Distribution Resources

The information below will guide you through every step of planting a new tree - from assessing your site and selecting the right species for your space, to understanding the care needed to ensure your tree thrives for years to come.

 

1. Find the Right Place

Choosing the right place to plant a tree is a very important first step – trees can live a long time! Choosing the right location ensures your tree has the best conditions to grow and thrive for generations to come.

Once you have determined where you think you would like to plant a new tree, you are required to contact Ontario One Call to get public buried cables, pipes, and wires located (for free) before digging.

 

You should also consider:

  • Underground utilities or structures: Check for private systems such as landscape lighting, irrigation, septic systems, etc., and avoid digging near them.
  • Overhead wires: Avoid planting trees underneath to prevent future hazards.
  • Property lines: Identify your property boundaries to know how much space is available. 

 

Next, think about a few variables to better understand the conditions of your site:

  • Sunlight: Is your yard mostly sunny or shady? This affects which trees will thrive.
  • Available space:
    • Small trees need about 3 m × 3 m of soft ground.
    • Medium or large trees need about 4.5 m × 4.5 m.
  • Tree size: Think about the mature height and spread of the tree to ensure it has room to grow a healthy canopy.
  • Nearby trees: Are there other trees on your property or your neighbour’s property?
    • Consider:
      • Their current size and how big they will get.
      • Leave about 4.5 m – 6 m between trees to ensure adequate space, light, water, and nutrients for each tree.
  • Buildings: Leave about 4.5 m from building foundations to avoid conflicts as trees grow.
  • Future projects: Will you be renovating or adding structures? Keep 1.5m - 2m from hard surfaces (like paved areas or decks) to allow room to grow.

 

2. Choose the Right Tree

Choosing the right tree for the right place helps ensure it grows strong and healthy. When selecting a tree, consider:

  • Space and care: How much space do you have, and how much care are you ready to give?
  • Appearance and benefits: What looks good to you, and what benefit that tree brings to the environment can help you choose the right tree for your space.
  • Where possible, consider large growing trees as they provide the greatest benefits.

 

Think about:

  • Size: How tall and wide will the tree grow? Can your yard accommodate a large tree, or is a smaller tree a better fit?
  • Characteristics: Do you prefer specific features such as colours, foliage, flowers, or fruits? Are there traits you want to avoid?
  • Site conditions: What is the soil like? Where does water collect? Where is snow stored or removed on the property?
  • Existing trees: What types of trees are already on your property or in your neighbourhood?

 

Tips:

Choosing a species that is different from what is already there helps to increase diversity and ecosystem health, improves resilience to pests and diseases, enhances climate adaptability, and adds aesthetic appeal!

Learn more about the tree species available here.

 

 3. Provide the Right Care

Planting a new tree properly is key to helping the tree grow strong and healthy, develop a good root system, and get enough water and nutrients so it can live a long time and provide lasting benefits.

 

 Follow these 5 steps for successful tree planting:

1. Prepare the planting site: Remove any sod and dig a hole at least twice as wide as the pot. Save the topsoil to backfill the hole.

2. Check the depth: Measure the depth of the hole using your shovel to match the height of the rootball. Roughen the bottom and sides of the hole to loosen the soil and encourage the roots to grow outwards.

3. Plant the tree: Gently remove the tree from its pot and guide the rootball to the bottom of the hole. If roots are circling, carefully unwind them so they grow outward. Support the tree and rootball as you position it. If the rootball breaks apart, simply guide the roots gently to the bottom of the hole.

4. Backfill with soil: With the tree standing straight, fill the hole with soil. You can mix in some compost (up to 1/3 of the total soil) to provide nutrients. When the hole is half-full, press the soil down gently. Fill to the top of the rootball, press the soil down again, and use extra soil to create a slightly raised donut-shape around the tree, making sure it is not touching the trunk. Ensure the top root is visible at the soil surface.

5. Water and mulch: Water thoroughly after planting. Consider adding a 3-inch layer of mulch in a donut shape around the base to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.

 

Important Tips:

  • Plant at the right depth: Planting too deep can rot the trunk and harm root growth.
  • Keep mulch off the trunk: Mulch touching the trunk can cause rot.
  • Water consistently: Proper watering is crucial during the first three years. If rainfall is less than 25 mm per week (roughly 3 hours of heavy rain or 6 hours of moderate rain), water your tree. A newly planted tree needs about 130 L per week. This is roughly the amount held by six kitchen sinks!

 

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