City of Ottawa Forestry Services Fall Update

Good afternoon,

Our trees are confirming what the calendar is telling us: fall is here. But Forestry Services staff never slow down, so there is always a lot to talk about! Our update touches on operational information, legislative reports and some fun facts too, but we will start with a landmark agreement that has the potential to bring significant benefit to the City’s urban canopy.

Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation

As we announced last week, the City is the first municipality to sign a sponsorship agreement with Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC) to support its tree planting programs.  This sponsorship demonstrates that the work we’re doing to grow Ottawa’s tree canopy is important – and something that the business community and individual donors have an interest in supporting. The funds raised related to the sponsorship will support our tree planting programs. Stay tuned for details about a special event to kick off our working relationship.

Oak Wilt Pruning Window

The spring update provided you with information on the City’s efforts to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt. A key pillar of our plan was implementing a ban on pruning oak trees between April 1 and August 31, since open wounds can attract the beetles that carry Oak Wilt during that period. That high-risk window has now passed. We thank everyone for their cooperation in not pruning private property oak trees during this time. We are happy to report that as of now, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says Oak Wilt has not spread beyond the three locations in southern Ontario that were first identified in 2023.

Plant Your Place!  Fall Update

Our Plant Your Place! program was a huge success.  We continue to plan  for next year’s tree distribution. The second phase of the 2025 program will see 50 trees planted on various Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) properties across the City this fall. Stay tuned. Plant Your Place! will be bigger and better next year.

Stumping

Our stumping operations are in full swing and will continue into November, weather permitting. If you see the little flags on the right of near a stump, it means we’ve marked the utility locates and stumping will soon happen. It’s always important to note that if a tree is removed this year, the stump will go on the list for removal NEXT year.

Tree equity

With the fall planting season upon us, we are already planning for 2026. Using our recent tree equity analysis as a guide, staff will review the identified priority neighbourhoods to understand its specific challenges and opportunities for tree planting. As mentioned during the Tree Planting Strategy Update to committee, staff will be consulting Councillors who have designated priority areas in their ward and local community groups and organizations and to help ensure trees are planted where they are most needed. More information on these efforts will be available in the new year.

How residents can help

Your residents can help us during our seasonal operations! As mentioned earlier, flags are used to mark utility locates. Please don’t move them! We will remove them when they are no longer required. These flags are critical for both our planting and stumping operations.

When stump grinding is completed on the City right of way in front of a home, we ask residents to water the area after we have applied the topsoil and grass seed.

As you curl up by the fireplace this fall, 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.