Local landowners can prepare for fall tree planting. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is urging people to order their trees, as fall is a great time to plant.
Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist Ian Jean said certain trees, types of planting stock, and locations are better suited than others to fall planting like larger trees in pots or in root-ball-in-burlap format.
“Frost heaving can be a problem for fall planting of very small, bare-root seedlings, which are available in spring,” Jean said. “While trees are in dormancy in fall or spring, they are better able to handle the stress of transplanting.”
Jean suggested potted deciduous trees can add diversity and create more resilient forests. He explained the two-foot Cedar and Spruce are great choices for field windbreaks and watercourse buffers.
“People who plant trees can see benefits at the property scale in terms of wind protection and shade and more birds and wildlife,” Jean added. “The benefits of individuals planting trees extend to the entire watershed community in protecting our shared soil and water resources and improving the resiliency of our natural systems which face new pests and a changing climate.”
“Each individual project is part of larger, collaborative effort,” Jean said. “Every year this involves hundreds of people planting tens of thousands of trees, maintaining watercourse buffers, planting cover crops, each doing their part to improve watershed conditions. It is important to recognize the tremendous support for watershed stewardship within our community.”
“We’re happy to help with project design and help to apply for funding for eligible projects,” he pointed out.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority accepts fall tree orders (emailed, mailed or faxed) until September 15, 2023. There is a cost to order the trees, but there could be incentive grants available to help cover expenses of certain projects. Interested landowners can visit abca.ca for the fall tree order form or call at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to discuss planting projects.
