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

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:

  1. Tree By-law
  2. Tree Policy
  3. Tree Guidelines
  4. Tree Permit Application
  5. The Town's "Tree" Quick Reference Guide

What is a protected tree?

Protected Trees are:

• a Town Tree;

• a designated Significant or Heritage tree; or

• a tree measuring 20cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) or greater that is part of a development application.

A Town Tree is any tree, all, or part of which is located on property that is owned by the Town of New Tecumseth. Trees within the right-of-way (ROW), in a Town Park, or on other Town land are all examples of Town Trees.

A Significant Tree is a tree that is recognized because of its size, form, rarity of species, age, its association with a historical figure or event, and/or a tree that is distinctive in the community, or a combination of these criteria. These are detailed in the Town of New Tecumseth’s Technical Tree Guidelines.

 Development means the construction, erection, or placing of one or more buildings or structures on land or the making of an addition or alteration to a building or structure requiring approvals under the Planning Act and/or subject to Agreement of, and at the sole discretion of the Town.

This includes, but is not limited to Site Plan Applications, Plan of Subdivision/Condominium, Property Access Permits, Road Occupancy Permits, Site Alteration and Fill Applications, including lands described in section 4.5.11 of the Official Plan, wooded areas not within the EP1 and EP2 designation.

Please contact us to report a concern regarding a Protected Tree.

 Watering Bag Program

What is the street tree watering bag program?

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.

What trees are eligible for the watering bag program?

While quantities last, Town staff are providing Tree Water Bags to residents willing to water a recently planted boulevard tree. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Try to water the Town Tree once a week, and more frequently during hot or windy weather. When the soil is dry below the surface of the mulch, it is time to water. Continue filling the Water Bag until mid-fall, tapering off as temperatures decrease and with natural rainfall. This program will help younger trees establish good root systems and survive the establishment period (the first two to three years after it has been planted). Our goal is to have boulevard trees grow into a healthy urban forest. If we can get trees past the initial establishment period, their survival rate is much higher.

Tree Water Bags provide a deep water saturation through slowly releasing water. It is convenient and easy to use - it needs to be filled once weekly, unless it's hot or windy weather. We recommend filling the Water Bag when temperatures have dropped for the day, or first thing in the morning. This way the water can saturate the soil efficiently and deeply, where the tree roots can continue to reach for water as the tree needs more.

Treegator Watering Bag product

How do I participate in the watering bag program?

Residents with access to a boulevard tree that was planted in the last two years are encouraged to participate:

• Call the Town at 705-435-3900 or email Public Works to register.

• Town staff will deliver the slow release watering bag and attach it to your tree.

• Fill up the bag with water ONCE a week from May to October.

• Leave the bag on the tree and it will be picked up at the end of October. Wait for the new bag to arrive in the spring!

What are other watering options?

If you prefer to water a tree with your household hose, please follow the steps below:

• Turn the hose on very slightly so that a small trickle of water is coming out. Set the hose beside the tree for 30 minutes to an hour. Do this only once per week.

• Or use a 5 gallon pail as a measure. Some can drill a small hole at the base of the pail and let the water drain out slowly. Again, do this once per week.

• Do not overwater the tree as the tree will die from too much water. Trees prefer one deep watering, as opposed to watering daily, the roots need to almost dry out.

Urban Forest Enhancement Rebate Program

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.

Application Form

How does this program work?

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 Maintenance

The 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 Planting

The 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 February 1 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

Application Form

 Mulch

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!  

 Are wood chips available to the public?

Yes. The Town provides industrial grade wood chips free of charge at three locations; Alliston Memorial Arena, Beeton Memorial Gardens, and at the Tottenham Community Centre. The wood chips are made from tree branches and brush during the tree removal operations throughout the season. When wood chips are available they may be picked up by residents, at their own risk, with their own shovel and buckets, from spring to fall. Please enjoy! Wood chips are not available during typical winter operations. 

 Spongy Moth

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.

What can I do to help control the populations?

 • If caterpillars or larvae are found, wear gloves when handling the insects, as their hairs can cause skin irritation on humans.

• Hang burlap (landscape fabric, towel, old pillow case etc.) around the trunk of your tree, around chest height, with twine holding it up in the middle and so it folds back over. During the spring/summer months, the caterpillars will seek shade under the burlap. Destroy the caterpillars daily for the few weeks they are out. You can use duct tape early in the spring to catch the smaller caterpillars. Be sure to remove the burlap or tape after the caterpillars have finished (June/July) to ensure the trees are not girdled.

• Another method is to use a plastic wrap and put Tanglefoot (Vaseline or other sticky substance) on top so the caterpillar get stuck. The wrap will keep the sticky stuff off the tree and you can peel it off when the caterpillars are done.

• If eggs are detected, scrape the fuzzy, tan-colored masses off the tree/equipment they are affixed to, and destroy them immediately by crushing the eggs or by submerging the eggs into a bucket filled with water and soap for at least two days. After two days, discard the solution and egg mixture.

• Never move firewood. 

 What is the Town doing to help control the populations?

The Town is continually monitoring the issue of infestation of Spongy moth.  Populations levels fluctuate across the Town.  Some observations where the caterpillars have preferred species, with oak species being their favorite, to the Crimson King (purple/red leaved) maples being their second favorite.  The moth will attack all species eventually.  Some areas of the Town have been observed to be impacted by the naturally occurring virus/fungus, which means the populations could be on the verge of their decline.  The Town is giving as much information to residents as possible and encouraging residents to help with their isolated areas. 

In short - How can I help?

Monitor - Check your trees for eaten leaves. Check outdoors for eggs masses on trailers, soffits, etc.

Hand Removal - Remove egg masses between August and May. Scrape them off as you find them and dispose of them (bucket of soapy water, ziplock bag, or burn them). Put on some gloves and remove caterpillars daily as you see them. They will be under your burlap, on the underside of branches, or sometimes near the base of your tree.

Biological Control - BTK is a spray available from many local garden supply stores. Apply 2 applications between May and June. It only works on the caterpillars when they are very small. This product has no impact to mammals and only impacts these caterpillars if applied solely to the infested trees.

Burlap Trapping - Between May and June, wrap a burlap strip around chest height on your tree. Pick off caterpillars DAILY and dispose of them. Remove burlap in July once caterpillars are no longer seen.

**If you put tape (especially the red “tuck tape”) on your trees earlier this year, be sure to take the tape off in July or it will girdle (strangle) the tree as the tree grows.   

 

Japanese Beetle

Image of Japanese Beetle

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.

How can I control the populations at my house?

Controlling populations on a micro level at each house may be the only viable option as these pests are everywhere. Some options to consider:

  1. "Traps" available at some garden centres attract and only control some males June through September. Floral traps are also needed to attract females. Traps are still not preferred over the food for these insects and will not stop the insect. Efficacy of traps are still a topic for debate.

  2. Treating or spraying adult beetles with readily available pesticides from garden centres June through to the end of September.

  3. Treating lawns for grubs.

  4. Natural controls such as attracting some birds like starlings can help. Be aware - starlings make noise!

  5. Commercial or professional help can be sought.

What is the Town doing to handle populations?

Complete control at a macro level is a challenge as these insects are on private properties everywhere and there is no mass pesticide that can be spread widely to treat. Unfortunately, the Town can not treat these insects.

For more information on this insect, please visit Japanese beetles in nursery and turf.

 FAQ

Who owns the trees on my property?

If you are unsure whether a tree on your property belongs to you or the Town, the Public Works Department can generate a Service Request to have Town staff assess the tree. Please contact the Public Works Department:

By phone: (705) 435-3900 - Option 4

By email: publicworks@newtecumseth.ca

Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm

Why is there a tag on the tree in front of my home?

  • The Town installed tags onto Town-owned trees only through a short period in around 2011-2015. These tags are black plastic with a bar code. Not all Town trees have these tags and should not be sued as the identifying feature for Town trees.

  • Town staff have not used physical tree tags installed on these trees since around 2015. Many tags have fallen off the tree.

  • If the tree has a metal tag with a number on it, it is likely a tree identified as part of some permit application process so planners can identify the tree in relation a list of trees that are part of that specific application. This does not mean this tree is owned by the Town.

If you have any questions about the tree in front of your home, please contact the Public Works Department:

By phone: (705) 435-3900 - Option 4

By email: publicworks@newtecumseth.ca

Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm

Does the Town only own trees that are between the sidewalk and the road, or does it also own trees on properties that are not the the sidewalk side?

Trees that are in the Town's Right of Way (ROW) are Town-owned or public trees. The ROW can sometimes change, depending on when the property line was established, and when the neighbourhood was built. If you have any questions about where the ROW is and whether a tree in front of your home is public or private, please contact the Public Works Department:

By phone: (705) 435-3900 - Option 4

By email: publicworks@newtecumseth.ca

Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm

Does the Town help maintain private trees?

Private Trees are trees of any size on private property. The Town of New Tecumseth does not perform work on Private Trees.

The Town's property line is usually where the water shut-off valve is found on your front lawn or driveway but this section is only an indication. The property lines are different everywhere. Please contact us to help determine if a tree is a Town Tree or Private Tree.

How do I initiate a service request for trees?

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.

Service requests for Town Trees can include a request for assessment, pruning, removal (suspected dead trees), stump grinding, or tree planting, for example. Please keep in mind that some trees lose their leaves earlier than others, and some leaf out later than others and it may appear to be unhealthy compared to some of its neighbouring trees. Once a service request has been received, it will be placed in queue in order of priority.

Removal - If you observe that a Town Tree has died, email the Town and Staff will verify the condition of the tree. If the tree requires removal it will be removed and the stump will be ground out. A replacement tree will then be in queue for that location.

 

Please contact the Town to initiate a service request for a tree.

By phone: (705) 435-3900 - Option 4

By email: publicworks@newtecumseth.ca

Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm

 When will I receive a replacement tree?
If the Town is aware of a Town Tree that requires replacement, it is in queue for replanting.

How do I report a tree or tree branches near or on utility lines?

You may contact the Town. Alternatively, you may also contact the hydro authorities.

In urbanized areas: 1-833-ALECTRA (1-833-253-2872)

In rural areas: Hydro One Outage Line 1-800-434-1235 

Who is responsible for trees in new/unassumed subdivisions/roads?

If the road is under the care of the Developer and has not yet been assumed by the Town. Please contact the Engineering Department for more information.

Email: engineering@newtecumseth.ca

What are the benefits of trees and how do I care for my own tree?

Benefits of Trees

Find out the value of your tree

Pruning

Planting

Removal - New Tecumseth does not have a Private Tree By-law. If you observe that a Town tree has died, email the Town and Staff will verify the condition of the tree. If the tree requires removal it will be removed and the stump will be ground out. A replacement tree will then be in queue for that location.

Stumping - Call before you dig! Any excavation (including having a private stump ground out) requires a locate of underground services. This is a free service - https://ontarioonecall.ca

If there are concerns with neighbouring private trees, this is considered a civil matter. If you are concerned with a neighbouring tree, please contact our By-law Department

Email: by-law.enforcement@newtecumseth.ca

Why do leaves change colour?

Most trees are green all year long, except for some hybrid trees like the beloved Crimson King Maple which has dark burgundy leaves all year. Leaves are green because of the chlorophyll pigment that allows to produce energy through photosynthesis. In the fall the chlorophyll slows production and starts to break down allowing for other pigments to emerge. The colours are triggered in combination with our cooler temperatures, shortening days, and soil conditions which makes eastern Canada so unique with our fall display.

These pigments are carotene showing orange, xanthophyll showing yellow and of course the beautiful reds called anthocyanins. These anthocyanins are what produces those sugars in our most famous tree, the sugar maple. Tannins are responsible for the brown colours we see.

For more details and information, Tree Canada explains Why do leaves change colour?

Tree with Fall Colours