Trees & Natural Areas
Canopy Collingwood- A Community Greening Project for private property
Click here for Bees & Trees by Canopy Collingwood
What is the Town of Collingwood doing about Publicly Owned Trees?
The Town of Collingwood Council approved the Urban Forest Management Plan for all trees on public lands on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Part of this Management Plan requires an inventory of the trees and a rating of their health. This evaluation will help identify priorities and guide summer tree management efforts.
- Despite local, provincial, national and international efforts, all municipal owned Ash Trees will be marked with a yellow ‘X’ and inevitably be killed by the Emerald Ash Borer.
- Trees marked with a red ‘R’ will be scheduled to be removed as a priority and in most cases within a 90 day period. Tree removal will occur based on the level of hazard it presents to the immediate surroundings. For example, a tree that has the potential to fall on a busy street or sidewalk will take priority over a tree along the side of a trail.
- Trees marked with a green dot are identified as an Ash tree and to be injected with TreeAzin (a method of protection against the Emerald Ash borer).
- Trees marked with a green dot and a blue dot have been injected with TreeAzin by the contractor.
Currently the Town plants on average approximately 125 trees throughout the community on an annual basis.
Replacement trees will occur as budget allows and if site conditions are favourable for a tree.
Emerald Ash Borer is in Collingwood
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is in Collingwood. The EAB is an invasive species that attacks and kills Ash trees. EAB poses no health risk to humans or pets but Ash trees of all species and sizes (with the exception of Mountain Ash tree) are susceptible to attack from the EAB.
The EAB is a small, metallic emerald green, wood boring beetle with a narrow elongated body. In the summer, they lay their eggs on Ash trees. Once the eggs hatch and become larvae, they tunnel under the bark to feed. The tunnels cut off the flow of water and nutrients causing the Ash tree to die.
What should you do if you suspect that your private ash tree is infected?
Please remember that all private property trees are the responsibillity of the property owner. If you suspect your Ash tree may have EAB, you are encouraged to consult a professional cetified arborist as soon as possible. You should choose an arborist certified with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or registered with the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
A Certified Arborist can help with the following:
- It can be difficult to tell if a tree is infested
- By the time signs or symptoms appear in trees, it is often too late to treat
- They can safely remove and dispose of wood waste
- Insecticide treatments work best if applied before trees are infested/when infestation is at an early stage
Look for a fully insured certified arborist in your area today!
How to identify an Ash tree?
The bark on an Ash tree is tight and rough and often has a distinct diamond pattern. The leaves are compound and contain five to eleven finely toothed leaflets.
Signs of EAB Infection
Signs of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infection include sparse leaves or dying branches, d-shaped exit holes on the ash tree, s-shaped notches under the tree bark and/or fallen leaves and dead branches on the tree.
For more information on pruning & maintenance, block pruning and removals please click here
A memorial tree or bench is a great way to memorialize a loved one or a special event. We encourage the planting of native species to enhance the habitat for nature's wildlife and to provide shade for visitors to our parks.
The cost of a dedicated tree is $500 which includes the tree, planting and a plaque. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation and the tree is guaranteed for life. For dedicated trees, our waterfront parks are at capacity, resulting in only being able to accept names for a waiting list.
The Town offers a memorial bench program for benches placed in Town of Collingwood parks.
The cost of the bench is $1700 which includes the bench, a poured concrete pad, installation and a memorial plaque.
For dedicated benches, there are no available locations along our waterfront.
To make an inquiry about a memorial tree or bench, complete a service request on our Service Collingwood Portal or call 705-445-1030.