and string trimmers.

The larger the area mulched, the better for the tree.

Apply a 10cm (4") layer of organic mulch such as back mulch or wood chips, around the trees and shrubs.

Do not pile mulch around the base of the tree. Over mulching trees can lead to rot around the base of the trunk.

Keep mulch 5cm (2") away from the trunk.

Lawn clippings or leaves are poor mulch materials because they compress and mat together restricting air and water movement.

By following these mulching steps, you will be able to provide your tree the benefits of mulching but avoid the hazards of over mulching.

BENEFITS OF THE URBAN FOREST

The urban forests are the lungs, air conditioners and natural filters of our city.

It is important to recognize the trees within the city boundaries that play a key role in our social, economic and environmental surroundings.

The urban forest adds natural beauty to our urban surroundings and merges the habitat where people, plants, birds and animals live.

One acre of the forest absorbs 10 tones of carbon dioxide per year which translates into less carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere.

People living in constant views of trees, parks, woodlands enjoy better health.

The quality of the Urban Forest is a major factor in establishing the quality of our community life.

BENEFITS OF TREES

• trees add beauty and natural character to our neighbourhoods and communities.
  
  
• trees produce oxygen
  
  
• trees improve our air by capturing pollution in leaves and reduce carbon dioxide
  
  
• trees trap and hold harmful pollutants
  
  
• trees provide shade and cooling in the summer months and windbreaks in the winter months thus energy savings. Well placed landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs up to 20 percent.
  
  
• trees provide privacy and help reduce noise pollution.
  
  
• trees have a psychological impact, thus reducing stress.
  
  
• trees provide economic value to our neighbourhoods and communities.
  
  
• trees provide food and shelter for wildlife connecting our rural forests.
  
  
• trees improve water quality of our streams and rivers by capturing rainfall and reducing erosion and runoff.
  
  
• trees make our streets feel safer
  
  
• trees increase property value and saleability
  
  

WINTER PREPARTION OF EVERGREENS

Preparing Your Conifer Tree

Winter is a difficult time for trees. Food reserves must be conserved for the needs of spring. Strong winds during winter draw moisture from the needles as a result some needles turn brown and die.

It is important to water evergreens well before winter because evergreens lose moisture from their needles in the winter.

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter and are less susceptible to drying out.

All trees should be well watered in the fall as a routine practice.

In September, evergreens should be soaked once. This will assist in the hardening-off of trees in preparation for winter.

Give the trees a soaking in late October, before the ground freezes.

Spread a thin layer of mulch to blanket the soil.

To protect low growing conifers, construct a burlap windbreak. This will trap snow, which provides excellent protection.

HINTS FOR HEALTHY TREES

Do water your trees every week during the summer. The best method of watering is to use a soaker hose.

Do take care not to hit tree trunks with lawnmowers and string trimmers. Tree wounds provide entry points for harmful pests and diseases.

Do handle lawn fertilizers with care.

Don't drive nails into trees or attach wire to trees.

Don't allow vehicles or machines to be parked on the soil around tree. Soil compaction decreases the oxygen and water available to roots.

Don't contaminate tree soil with de-icing salt. Salt can harm trees.

How to Care For Your Tree

The trees planted on your street were carefully chosen and planted to provide shade, windbreaks, and privacy, attract wildlife and to beautify your neighbourhood. In an effort to keep the trees healthy, the City's Forestry experts ask you to help maintain your new tree by following these tips:

• keep lawn mowers and string trimmers away from the stem of the tree to avoid damage to the bark. Repeated bark damage can result in the eventual death of the tree.
  
  
• please leave the wood chips in place as they reduce water loss and add nutrients during decomposition.
  
  
• please do not pile soil or grass clippings over the mulch.
  
  
• do not remove the wood stakes. The stakes stabilize the tree. The Citys tree planting contractor will remove the stakes at the end of the warranty period.
  
  
• if you maintain a healthy lawn and boulevard, the tree will receive sufficient amounts of water.
  
  
• during dry periods, water your tree twice a week. Please do not over-water.
  
  
• we suggest fertilizing after the two year warranty period expires. Please do not use a granular fertilizer/ weed control mix. We recommend applications of 1 cup of 10-10-10 (slow release) fertilizer in April and October for root and top growth.
  
  

Please report any problems (ie.Vandalism, insect, disease) to the Forestry Department at 905-832-8577.