Fall site planning is best for spring tree planting

Ontario nurseries' stock viewing days highlight quality tree stock for spring 2015 plantings

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Forests Ontario and its planting partners remind landowners that now is the most opportune time for planning spring planting activities. Landowners that might be considering conservation projects on their properties should think about tree planting as a way to increase the value of their properties while contributing to a healthy environment.

As a landowner you may be eligible to participate in a tree planting incentive program delivered by Trees Ontario, the forest restoration arm of Forests Ontario. Landowners with a minimum of 2.5 acres (one-hectare) of land may qualify for the program.

"Plan before you start," explains forester Wade Knight. "Whether you are looking to plant a few trees or 1,000 trees, protect your investment by planning your tree planting project carefully. A successful planting project requires a properly prepared site; good planting stock; tree species matched to the site and soils; and a plan to care for the seedlings after planting. Luckily, Trees Ontario connects landowners with the tools, expertise and resources to ensure success."

For Trees Ontario's planting delivery agents (PDAs), fall is the time to prepare for spring. At Somerville Seedlings in Alliston, Ontario, the annual fall nursery stock viewing day brings together PDAs from the surrounding area to not only inspect the upcoming year's seedlings, but also to discuss ways to support landowners considering tree planting on their properties.

"Our fall stock viewing day allows us to evaluate our seedlings," says Dave Harbec, Propagation Manager at Somerville Seedlings. "Having good quality, viable seedlings ensures that landowners get the right trees that have the best chance of success. Ultimately, we want our seedlings to grow into healthy forests that will support healthy environments."

Experienced staff will assist qualified landowners in restoring and improving their property and community by supplying and planting trees. Find out if you qualify by contacting [email protected] or 416.646.1193/1.877.646.1193. Apply this fall to begin planting next spring!

About Forests Ontario

Forests Ontario was created in 2014 as a result of the merging of not-for-profit organizations Trees Ontario and the Ontario Forestry Association (OFA). Forests Ontario is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting efforts on rural lands and in urban areas as well as the renewal and stewardship of Ontario's forests. Forests Ontario and its 85 provincial partners work to protect, renew and manage forest resources through programs, services and advocacy.

About 50 Million Tree Program (50MTP)

Trees Ontario administers the Ontario government's 50 Million Tree Program, part of the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. The United Nations' goal is to plant one billion trees worldwide each year. Ontario is committed to plant 50 million trees by 2025.

The goals of the program are to sequester carbon, enhance and diversify southern Ontario's landscape, increase the capacity to withstand climate change, and increase wildlife habitat. The 50 Million Tree Program is designed to signi­ficantly reduce the costs to landowners of large-scale tree planting and thereby increase the number of trees planted across the province.

Image with caption: "Dave Harbec of Somerville Seedlings shows off his seedling stock. (CNW Group/Trees Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141016_C1731_PHOTO_EN_6784.jpg

SOURCE: Trees Ontario

Shelley McKay, Director of Communications & Development, 416.646.1193, [email protected]