Trees and Forestry

We encourage landowners to plant native species of trees and other vegetation.

Planting native species helps to re-establish ecosystems that existed before the development of the land (in our case, we are deciduous mixed forests, or Carolinian species). Pockets of native habitats in urban areas, and increasing areas of natural areas in rural West Perth provide natural links for species across the landscape.

Native species are specifically adapted to our region's weather and climate patterns, meaning they require less water and fertilizer than non-native species and have a higher survival rate during periods of drought or extremely harsh winters. Native species are also more resistant to pests and fungal infections, as they will be heartier than non-native species.

SO.... What should you plant?

• Acer x freemanii (Freemans Maple)
• Acer nigrum ‘Green Column’ (Green Column Black Maple)
• Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
• Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
• Amelanchier canadensis Std. (Serviceberry Tree)
• Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)
• Cornus racemosa Std. (Gray Dogwood Tree)
• Cherry Sp. (Pin Cherry and Chokecherry)
• Cornus alternifolia (Alternate Leafed Dogwood)
• Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
• Gymnoclaudus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree)
• Hamamelis virginiana (Witch-hazel)
• Liriodendrop tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
• Picea glauca (White Spruce)
• Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)
• Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore)
• Thuga occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar)
• Tilia Americana (Basswood)
• Quercus macrocapia (Bur Oak)
• Quercus rubra (Red Oak)

For information on shrub and groundcover/garden plants, check out the Grow Me Instead Guide from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.

Each year, Ausable Bayfield Conservation, landowners and municipalities plant tens of thousands of trees to improve forest conditions within the watershed. Landowners who reside in the Ausable Bayfield watershed may be eligible to participate in the tree planting program and receive funding.

For pricing and availability, please contact Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist, at 519-235-2610, or visit their website at www.abca.ca

Landowners who reside in the Upper Thames River watershed and own a minimum of 1 hectare (2.5 acres) are eligible to participate in the Tree Planting on Private Lands program of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Trees purchased through this program may be planted by the landowner or through the UTRCA’s full planting service.

For pricing and availability, please contact Brenda Gallagher, Forestry Technician at 519-451-2800 x260 or visit their website at www.thamesriver.on.ca

The Perth County Stewardship Program is back for a second year to support tree planting projects and forest management plans across the region. Following the success of the inaugural year, the County has pledged $100,000 to the 2025 program intake. 

The fall application intake is now open!

The 2025 Stewardship Program Grant Guide details the grant streams offered for 2025, as well as eligibility criteria and details on how to apply. Eligible applicants including private landowners and community groups, can apply for grant funding for tree planting projects and forest management plans, on this webpage.

Tree planting links existing natural habitats, supports native species migrations, protects agricultural lands, and provides ecosystem services to rural communities. Tree planting initiatives can help adapt to changes in weather patterns and climactic shifts by sequestering carbon, and adding to the resiliency of our landscape to extreme weather events.

In agricultural lands, windbreaks and treed buffers reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality, and slow water down before entering creeks and rivers. Surrounding rural communities, trees reduce the impact of noise pollution and wind damage, and improve the aesthetic value of the area. The Perth County Stewardship Program aims to grow and adapt to the needs of Perth County’s residents and environments.

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has planted more than 1,350,000 trees since 1951! Landowners who reside in the Maitland Valley watershed may be eligible to participate in the tree planting program and receive funding.

For pricing and availability, please contact Karlene Zurbrigg at 519-335-3557 ext. 250 or visit their website at www.mvca.on.ca