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.

Please note: Due to current "Clear to Dig" locate delays we are still working to complete the 2022 planting list. Our 2023 planting list will commence when weather permits this spring.

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

For the first years of your tree's growth, check the soil regularly and make sure it is always slightly damp. In drought, you can help by watering the lawn under the spread of the tree branches with the hose on a slow trickle for 15 to 20 minutes twice a week. Make sure not to overwater. If water is pooling around the tree or the soil is extremely wet after watering, then water less frequently.

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.

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.