Tree Planting

Boulevard planting

This program focuses on replacing boulevard trees in the spring and fall seasons.

This season, we are set to plant over 1200+ trees on City boulevards. You may notice markings or flags on the boulevard stump once the locate request is completed. The stump removal and/or tree planting will occur shortly after, and the boulevard area will be restored.

Spring Planting is underway! If you have recently had a stump removed and are awaiting a new tree replacement, we are currently working to complete our spring list. 

Please Note: Fall planting will commence in September 2023. If you are unsure if you are on the planting list, or want to request a new tree, please contact Service Oshawa.

Russett Park Woodlot Restoration

Since 2018, the woodlot has experienced a steady decline because of Pine Wilt. Over the last three years, staff had responded to numerous service calls, including uprooted or fallen trees due to declining health, resulting in more than 100 tree removals. The trees posed a significant risk to park users and adjacent properties. To address concerns, the City undertook large-scale removal of the woodlot in late November 2021.

Next Steps

This has provided the City with a unique opportunity to increase biodiversity and resiliency. Scots pine is not native to Canada and tends to take over an area by shading out native plant species, reducing biodiversity and habitat. Going forward, the City will be starting restoration activities, including site preparation and planting of approximately 700 native tree species. Restoration will increase biodiversity, creating more resiliency allowing the woodlot to withstand the impacts of climate change such as tolerance to severe weather and damage caused by diseases and invasive species.

A total of 95 participants and 15 LEAF volunteers attended and successfully planted and mulched 450 native trees and shrubs in October adding to the 150 Large caliper trees previously planted at Russett Park. The restoration process will continue through this year so remember to visit yourleaf.org for more info on future events both here and around the City of Oshawa.

Community planting areas have been designated on site and additional in-fill plantings will occur throughout the restored area.

Visit LEAF for more information regarding event info and registration.

Colonel Sam Dr.

Emerald Ash Borer has heavily affected Colonel Sam Dr., and many boulevard trees have been removed. Restoration planting has concluded in this area and over 200 new trees have been planted with a focus on creating a more diverse canopy that is more resilient to pests and disease. 

Mulching

Your new tree is mulched in a “donut” or “ring” pattern. Mounding up or “volcano” mulching is harmful to a new tree. You can continue to apply fresh mulch to the tree over the root ball area to reduce the growth of weeds and retain water in the soil. Be sure to keep mulch approximately 10 cm away from the trunk of the tree. (Free mulch can be picked up at Oshawa Animal Services during the growing season.

Avoid mounding the soil or creating a "volcano" of mulch around the base of the tree. Never cover or bury the trunk flare.

Improper mulching can lead to:

• Increased moisture/decay on the base of the tree leading to insect and pest damage
• Girdling roots and cause other root issues in the future
• Lack of water reaching fine tree roots

City of Oshawa's Forestry Services recommends that only mulch and other organic material be used around City owned trees. Alterations around the base of the tree including the use of landscape rings, brick borders, and landscape fabrics can raise/alter the grade and natural environment surrounding the tree and affect the health and longevity of our urban canopy.

Watering

Newly planted trees will have water bags attached to them during the growing season, and you may notice staff periodically filling them up. Water bags are easily filled and slowly release water over a day.

City of Oshawa tree watering:

Community members may notice a green bag around new trees on streets or in your neighbourhood. These bags are for watering our new tree plantings throughout the City.

Both City staff and contractors will be out filling these bags to ensure new tree plantings on City boulevards are hydrated. These water bags are designed to slowly release water in the root system to establish deep roots and keep soil moist for longer periods of time between watering.

Your tree will periodically receive watering throughout the growing season but in times of drought or high heat, your new tree may require additional watering. Homeowners are encouraged, but not required to fill these bags. Keeping soil moist and your tree watered in times of high heat or drought will help the new tree establish and thrive in its new environment.

If water is pooling around the tree or the soil is extremely wet after watering, then water less frequently.

Using the water bag:

The bag will be installed by City staff or by our contractor. If you would like to offset City watering in times of heat or drought by filling the bag you can easily do so by:

1. lifting the tag at the top of the to expose the fill opening
2. Insert a garden hose and begin to fill
3. Gently lift the two black straps at top of bah in order to fully expand the bottom
   (Note: Do not hang or suspend bag by straps)
4. Fill to desired level and let drain (Usually 5 to 9 hours)

Staking

Pruning

Grass Cutting

Keep lawn mowers and string trimmers away from the trunk, which can damage the tree and even kill it if the bark is removed around the tree.