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New Tree Planting
The City of St. Catharines plants trees on municipal boulevards to provide beauty and shade, to help improve air quality and add economic value to your neighbourhood. Trees are planted on public boulevards, property allowances fronting residences and circles where trees do not currently exist.
Property owners currently awaiting the removal of a dead tree and/or a stump will not be eligible for a new tree until the removal is completed. If you do not have a boulevard tree at present and wish to have one call the Recreation and Community Services Department at 905.688-5601 ext. 3222.
Please note that requests for Oak varieties are only available for spring planting. The fall planting deadline is August 30, and for spring planting the deadline is April 1. All new tree planting requests received after August 30 will be scheduled for the following spring.
Forestry Services
The City of St. Catharines through Forestry Services provides for the City, a greener urban forest by maintaining, pruning and performing surgery on viable trees while removing others. Maintenance and pruning promotes existing tree health as well as public safety. All work is performed by specialized tree personnel (Arborists) who follow the International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) Standards.
What is an Arborist?
An arborist is a trained professional, who is knowledgeable about tree physiology, biology and is trained and equipped to provide proper care to trees and the urban forest. An Arborist practices arboriculture, which is the cultivation, art and science, and management of individual trees.
What is the Urban Forest?
An urban forest is a collection of trees and shrubs that are growing within a city. It may contain any kind of woody plant vegetation growing in or around human settlements. An intricate role in sustaining an urban forest is constant management of the vegetation/trees. Some of the major benefits of an urban forest are:
- Economic benefits
- Air pollution reduction
- Recreational benefits
- Social benefits
- Wildlife benefits
- Communal benefits
Public Awareness
Homeowners are not permitted to trim trees on city property in front of or behind their homes. There may be an occasion when a tree becomes an issue or concern to the public. This could be in the form of a low-lying limb or branch over a sidewalk or rooftop. Please call 905-935-3813 to report this.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The City of St. Catharines Forestry Services have discovered the presence of EAB within pockets of the city. EAB is an pest introduced from Asia that affects all species of Ash (Fraxinus) trees in North America. EAB has killed millions of Ash trees across southern Ontario and North Amercia. All Ash trees in the City of St. Catharines are at risk of dying from infestation. Mortality may occur in as short a period as one year; however death normally occurs within 2-3 years of a tree becoming infested.
Infestation occurs when the beetle lays its eggs on the bark and in bark crevices on the trunk and branches. The larvae then tunnel beneath the bark and feed on the layer of live cells between the bark and the sapwood (the Cambium), cutting off the transport of nutrients and water to the tree.
Although a tree may have some signs of EAB infestation, other diseases/infestations may be affecting the trees growth. It is recommended that if you have a private Ash tree showing signs of EAB to contact a private certified arborist to inspect your tree in order to confirm the presence of EAB and to recommed treatment options. If you see an Ash tree on City property showing signs of EAB contact Forestry Services at 905-935-3813.
As a result of this infestation, Forestry Services have begun an EAB management program which includes treatment of viable Ash trees, and removal and replacement of non-viable trees where appropriate. The city encourages citizens to treat their Ash trees and limit the movement of firewood wherever possible to help contain the spread of EAB. For further information on EAB and treatment, follow the links below:
View EAB Identification Guide
Visit Emerald Ash Borer - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Gypsy Moth
The European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) is an introduced defoliating insect that is considered a major pest in North America. The catepillar, or larva stage of the insect, very distinctive with its blue and red spots, eats the leaves of trees making them more susceptible to disease and damage from other insects. If you find gypsy moth, destroying the egg masses is an effective control method. For information on identifying and control methods follow the link below:
