Forestry Spring Update
May 29th, 2025
May 29th, 2025
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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.
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.
Plant Your Place!
March 24th, 2025
March 24th, 2025
The Plant Your Place program is launching on March 31!
Ottawa residents - apply to receive a FREE tree for your home - because tomorrow takes root today. Learn about program details and eligibility criteria here envirocentre.ca/plant-your-place
From EnviroCentre:
Trees play a vital role in our City. They absorb rainwater, help clean our air, absorb carbon, provide shade, and reduce the temperature in our built-up areas.
Ottawa’s urban tree canopy is an important part of sustaining vibrant, livable, and unique neighbourhoods, and promotes health and well-being equitably for all of the City’s residents and visitors!
Did you know that 40% of Ottawa’s urban area is private property? This means we must work together to grow our tree canopy cover. The City of Ottawa has developed the new Plant Your Place! program for planting trees on private residential properties.
Through the new Plant Your Place! program, trees are available free of charge to residents through two streams: 1) City-Wide Tree Distribution, and 2) Full-Service Tree Planting in neighbourhoods with low canopy cover. Participants in both program streams will be provided with educational resources and information on tree care and maintenance to support long-term tree health and survival.
The Plant Your Place! program is a City of Ottawa program delivered in partnership with EnviroCentre. Both program streams support the goals of the City of Ottawa’s Urban Forest Management Plan and work towards the vision for Ottawa’s urban forest: healthy, diverse, resilient, and always growing.
Ottawa residents - apply to receive a FREE tree for your home - because tomorrow takes root today. Learn about program details and eligibility criteria here envirocentre.ca/plant-your-place
From EnviroCentre:
Trees play a vital role in our City. They absorb rainwater, help clean our air, absorb carbon, provide shade, and reduce the temperature in our built-up areas.
Ottawa’s urban tree canopy is an important part of sustaining vibrant, livable, and unique neighbourhoods, and promotes health and well-being equitably for all of the City’s residents and visitors!
Did you know that 40% of Ottawa’s urban area is private property? This means we must work together to grow our tree canopy cover. The City of Ottawa has developed the new Plant Your Place! program for planting trees on private residential properties.
Through the new Plant Your Place! program, trees are available free of charge to residents through two streams: 1) City-Wide Tree Distribution, and 2) Full-Service Tree Planting in neighbourhoods with low canopy cover. Participants in both program streams will be provided with educational resources and information on tree care and maintenance to support long-term tree health and survival.
The Plant Your Place! program is a City of Ottawa program delivered in partnership with EnviroCentre. Both program streams support the goals of the City of Ottawa’s Urban Forest Management Plan and work towards the vision for Ottawa’s urban forest: healthy, diverse, resilient, and always growing.
January 16th, 2025
Launch of the Tree Dedication Program
-The Tree Dedication Program begins taking requests through an online application form on January 16, 2025.
-The expanded program will now feature two streams: Personal Dedications and Community Dedications
-With two streams of dedications, the program provides the opportunity to recognize a wider range of events, milestones and accomplishments.
-Costs include the supply and installation of the tree, watering for three years, a tree tag, and a plaque for Community Dedications
The information below describes the eligibility criteria under the new program:
Personal Dedication
$995 + HST (includes: tree installation, watering [three years], private utility locates and tree tag with access to GeoOttawa)
Community Dedication
$1,750 + HST (includes: tree installation, watering [three years], private utility locates, plaque, and plaque installation)
Visit Tree Dedication Program (former Commemorative Trees Program) | City of Ottawa for more details
Launch of the Tree Dedication Program
-The Tree Dedication Program begins taking requests through an online application form on January 16, 2025.
-The expanded program will now feature two streams: Personal Dedications and Community Dedications
-With two streams of dedications, the program provides the opportunity to recognize a wider range of events, milestones and accomplishments.
-Costs include the supply and installation of the tree, watering for three years, a tree tag, and a plaque for Community Dedications
The information below describes the eligibility criteria under the new program:
Personal Dedication
$995 + HST (includes: tree installation, watering [three years], private utility locates and tree tag with access to GeoOttawa)
Community Dedication
$1,750 + HST (includes: tree installation, watering [three years], private utility locates, plaque, and plaque installation)
Visit Tree Dedication Program (former Commemorative Trees Program) | City of Ottawa for more details
September 21st, 2023
Request for Input! A Proposed Amendment to streamline the City of Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law
In June 2022, Council directed staff to consult with the public on amending the Tree Protection By-law to reduce the size of Distinctive Trees in the suburban area of Ottawa from 50 to 30 cm in diameter measured at breast height. This change would bring the tree by-law permitting rules for the suburbs in line with those for the inner urban area of Ottawa.
We are requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be available until October 10, 2023.
For more information on the City’s Tree Protection By-law, please visit www.ottawa.ca/treebylaw.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and care of the City’s trees and forests!
Sample Tweets
Request for Input! A Proposed Amendment to streamline the City of Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law
In June 2022, Council directed staff to consult with the public on amending the Tree Protection By-law to reduce the size of Distinctive Trees in the suburban area of Ottawa from 50 to 30 cm in diameter measured at breast height. This change would bring the tree by-law permitting rules for the suburbs in line with those for the inner urban area of Ottawa.
We are requesting your input through a survey available on Engage Ottawa, which will be available until October 10, 2023.
For more information on the City’s Tree Protection By-law, please visit www.ottawa.ca/treebylaw.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and care of the City’s trees and forests!
Sample Tweets
- @ottawacity is looking for your input on streamlining the provisions for Distinctive Trees in the Tree Protection By-law! Learn more about the City’s Tree Protection By-law, take the survey, and share widely: https://engage.ottawa.ca/tree-protection-by-law-amendment
August 17, 2022
Update on Deevy Pine Park tree removal
Information on tree removal work that Forestry will be overseeing within Deevy Pines Park. Due to storm damage, Forestry oversaw hazardous tree removals with large scale equipment within the northeast area of the woodlot a few weeks ago but had designated the southeast area for Forestry Operations to complete the work. As Forestry Operations is still responding to storm damage notifications and would not be likely to complete the removals within the near future, we will continue using the large scale contractor. Operations should be completed within 3 to 5 days. Attached is an image showing the work area. Please note, the removals are selective only and most of the trees in the area highlighted will remain intact.
Update on Deevy Pine Park tree removal
Information on tree removal work that Forestry will be overseeing within Deevy Pines Park. Due to storm damage, Forestry oversaw hazardous tree removals with large scale equipment within the northeast area of the woodlot a few weeks ago but had designated the southeast area for Forestry Operations to complete the work. As Forestry Operations is still responding to storm damage notifications and would not be likely to complete the removals within the near future, we will continue using the large scale contractor. Operations should be completed within 3 to 5 days. Attached is an image showing the work area. Please note, the removals are selective only and most of the trees in the area highlighted will remain intact.
August 15, 2022
I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the Hazeldean Woods clean up. I took the last 24 hrs to investigate the issue further, as I too was surprised at the number of trees that were removed from the site and share your concerns and frustrations of losing a big part of such a beautiful forest in our community. The Forestry Dept. assured me that this work was necessary and I’ve included the response from Forestry below. I will continue to monitor this issue and ensure that all further actions regarding our community’s unique forests are tackled with the care they deserve.
I also want to take a moment to respond to some inquiries I’ve seen online about whether the clearing was due to development plans. I can confidently say that this is 100% not the case and no development will be done in this area as the forest has a water reservoir underneath it.
The Forestry Dept. has sent the below photos and update regarding the work being done in the Hazeldean Woods.
You will be fully aware of the recent storm events throughout the Ottawa area, and the impacts that the event had on trees and forests. In Hazeldean Woods the storm led to a large number of trees being snapped off, blown over, or tipped over at the roots. Notably there was a large area to the southwest part of the park where there was a large windthrown area. With the exception of the odd tree here and there (that were uncut and still there) virtually all the trees were blown over to some degree.
The decision to take the tree removal operations in this park were done for the following reasons:
1.Public safety. This was the removal of trees that were precarious and that posed a potential risk to the public. This included a number of trees that had not entirely fallen over, but their roots had become dislodged and the root plate was lifted on one side. Even though still standing (and seemingly healthy) these trees are particularly susceptible to future wind, rainfall, snow and ice events.
2.Access. All the trails throughout the park were inaccessible due to fallen trees and at the end of the operation trail access will be restored to its original state.
3.Regenerating the forest. In the southwest part of the park that had a large area of windthrown cedar, the plan is to remove the windthrown trees, site prepare the area and plant it with a variety of tree species to regenerate it to forest once again.
I’ll also send you the Deevy Pines one too if you want for the website. Let me know if you want Deevy Pines pictures as well.
I wanted to take this opportunity to make the community aware that the city’s forestry department will be starting the cleanup of Deevy Pines. I have spoken to the department at length, and they have assured me that all this clearing is necessary.
Here are a few key points about this project directly from the experts on city staff:
1) This clearing will not be the to the same scale as the Hazeldean Woods clean up. It’s 50% smaller and will use smaller machinery as well.
2) It’s approximately 100 trees they must clear from two main sections of damaged forest.
3) There will be a replanting of the area though schedule still needs to be finalized.
4) They’re trying to keep it to approximately 4-5 business days of work, but it depends on the work that needs to be done after a final review onsite and the weather.
They wanted people to know that they are doing the best they can, they have the public’s safety in mind and they are thinking proactively to rebuild and get the forest back to what it was.
I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the Hazeldean Woods clean up. I took the last 24 hrs to investigate the issue further, as I too was surprised at the number of trees that were removed from the site and share your concerns and frustrations of losing a big part of such a beautiful forest in our community. The Forestry Dept. assured me that this work was necessary and I’ve included the response from Forestry below. I will continue to monitor this issue and ensure that all further actions regarding our community’s unique forests are tackled with the care they deserve.
I also want to take a moment to respond to some inquiries I’ve seen online about whether the clearing was due to development plans. I can confidently say that this is 100% not the case and no development will be done in this area as the forest has a water reservoir underneath it.
The Forestry Dept. has sent the below photos and update regarding the work being done in the Hazeldean Woods.
You will be fully aware of the recent storm events throughout the Ottawa area, and the impacts that the event had on trees and forests. In Hazeldean Woods the storm led to a large number of trees being snapped off, blown over, or tipped over at the roots. Notably there was a large area to the southwest part of the park where there was a large windthrown area. With the exception of the odd tree here and there (that were uncut and still there) virtually all the trees were blown over to some degree.
The decision to take the tree removal operations in this park were done for the following reasons:
1.Public safety. This was the removal of trees that were precarious and that posed a potential risk to the public. This included a number of trees that had not entirely fallen over, but their roots had become dislodged and the root plate was lifted on one side. Even though still standing (and seemingly healthy) these trees are particularly susceptible to future wind, rainfall, snow and ice events.
2.Access. All the trails throughout the park were inaccessible due to fallen trees and at the end of the operation trail access will be restored to its original state.
3.Regenerating the forest. In the southwest part of the park that had a large area of windthrown cedar, the plan is to remove the windthrown trees, site prepare the area and plant it with a variety of tree species to regenerate it to forest once again.
I’ll also send you the Deevy Pines one too if you want for the website. Let me know if you want Deevy Pines pictures as well.
I wanted to take this opportunity to make the community aware that the city’s forestry department will be starting the cleanup of Deevy Pines. I have spoken to the department at length, and they have assured me that all this clearing is necessary.
Here are a few key points about this project directly from the experts on city staff:
1) This clearing will not be the to the same scale as the Hazeldean Woods clean up. It’s 50% smaller and will use smaller machinery as well.
2) It’s approximately 100 trees they must clear from two main sections of damaged forest.
3) There will be a replanting of the area though schedule still needs to be finalized.
4) They’re trying to keep it to approximately 4-5 business days of work, but it depends on the work that needs to be done after a final review onsite and the weather.
They wanted people to know that they are doing the best they can, they have the public’s safety in mind and they are thinking proactively to rebuild and get the forest back to what it was.
July 19, 2022
Work in Deevy Pines Woods
You will see some work being done in Deevy Pines Park this summer. Removal of storm damaged trees and debris is planned to clean up the area after the large storm we had. The work will involve some large equipment (attached is a rough map of the removal areas) however, only the damaged/hazardous trees are to be removed within these areas. The current plan is to replant trees in the park in the fall 2023 but we will have more information to provide with regards to planting once the site preparation work has been completed.
Work in Deevy Pines Woods
You will see some work being done in Deevy Pines Park this summer. Removal of storm damaged trees and debris is planned to clean up the area after the large storm we had. The work will involve some large equipment (attached is a rough map of the removal areas) however, only the damaged/hazardous trees are to be removed within these areas. The current plan is to replant trees in the park in the fall 2023 but we will have more information to provide with regards to planting once the site preparation work has been completed.
