Tree & Shrub Planting

Trees and shrubs form the structural backbone of any landscape design. Unlike seasonal flowers, these plantings represent a long-term investment in the property's appearance and environmental quality. In Ontario, planting must be approached methodically, respecting the harsh winters and varied soil compositions to ensure that these large plants can survive and thrive over decades.

What the Service Involves

This service involves the physical logistics of introducing new woody plants to a property. It starts with precise placement based on property lines and aesthetic goals. We dig appropriate planting holes, which are wider than the root ball to encourage outward root growth. We manage existing soil conditions by incorporating necessary amendments, properly position the plant, and backfill the area carefully to eliminate air pockets before applying mulch.

Suitable Applications

Planting trees and shrubs is ideal for establishing privacy screens along property borders, creating shade for outdoor seating areas, or anchoring garden beds with structural focal points. It applies to both residential yards needing windbreaks and commercial properties requiring robust, low-maintenance greenery at their entrances.

Planning Considerations

The most critical aspect is proper plant selection. A plant must be matched to the site's hardiness zone, available sunlight, and natural soil moisture. Furthermore, calculating proper spacing is vital; trees must be planted far enough from buildings, foundations, and each other to accommodate their mature canopy and root spread without causing future structural interference.

Preparation

Site preparation involves checking for underground utilities before any digging commences. The specific soil conditions at the planting site are assessed to determine if the drainage is adequate for the chosen species. If the soil is heavily compacted clay, significant preparatory digging and conditioning may be required to give the roots a chance to establish.

Maintenance Considerations

The establishment phase for trees and shrubs can take one to three years. During this time, they require strict, deep watering schedules. Long-term maintenance involves structural pruning to remove dead or crossing branches, and replenishing mulch to protect the root zone from temperature fluctuations.

Important Limitations

We cannot bypass the limitations of seasonal planting. Planting during the peak heat of summer severely increases the risk of plant failure. Additionally, the success of the planting is entirely dependent on the property owner adhering to the establishment watering guidelines; professional planting cannot compensate for post-installation neglect.