Port Picton
 
The wise owl
  • Trees sequester carbon (CO2), reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that contribute to climate change. You need about 500 full-sized trees to absorb the carbon dioxide produced by a typical car driven 20,000 km/year.

  • An average size tree produces enough oxygen in one year to keep a family of four breathing.

  • Three trees planted in the right place around buildings can cut air-conditioning costs up to 50 percent.

  • Trees provide shelter and food for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and bugs. Groves of trees provide food and cover for larger mammals, such as raccoons and deer.

  • Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

  • Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) is building up in our atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.

The Trees

When selecting trees for your site, consider trees native to Ontario. Native trees are suited to our climate and weather conditions.  Our wildlife also rely on them for food and shelter.  Planting native trees helps to bring nature back into our developed landscapes.

Select the native species that suit your site’s soil, moisture and light conditions. If you select the right species for your conditions, the tree will require little to no care in order to establish and grow into a beautiful mature tree.

When planting trees be sure to:

  • Plant 10-20 feet away from buildings (Plant trees at a safe distance away from buildings; this will depend on recommendations according to how large/tall your tree will grow)
  • Be sure to plant away from hydro wires
  • It is best to plant trees in the spring or fall to correspond with rains and cooler weather
  • Your trees may need some care during times of drought
  • Place a mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture during hot summer days
  • Plant a diversity of species

In the spring of 2020, native Ontario species that will be planted include White Pine, Red Pine, White Spruce, White Cedar, Sugar Maple, Red Oak, White Birch, Black Cherry, Black Elderberry, Serviceberry.