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.
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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Street Tree Watering Bag Program |
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The Town of New Tecumseth is committed to growing our urban forest. We are working to increase our tree canopy and recognize this starts with the success of our newly planted trees. To this end, the Town has secured tree watering bags and are being provided to residents who are willing to help water a newly planted boulevard tree.
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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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Tree Rebate Program |
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Urban Forest Enhancement Rebate ProgramThe 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. Program Details:Applications must be submitted to the Public Works Department for approval prior to commencing tree maintenance. Refunds can only be issued upon inspection of the proposed and completed work/site. Tree MaintenanceThe Town requires tree work to be prescribed and completed by an ISA Certified Arborist in good standing. Verified here: Verify an ISA Certified Arborist. This program covers 50% of the cost of the work to a maximum rebate of $250 per year, per address (exclusive of taxes or other charges). It is the obligation of each applicant, and by extension the arborist, to show and clearly demonstrate the work with justification. Each address must list the specific tree, with the recommended work, that correlates with the itemized cost. Acceptable written prescriptions must be described using ANSI A300 standards (i.e., objectives and methods). Properties may require/use additional sheets or the arborist proposal to show the itemized work for each unit. The Certified Arborist must be on site while the work is being completed. Tree PlantingThe program covers one property with a rebate of 50% of the purchase cost, with the minimum purchase price of the tree(s) being $100 exclusive of taxes or other charges and a maximum rebate of $75 per year, per address. The program does NOT cover shrubs, bushes, hedges, or ornamentals. The tree(s) can include the installation cost of the tree as needed. Example: Purchase of a tulip tree at $250 installed is eligible for a refund of $75. Notes: Funding is available on a first come first serve basis. Applications may be submitted March 15 to October 30 of every year pending budget approval and availability. Highly priced work will be called into question and may be refused; multiple quotes are strongly encouraged. Original estimates/quotes will be required for acceptance into the program and final invoices with proof of payment must be submitted once complete or prior to the end of November of the calendar year during which the application was submitted for a site inspection to be completed and a rebate to be processed. Applications and inquiries may be directed to the Public Works Department: publicworks@newtecumseth.ca, or (705) 435-3900 |
Tree Bylaw, Policy, Guidelines, and Permit Application |
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: |
Service Requests for your Tree |
Any resident of New Tecumseth is encouraged to call our offices if they think any work is required on the Town trees. Town trees are all trees of any size within the right of way (ROW), in a park, or other Town-owned land. Tree Inspection Request - https://www.newtecumseth.ca//Modules/email/emailattachment.aspx?CV2=6uNR1I5VtuCAHNsuyaqKRQeQuAleQuAl&ref=https://www.newtecumseth.ca/Modules/contact/search.aspx?s=mLF114FrgMKSas7eQ7kGLweQuAleQuAl&lang=en Benefits of Trees - https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/benefitsoftrees Find out the value of your tree - http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/treeinfor.cfm?zip=&city=&state=&climatezone=Northeast Pruning - https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees Planting - https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/plantingatree Removal – New Tecumseth does not have a private tree by-law. If a Town tree has died, email the town and we will get it inspected and removed. The stump will then be grinded out and a new tree will be planned as soon as possible. Stumping – Call before you dig! Any excavation requires a locate of underground services. This is a free service - https://www.ontarioonecall.ca/ If there are concerns with neighboring private trees, this is considered a civil matter however, if you feel a neighboring tree is a likely source of harm or damage (hazard), please contact our by-law department for an inspection with our Forestry Technician for next steps. |