NEWS RELEASE
LIVING GREEN BARRIE
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Trees do more than just make our streets and parks beautiful — they are the backbone of a healthy, vibrant city.
Planting trees is one of the most impactful ways we can improve our local environment and create a better future. But did you know that fall is the best time to plant trees, especially those native to Ontario? Imagine stepping into your yard or community space next fall, breathing in the crisp, earthy scent of fallen leaves, and feeling the cool breeze as it stirs a canopy of vibrant reds, spicy oranges, and warm golden hues. By planting native trees this season, you can bring the magic of these fall colours to life and enjoy the full sensory experience of autumn year after year.
Barrie’s urban canopy is the network of trees that stretch across our city, from private yards to public parks. Trees in urban areas do more than just provide shade — they clean our air, reduce the heat on hot summer days, support local wildlife, and even help reduce energy costs by cooling our homes naturally.
Native trees, like the sugar maple, red oak, beech and white pine, are especially valuable. They are perfectly adapted to our climate, need less water, and support local ecosystems by providing food and shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
As more people move into urban areas, preserving and growing our urban canopy is critical to maintaining a healthy, livable environment for everyone. Planting a single tree can make a big difference — over its lifetime, it can absorb more than a ton of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
Fall offers the ideal conditions for planting trees, especially in Ontario. Here’s why:
Cooler temperatures
The cooler air in fall means less stress on newly planted trees. They won’t have to struggle against intense summer heat, which can be tough on young roots. Cooler weather allows trees to focus their energy on growing strong root systems, which helps them thrive when spring arrives.
Plenty of rain
Autumn’s natural rainfall provides the consistent moisture trees need to get established. Trees planted in the fall can take advantage of this rain to set roots deeply before winter, giving them a head start when they wake up in the spring.
Extended growing time
Unlike spring plantings, fall trees have an extra growing season to settle in before the hot summer months. Even though trees slow down their growth in winter, the roots continue to develop underground, preparing them for a strong springtime start.
Plant the colours of fall
When planting trees, it’s important to choose species that are native to Ontario. Native trees are more resilient to local pests, diseases, and weather conditions, making them a low-maintenance, eco-friendly choice. Some great native options include:
Sugar maple: A classic for our landscape, the sugar maple is celebrated for its striking red fall foliage, adding bold colour and vibrancy to any space while being highly adaptable to various conditions.
White pine: Ontario’s provincial tree, the white pine offers year-round greenery with its soft, elegant needles. Fast-growing and resilient, it brings a lush, natural feel to your yard, perfect for enhancing the landscape.
Red oak: With its bold orange tones in the fall, the red oak stands out as both a stunning shade provider and a valuable source of acorns for local wildlife. Its hardiness ensures it thrives in various environments.
Beech: Known for its smooth, silvery bark and glowing golden fall leaves, the beech tree fills your yard with a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s both serene and timeless during the autumn months.
By planting native trees, you’re not just adding beauty to your neighbourhood — you’re helping to restore local ecosystems and protect biodiversity.
Living Green Barrie is excited to announce the return of the Pine Tree Real Estate 2024 Halloween Community Tree Planting. As always, costumes are encouraged, and those wearing a costume will have their name put into a hat for a chance to win prizes. This free family-friendly event aims to educate the community on proper tree-planting techniques while providing a festive Halloween atmosphere. The event is free but registration is required. Visit Livinggreenbarrie.com for more information.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Pringle Park, 30 Pringle Dr., Barrie
What to bring: reusable water bottles, long pants, closed-toed footwear, and costumes.
Cost: free, with donations welcome to support Living Green Barrie’s ongoing environmental efforts.
Register: through our Living Green Barrie event page.
Secondary school volunteer hours: Bring your form and earn volunteer hours planting trees.
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