Neighborhood Tree Planting and Tree Care

From City of Ottawa

As we head into the month of June, the very busy spring season is continuing for your Forestry Services staff. Our planting season is in full swing. In my last email I provided updates on the Tree Dedication program and the Plant Your Place! program. Today’s message begins with details of an exciting new process for replacing trees removed in the City’s Right of Way.

Street Tree Replacements

This year, Forestry Services will start to proactively replace Right of Way street trees that the City has removed. 

Historically, if a tree was removed, the resident would have to contact the City to request a replacement tree. However, following the June 2024 Council approval of the Tree Planting Strategy Early Actions report, staff are adopting a more proactive approach.

Over the summer, you may see Forestry Inspectors visiting sites across the City to assess the feasibility of planting a replacement tree. If a replacement tree is possible, the Forestry Inspector will leave a “door knocker” style pamphlet. The tree species will be selected by City staff with diversity in mind and residents will be advised whether planting is scheduled for spring or fall. A temporary sign will also be placed on the lawn to mark the approximate location of the replacement tree. If a resident does not want the replacement tree or has any questions, they are welcome to follow up directly with the Forestry Inspector.   

Emerald Ash Borer

The City has been managing the invasive Emerald Ash Borer since it was first detected in 2008, including by injecting ash trees with TreeAzin Systemic Insecticide. Tree injections will continue again this year, between June 4 and August 31 in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. We alternate each year inside and outside the Green Belt to ensure a balanced approach across the City. TreeAzin is produced from extracts of Neem, a tree in the mahogany family. TreeAzin will be injected directly into the base of 750 ash trees using specialized canisters inserted into drilled holes. Emerald ash borer larvae that feed on the trees treated with TreeAzin are unable to reach maturity.

The City will also be using FraxiProtec—a beetle trap baited with a fungus that specifically attracts Emerald Ash Borer—in selected parks in Wards 2, 7, 9, 17, 20, 21, and 23 to help reduce the adult Emerald Ash Borer population.

Residents may see City staff and contractors conducting tree assessments, injecting ash trees, and installing traps in municipal rights-of-ways and parks

For more information on the City’s Emerald Ash Borer management, including public notice of pesticide use, visit: Tree and forest health | City of Ottawa  Planting

Forestry Services’ spring caliper tree planting program started the last week of April, and will run until mid-June, weather permitting.  This includes tree planting in parks, at City facilities, and along streets through Forestry Services’ lifecycle tree planting programs as well as some projects for the Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program. Prior to planting, utility locations are marked with flags. Every tree we plant increases our tree canopy and contributes greatly to the overall health and well-being of our community.

How residents can help

Please don’t move the flags that mark our utility locates! We will remove them when they are no longer required. Also remember the flags do not mark WHERE the tree will be planted. These flags are critical for our planting operations.

It’s hard to believe the May long weekend, which traditionally marks the beginning of cottage and camping season, is already behind us. That means camping and cottage season is here. While you’re enjoying all your campfires, please remember to burn firewood in the same local area where it was purchased. Bringing firewood in from other municipalities can greatly contribute to the spread of many different diseases and pests that negatively impact trees and forests.  Oh, and don’t forget to confirm campfires are allowed.