Planted trees can add so much to a property. Whether you are looking for privacy, shade, diversity or character, there is a tree species for everyone. However, not every tree will be successful just anywhere. For example, you might want to add diversity to your fruiting orchard, but planting a banana tree or another tropical fruit tree in Ontario is likely to be unsuccessful. Trees can be categorized into “ Hardiness Zones” (Fig. 1) which are dictated by the conditions in which they can grow. Here in Haliburton, Ontario, we are considered to be in Zone 4 growing condition. Zone 4 has a short growing period with a range of climates including minimum temperatures of -34ºC to -37ºC during winter and potential for drought in the summer months. While this is not the “hardiest” zone for growing, there are many species that will just not like the range in conditions we experience.
Native trees are those that naturally grow in a certain area, while a non-native tree is a tree that is able to grow in an area it would typically not be found naturally. Some non-native species are considered “invasive” and should be avoided. Those that are non-invasive can add great diversity to an area.
Here are some of our favorite native and non-native trees to plant!
Native
Red Oak
Oak trees are known for their strength. With large, spready canopies, Red Oak trees are great for shading your property to keep it cool. Oak trees have natural drought resistance due to a very deep roots system. However, with a deep root system and extensive canopy, you should consider giving your newly planted Red Oak a large space to grow into. These trees are highly adaptable, but extremely slow growing, so don’t give up on your Oak too quickly. With a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day and fertile soil, your Red Oak will grow big and strong!
Sugar Maple
Sugar Maples are known for producing that sweet treat you put on your pancakes-SYRUP! If you are interested in producing your own homemade maple syrup, the Sugar Maple is your tree of choice. However, a Sugar Maple will not produce enough sap for syrup harvest until it is fully mature at around 30-40 years old. Young Sugar Maples will grow slow and steady in moist but well drained soil and partial sun. And remember, the more you plant, the more syrup you will have to harvest when the time comes!
Red Maple
Red Maples are a Canadian classic. They are resilient and strong with brilliant red fall colors and that iconic maple leaf shape. Red Maples are naturally found in moist wooded environments, so be sure to provide your newly planted Red Maple with lots of water or plan to plant in a low, moist area of your property.
White Spruce
Spruce trees are the first conifer in our list. With their dense cylindrical shape, White Spruces are great for providing privacy. Cedar trees are often recommended for privacy barriers, but here in Haliburton the deer run rampant and LOVE to eat the cedars. Spruce trees provide a similar outcome, but the deer are less likely to eat them since they just don't like the taste! The needles are a greyish-green color with a strong sprucy-scent. These trees are relatively resilient, growing well in a wide range of environments. And of course, as an evergreen, these trees will stay green all year-round, providing a bit of color to the snowy winter months.
White Pine
White pines are another iconic tree in the north with their large size and long, soft needles. These are fast growing trees, reaching heights of 80-100 ft tall. Some of the tallest trees in the region have been recorded to be White Pines close to 200 years old. However, these trees have naturally shallow roots, causing them to be highly susceptible to damage or uprooting during high wind events. Because of this low wind resistance, many White Pines do not make it to maturity, despite their fast growing nature.
Non-Native
Autumn Blaze Maple
Autumn Blaze Maples are actually a cross between a red and a silver maple, combining the best traits of each into this resilient, fast growing tree. Autumn Blazes have a good natural branching pattern for ideal shade and tolerate poor soil with disease and drought resistance. The best feature of the Autumn Blaze has to be the beautiful fall colors this cross produces. The leaves are truly a “blaze” during Autumn with deep red-orange leaves.
Crimson King Maple
Crimson King Maples are known for their deep reddy-purple leaves that add a bit of color to the sea of green during the regular growing season. These trees are cultivated from Norway Maples, retaining traits such as dense foliage and fast growth. However, these trees are known for seeding very heavily, leading to issues with being “messy” and potentially invasive.
Blue Spruce
Blue Spruce are very similar to the White Spruce, but have striking bluish-grey colored needles. The strong architectural shape and dense foliage make it a good choice for a privacy or wind barrier. Like the White Spruce, these conifers will be more resilient than a cedars since the deer won't eat them. They do however require more specific growing conditions compared to the White Spruce. Well drained and fertile soil is a must for a Blue Spruce, as well as a very sunny location. Too much moisture will make these trees more susceptible to disease.
Weeping Willow
Weeping Willows are likely the most iconic weeping tree with their long arching branches. Willows are known for holding A LOT of water, and need significant moisture to grow. This is why we often see them naturally growing in warm, wet river beds. If a Weeping Willow has sufficient water to grow, they will grow fast and furiously. Willows are possibly some of the fastest growing tree, thanks to their extensive root systems. It should be noted that a Willow should never be planted near a structure or underground infrastructure because the roots can damage just about anything in search of water. These roots will also sprout anywhere…even after the mother tree has been cut down, so excavating the root system is the only way to truly remove a Willow.
Apple trees
Fun Fact, apple trees are actually native to Asia, and were brought to North America by the Europeans. Crab Apple trees are native to North America, but are not the best for eating (but can make a great jelly!) If you are looking to plant apple trees here in zone 4, we suggest Mcintosh, Yellow Delicious or Honeycrisp. These varieties are hardy and resilient in a range of conditions, making them the best candidates for starting your very own orchard!
There are thousands of tree species and they all have their place. These are only a few of our top favorites to plant in our region. Many factors go into choosing the right tree to plant. Hardiness zone, purpose for planting, existing trees or landscaping, soil composition, sun exposure. All of these things can impact the success of your newly planted tree. For the most success, be sure to consult a professional. When in doubt, trust a TreeKing to help you out!
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