Trees & Urban Forestry
The Town recognizes the significance of trees as green infrastructure and what they provide for the community and environment. As such, the Town considers preservation, protection, and enhancement of the Urban Forest of the highest importance. The three pillars of preservation, protection, and enhancement are significant initiatives to recognizing the benefits trees and the natural contributions they provide to the community.
The Town has determined an urban tree canopy cover (UTC) of 21% as of 2021 for all developed areas within the Town and will continually work towards an increase to achieve a goal of 30% UTC on all developed and developing lands (i.e., settlement areas) within the Town.
Tree Bylaw, Guidelines and Permit Application |
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The Town has adopted a new Tree Management Policy that provides some high-level strategic goals and requirements for residents, developers, or anyone within the Town. Through the creation of the Policy, came a set of Technical Tree Guidelines that provide all the details of how to protect and preserve trees. These guidelines are created to provide guidance for all as it relates to “Protected Trees” within the Town. The policy and guidelines would not be complete without a Tree Bylaw to provide the “teeth” to ensure our urban forest is protected as it continues to provide benefits for our growing community. Finally the Town has created a Tree Permit Application for any resident who wishes to perform work on a Town tree. The permit is free for those who are looking to improve the tree while providing a compensation formula for those who may need to remove a Town tree. Click on the links below for the following:
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Watering Bag Program |
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Urban Forest Enhancement Rebate Program |
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The Town of New Tecumseth recognizes the significant value and benefits trees provide to the community and as such, the Town is constantly working towards enhancing its urban forest to reach a canopy cover of 30%. As trees mature, benefits they provide to the community exponentially increase and to this end, the Town wishes to promote this benefit by encouraging property owners and managers to care for their trees. Funds have been set aside for the maintenance and planting of trees on private lands and the Town invites applications from those interested in participation.
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Mulch |
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Mulch is organic matter (a.k.a. “food”) spread around the base of your tree and will help to moderate soil temperature extremes, hold moisture, and reduce weed and grass competition. Common mulches include leaf litter, peat moss, and composted wood chips. Avoid black-dyed mulch! Keep the mulch around the base of the tree 5-10 cm thick, to the dripline, and at least 5 cm away from the trunk, NO “VOLCANOS”. Good mulching is the best thing you can do for your tree!
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Spongy Moth |
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Spongy moth (previously called European Gypsy Moth or by its scientific name LDD Moth (the Latin abbreviation (Lymantria dispar dispar)) is a non – native invasive insect from Europe that was brought to North America in the 1860's. First introduced to Massachusetts, it had spread to Ontario by 1969 causing it's first widespread defoliation event in the province by 1981. Spongy moth defoliated many trees throughout southern Ontario. In New Tecumseth, infestations through 2020-2021 were considered light when compared to other areas of the county and province. The population levels are cyclical and rise and fall naturally every 7-10 years and we are near the high point in that cycle here at the end of 2021. Population crashes are due to mortality from a naturally-occurring and host-specific Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) and/or Entomothaga maimaiga fungus. For those affected by the moth, there are practices you can do to help keep population low if you notice isolated areas of high infestation. Spongy moth is a non–native insect pest which has become endemic to much of south and central Ontario for approximately 4 decades, with outbreaks occurring every 7-10 years. An outbreak was noted in Simcoe County in 2019 and particularly severe and widespread defoliation was evident in 2020 where conditions were conducive across much of Ontario. For more information, please visit the County of Simcoe website.
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Japanese Beetle |
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This insect starts to emerges from their grub stage typically from lawns, grassy areas, and farm fields in early June. The adults feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants, farm crops and trees. They have their favorites but will consume many plants. Trees are not the cause, or host, of these insects and subsequent infestation. What is being observed are signs of infestations, and not the symptoms. Leaves of plants will be consumed, and some plants can regrow if the plant is healthy. However, successional defoliation of the plant annually may put the plant into a mortality spiral as energy reserves are depleted.
For more information on this insect, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/japanese-beetles-nursery-and-turf. |
FAQ |
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