Forestry Winter Update: How Residents Can Help

Forestry’s fall planting season has wrapped up, but as the calendar turns to winter in the coming days, there is still plenty to keep staff busy over the next few months.

Year-round trees and forests inspections

Our Forestry Inspectors are busy all year long. They continue to oversee tree care and maintenance throughout the winter months while responding to public requests and inquiries.

Pruning trees in the winter: a healthy choice

Pruning is a tree maintenance activity that continues year-round.  Winter pruning is beneficial, as colder temperatures reduce the risk of attracting  pests that can spread tree diseases.

Protecting trees during winter operations

With winter comes snow and of course, snow clearing!  Unfortunately, trees can be lost or damaged through winter operations.  To help minimize this, we’ve shared guidance with our Parks Maintenance and Roads Services colleagues on the importance of avoiding piling snow near trees or using snowblowers too closely to trees.  Designated snow storage areas are used when clearing parking lots of City facilities to further protect trees from damage.    Staff are also careful to consider winter snow storage when selecting tree planting locations.

How residents can help this season

Fireplaces and woodstoves are entering their busy season. Please remember to keep your firewood local. Burn it where you buy it! Not only does this support local businesses but it helps protect our trees as moving firewood in from other areas can greatly contribute to the spread of many different diseases and pests.

Please be mindful of where you pile snow! Don’t pile around trees if possible. Also use caution when operating snow blowers or plows around trees. Broken branches and damaged bark can slow tree growth and make them more susceptible to insects and disease.

Holiday lights should never be wrapped too tightly around trees and should not be used around newly planted trees. Leaving lights on year-round can potentially harm trees or hinder proper growth, which is essential for maintaining a healthy tree canopy.

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