Trees & Natural Areas

The Town of Collingwood values our trees and the benefits they bring. Our goal is to manage and grow a healthy, sustainable urban forest, while encouraging community involvement to maintain, renew, and enhance this resource for future generations.

Guiding Principles:

1. Manage the urban forest sustainably and responsibly.
2. Treat trees as green infrastructure and valuable municipal assets.
3. Use research and monitoring to guide care and management.
4. Maintain trees according to best arboricultural practices.
5. Plant the right tree in the right place to maximize lifespan and environmental benefits.
6. Support community engagement in tree care and stewardship.
7. Recognize that well-cared-for private trees are a vital part of the urban forest.
    

• Protect and maintain trees while balancing growth and infrastructure needs
• Ensure replacement trees thrive using “right tree, right place” principles
• Improve the resilience of the urban forest against pests, diseases, and climate impacts
• Build awareness and engagement among staff and residents
• Explore partnerships and community stewardship programs
• Use technology to integrate trees in downtown areas, parking lots, and other hardscapes

• Hired a full-time Forestry Coordinator to lead planning and care
• Started monitoring and assessing Town-owned trees
• Developed best-practice guidelines for planting, maintenance, and removal

The Town is reviewing current policies and exploring potential Urban Forestry By-law(s). This work will help guide how trees are protected, removed, and replaced across the community.

Key principles guiding this work:

• No net loss of tree canopy over time
• Plant the right tree in the right place to support long-term growth

This may involve:

• Protecting healthy existing trees whenever possible
• Providing clear guidance on tree removal
• Planting and supporting replacement trees to ensure they thrive

At this stage, consultants are conducting technical analysis and reviewing policies. No decisions have been made yet. Any future actions will be informed by this work and community input.

• Newly planted trees need regular watering for the first 2–3 years.
• Water deeply at the base of the tree, aiming for 10–15 liters per week during dry periods.
• Mulch around the tree to retain moisture, but keep mulch 5–10 cm away from the trunk.
• Avoid overwatering, soggy soil can harm roots.

Tip: Early morning or late evening watering helps prevent evaporation.

• Prune dead or damaged branches carefully to maintain tree health.
• Avoid using lawn mowers or string trimmers near the trunk — bark damage can invite pests.
• Keep the area around the base of the tree clear of debris and invasive plants.
• Monitor your tree for signs of disease or stress (yellowing leaves, bark peeling, unusual growths).

Remember: Healthy trees live longer and provide more shade, cleaner air, and habitat for wildlife.

• Choose a tree species suited to your property’s soil, sunlight, and space.
• Avoid planting too close to buildings, driveways, or underground utilities.
• Consult the Town’s recommended tree list for local species that thrive in Collingwood.
• Planting native species supports pollinators, birds, and local biodiversity.

• Trees near construction sites are vulnerable — roots, trunks, and branches can easily be damaged.
• Keep heavy machinery and materials away from the tree’s drip line (the area directly beneath its canopy).
• Use protective fencing if needed.

Tip: Before starting work near trees, consult a Certified Arborist to prepare a Tree Preservation Plan. Use the ISA Arborist Directory to find a qualified professional.

• Keep an eye out for high-priority species like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Oak Wilt.
• Learn to identify common invasive pests and diseases that threaten local trees.
• Report sightings to:
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
  • Invasive Species Centre

Tip: Early detection is critical, you could help prevent spread to the rest of the community.

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA): Provides watershed management, natural heritage protection, and environmental stewardship programs across the region.

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority: Supports forest health, water protection, and landowner stewardship throughout the Grey Sauble watershed.

Simcoe County Forestry: Offers information on forest management, woodland stewardship, and tree health resources for landowners across the county.