Contacts
The City coordinates a tree planting program that focuses on adding street trees and trees in parks, especially in and around children's play areas. Staff also work to establish planting partnerships with local businesses and community partners.
General information about programs, tree care, and tree protection is shared below.
Backyard Tree Planting Program |
Beautify your property and help grow our urban forest! The City of Pickering partnered with LEAF and the Region of Durham to bring residents a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting program. Experts will help you select the right trees and planting locations, while also providing the option of full-service tree planting to help ensure long-term survival. Native shrubs are also available! Homeowners, multi-units and businesses with adequate planting space may apply. Quantities are limited. Learn more at yourleaf.org |
Outdoor Learning |
Visit Pickering's outdoor classrooms to learn more about the trees you see throughout your neighbourhood, or to help you decide which tree species would be most suitable for your yard! Maple Ridge ParkStaff and students from Maple Ridge Public School planted native trees and shrubs along the creek, and created the artwork and poems that are featured on the interpretive signage. Visit Maple Ridge Park. Amberlea Park38 different native coniferous and deciduous trees were planted as a circuit around Amberlea Park, each labelled with their common and botanical names. View our interactive park map. Visit Amberlea Park. Bicentennial ArboretumThe Bicentennial Arboretum was constructed in 2011, in commemoration of the City's 200th anniversary and features 28 different native coniferous and deciduous trees as well as shrubs. Locate the arboretum in Google Maps. |
Commemorative Tree Program |
Residents and friends of the City of Pickering have the opportunity to commemorate individuals through the donation of a public tree in one of the City's parks or open spaces. View our Commemorative Programs page for details. |
Emerald Ash Borer |
What is Emerald Ash Borer?The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive pest that attacks and kills ash trees in North America. It was first identified in Pickering in 2008 and has since spread city-wide. Infestation and ash mortality is expected to expand to the city's approximately 3,500 ash trees. Ash Tree Management Program
Large ash trees on private property are also at risk - see below Trees on Private Property. TreatmentIf EAB is detected early enough, or if the ash tree appears healthy, the tree may be treated with TreeAzin (a naturally occurring bio insecticide), which has shown to be effective in controlling EAB and keeping ash trees alive and healthy. To date over 1,000 trees have been treated. If a tree is heavily infested (more than a third of the crown has died off), the City recommends removal for safety reasons and to prevent the continued EAB spread. Tree Removal/ReplacementThe City prioritized the removal of ash trees and replaced them with various suitable species throughout 2015. To date, over 1,000 trees have been removed and replaced.
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Lymantria Dispar Dispar (LDD) |
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Lymantria Dispar Dispar (LDD) moth is a non-native invasive insect, found to be present in Pickering. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s and first detected in Ontario in 1969. This invasive insect is well established in North America and likely will never be completely eradicated. Caterpillars grow up to 6 centimetres in length, are dark and hairy with five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots on the back. These pests are destructive and are a concern because the larvae feed on the leaves of trees. During the larvae stage, a single moth caterpillar can eat an average of one square metre of leaves. They prefer Oaks as their primary host and can be found both in rural and urban forests; however, LDD, also feeds on Aspen, Birch, Maple, Poplar, Willow and even conifers, like Spruce and Pine. While most healthy trees can withstand several years of severe defoliation, trees that are already in poor health may have a harder time recovering. Additional stressors such as other pest/diseases or hot, dry weather may result in tree decline or mortality.
Learn how to protect trees on your property. Residents with a heavily infected tree should contact a certified arborist for proper removal. Not sure what type of trees you have? Check out Forests Ontario to find out. Visit the Province of Ontario website for more information. |
Oak Wilt |
What is Oak Wilt?Oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum) is a vascular disease that affects all species of oak trees. It is caused by a fungus that restricts the flow of water and nutrients through the tree’s vascular system, weakening and eventually killing the tree. Oaks are divided into two groups: red oaks (pin, black and northern red), and white oaks (white, bur, swamp white). Red oaks are more susceptible than white oaks. Infected red oak trees can wilt and die within several weeks, while white oaks may survive for one or more years. There is no treatment and no cure for oak wilt infected trees. Read our information sheet to find out what you can do, and what the city is doing to protect our oak trees. |
Tree Protection |
The City's Tree Protection By-law 6108/03 prevents the destruction of healthy trees in the specified tree protection areas, in an effort to protect and preserve the environment. What you should know?A permit is required to remove any tree in a protected area in the City. Protected areas usually run through and adjacent to watercourses and green spaces. View Pickering's tree protected areas This By-law is actively enforced at all times by the Durham Regional Police Service, the City's Municipal Law Enforcement Services, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Cutting down a tree in a protected area without a permit can result in fines of $1,000 per tree or $10,000 whichever is greater. You can report any damage to trees in a protected area to our Customer Care Centre. A General Guide
Exemptions
Resources
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Last update to page: July 13, 2023