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​​Resources to Help Care for Trees Native to Ontario
The population all around the world has become so familiar with trees that oftentimes we have forgotten why they matter. While most people are aware of a basic or common understanding of why humans need trees, the rate of deforestation and neglect of trees tells a different story. If you’re looking to help shift the existing narrative of how we treat our trees, and work on making trees in Ottawa, Ontario healthy and strong, then we invite you to read on and find out the role you can actively play to bring about a change.
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You’ll also see the role that hedge and shrub trimming services, wood chipping companies, and tree pruning and trimming services play in tree health. Learn about the pests that endanger them and how to control them, and why you should become part of a local conservation organization.  
Tree planting
How you care for trees begins with how you go about planting them. It requires a level of understanding about what species thrive where, and what soil and conditions are suitable for each type of tree you are considering planting. Thankfully, there are some great resources that make knowing what tree to choose stress-free. Some data banks conveniently show which trees are native to what regions.

An example is this tree atlas that details the trees that can grow in Ontario, Canada. The Government of Ontario provided this list so that those in the area can research what seedlings to get. There are over 64 different species of trees to choose from. These include American Elm, Balsam Fir, Basswood, Black Oak, Black Spruce, Butternut, Eastern Hemlock, Gray Birch, Kentucky Coffee trees, Pin Oak, Red Maple leaf, Red Mulberry, Red Oak, Red Pine, Red Spruce, Silver Maple and Sycamore trees, to list only a few.

The reason to be sure to plant trees native to Ontario is that they have grown in the province for centuries. That means they have adapted to the environment and played a part in the area's biodiversity. They continually provide food and shelter for animals and also support other life forms.

Therefore, when planting trees, the first step for tree care is to select trees that are known to thrive in the Ottawa climate. This will help to prevent instances where a tree dies off due to temperature and soil that's not optimal for it to thrive, or placing it in a position where it can catch diseases. You want trees that can withstand the climate and natural surroundings, and which won’t need to be removed just a few years after planting them. Planting the appropriate trees also means you will have to make fewer tree service calls, because native trees won’t cause as many problems as they grow.

When to plant your trees does depend on the type of tree you choose. Two common, general types of trees are deciduous trees and evergreens. The latter is self-explanatory - the foliage on an evergreen tree remains green throughout the year. Deciduous trees are those species that shed their leaves at different times of the year, specifically fall and winter. The best time to plant deciduous trees is in spring.
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When planting evergreen trees, information from Tree Canada, a leading tree-planting charity, states that in the spring, evergreens ought to be planted four weeks after the other types of trees open their leaves. Evergreen trees may also be planted in fall, between the first week of August and end October.
​Caring for trees as they grow
We'll now get into the basics of what trees need to remain healthy. Most people know that they should be watering the tree, but are unsure as to how much water to use and how often. We highly suggest that you don't guess, but instead research what's required in tree care. This article offers some great advice on watering your trees. You want the trees in your yard to stand out in a good way. Watering and fertilizer are basics, but the quantity and frequency vary.

Hiring tree pruning/tree trimming services
Part of tree care is pruning, something that ought to be done regularly to promote tree health. The purpose of having tree pruning or trimming services done is to ensure that branches on the tree are spaced well so that they make the tree sturdy. Since poorly executed trimming can weaken, harm, or even kill a tree, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure your trees remain not only beautiful, but strong and healthy as well. The best time to prune is when the trees are young, as it molds them early enough into the shape you wish them to take. It’s also much easier to trim a young tree as it grows, rather than an old tree with lots of heavy limbs.
Tree pruning or tree trimming services are also helpful for removing any diseased, damaged, dead or sickly branches, leaving only the healthy ones. For Ottawa, Canada’s deciduous trees, the ideal time to prune and trim is when they are not leafy - such as late fall or early spring. Tree trimming and pruning are not as simple as they sound; you're better off hiring a professional if you want to enjoy beautiful, healthy trees year after year.

Tree Cutting & Removal Services
Sometimes, whether due to neglect, new construction, or a lack of care during initial planting, trees can grow to become trouble. This is where tree cutting and removal services come in. In instances where you want to landscape and a tree is in the way, you need professionals to cut and remove the tree safely from the premises. It's the same in situations where a tree threatens to fall and cause property damage or endanger lives. In such tricky operations, you want to hire a tree cutting and removal service that will leave your property clean and safe.

Wood Chipping Services
This next service goes hand in hand with cutting and removing a tree. The tree removal process usually means that there will be debris left over from the cutting. Burning the pieces of wood and bark left behind is not something that is commonly done anymore. What tree service companies usually do instead is employ the use of a chipping machine, leaving you with wood chippings that serve a variety of purposes. You can turn the debris into fertilizer or use it as mulch to line paths, especially in places where water tends to gather. Having wood chipping services performed is a good way of reducing waste and getting your money's worth after having a rogue tree removed. Even after a tree has been removed, the wood can continue to serve a beneficial purpose.

Hedge/Shrub Trimming Services,
Hedges and shrubs, when unkempt, can be quite unsightly. For your Ottawa property to stand out, we recommend hedge and shrub trimming services. Avoid causing your neighbors to glance over your fence with disapproving frowns. Hedge/shrub trimming services are what you need to groom unruly branches, and leave your home looking classy and beautiful. Another reason to look for these services, especially when spring comes, is to remove all the dead and diseased branches that may not have survived the winter. This will not only leave your hedges looking attractive, but will keep them healthy and thriving.
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Pests or diseases affecting Ontario trees and how to treat them
Trees in Ontario do come under attack, and it's up to locals to take countermeasures to prevent, treat and stop the spread of pest and diseases. There are more dangers to the trees than we think, as data from the report Common Pests for Trees in Ontario shows. This detailed report shares a list of almost 20 pests and provides a remedy for the problem. 
The report provides images of what the pests and diseases look like on the roots, leaves, and branches, making it easy for you to identify a sickly tree. It also contains a list of pesticides registered under the Pest Control Products Act that are deemed safe to use. Along with listing what types of pests each pesticide works on, pests are categorized based on the kinds of tree injuries they cause: defoliators, borers, root feeders, sucking insects and gall-makers. The article further explains control measures that treat these pests and diseases, including what time of year is best to treat each problem, as well as other countermeasures. 
​Joining local conservation groups in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
There is another way of showing care for local trees, and that's by joining a conservation group near you. If you're unsure of where to start, you can use this list as a springboard to look for one that aligns with your values. It is not exhaustive, but it is an ideal place to start. 

Why would you want to join a local conservation organization? Though we've given you tips on how you can care for Ottawa native trees with the help of certified professionals, there's even more to gain from joining an organization that holds tree and nature conservation as their top priority.

There is an appreciation that comes with learning more about a topic. Knowing more about trees and how they impact our daily lives makes our desire to care for trees expand. Consequently, being part of a local conservation group looking to ensure Ontario trees are thriving means that you're playing your role as a global citizen and steward of nature. Apart from showing concern for the environment, joining a local group creates the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. It might also help you to feel like a bigger part of the community, and you may find that you enjoy the activities that bring people together.

Choosing a good tree service company
Finding the right tree service business to partner with is very important. Tree service companies play a big part in caring for native Ontario trees. They ought to have the knowledge and expertise to provide various services such as trimming, pruning, chipping, and cutting. Getting the job done at top efficiency requires modern equipment, which is something any tree service business ought to have.
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Apart from just taking care of the tree, you want to work with a company that has a proven track record of cleaning up after they've done the job. With Bisson Services, this is always part of the job. It shows the mark of a company that cares about your property and is thus committed to treating your space with respect. Don't settle for less when finding a company you can partner with in caring for local trees.