Abies alba, or silver fir, is a non-native European tree species with a native range in the mountainous regions of central, southern, and western Europe. Silver fir is slow growing especially after transplanting, and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. This species has long branches that arch to the ground and is suitable for gentle urban sites. Although it is rare in the nursery trade, they tolerate more shade than other fir species and are not prone to significant insect or disease issues. For an alternative native to North America, consider Abies concolor, which is better suited to this climate, or Abies balsamea.

Abies balsamea, or balsam fir, is a native tree in Ontario and ideal for cool climates, occurring naturally in most of eastern and central Canada and northeastern States in the US. Balsam fir prefers moist, well-drained soil and is best transplanted in spring. Known for its pleasant fragrance, it's a popular nursery choice and specimen tree for different maintained landscapes. Balsam fir does not perform well in urban areas with compacted soil or clay soils. It's shallow-rooted and vulnerable to heavy winds, so extra care and irrigation may be required during establishment to improve the trees ability to root in on your site.

Abies concolor, or white fir, is a hardy tree non-native to Ontario but native to western US and is commonly found in nurseries. It prefers well-drained soil and is a poor performer in heavy clay soil. This species is known for its adaptable nature being tolerant to alkaline soils, drought, heat, and cold temperatures. Pruning is rarely needed, but if required, pruning in the spring is recommended. The white fir tends to be difficult to transplant into the urban environment and may require additional irrigation maintenance to help it through its establishment phase.

Abies fraseri, or fraser fir, is a non-native tree to Ontario but native to southern Appalachia in the USA and faces challenges from various threats from pests and disease. Its natural population is declining due to the impact of the balsam woolly adelgid, a European aphid-like insect. The species typically grows in shallow soils and is well-adapted to survive long-term under dense canopies but will not thrive in full shade. Although it does best in pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0, it can tolerate acidic to alkaline pH levels (5.0 to 8.0). The fraser fir is valued for its role in watershed protection, its scenic appeal, and minimal maintenance. Fraser fir tends to be difficult to transplant and may require additional irrigation to help it through its establishment phase.

Abies procera, or noble fir, is a non-native tree to Ontario but is native to the western US and is the largest of the true fir species, but are relatively rare in the nursery trade. This species will thrive on a variety of soil textures (coarse to fine) if there is adequate moisture. It is particularly suited for high elevations, cool, moist, and well-drained conditions. While mature trees are relatively free of serious pests and disease, it is highly susceptible to balsam woolly adelgid. Noble fir is moderately windfirm and is considered a shade-intolerant pioneer species. Noble firs tend to be difficult to transplant and may require additional irrigation maintenance to help it through its establishment phase.

Acer buergerianum, or trident maple, is a non-native species that originates from China and is relatively rare in the nursery trade. It is well-suited for acidic soils that are well-drained, and drier sites compared to other maple varieties. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. It has a striking fall color, with leaves turning dark red or orange and is well suited in urban environments that can tolerate salty soil.

CAUTION: MAY HAVE INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer campestre, or hedge maple, is not recommended to plant, due to invasive tendencies. This species is non-native to Ontario and occurs naturally in most of continental Europe and parts of western Asia and North Africa. The tree produces many seeds, which can lead to it becoming weedy. Hedge maples adapt well to various soil types, including heavy clays, and are suitable to urban environments, which is why this species has been popular as an urban tolerant tree. Although tolerant to urban conditions, it is still strongly discouraged to plant due to its invasive tendencies. For an alternative native to Ontario, consider planting Acer rubrum.

Acer griseum, or paperbark maple, is a non-native species originating from central China. It prefers moist soils that are a sandy or loamy consistency. It is commonly found in the nursery trade and is adaptable to various soil pH levels making it a suitable specimen tree for urban environments. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. The paperbark maple can also be easily transplanted and is known for being one of the last maples to display fall color, with its leaves often lasting into winter.

CAUTION: MAY HAVE INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer japonicum, or Fullmoon maple, is a non-native species originating from Northern Japan. It is considered an emerging invasive in the Mid-Atlantic states, and there are some indications the rootstock has the potential to become an issue in Ontario. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil between the pH range of 6.0-7.5. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. It is commonly found in the nursery trade, known for its striking foliage colour.

Acer miyabei, or miyabe maple, is a non-native species originating from Hokkaido Japan, and is relatively limited in the nursery industry, but is becoming more popular. It prefers moist-well drained soil, and partial shade. It generally has no serious insect or disease issues and can be a suitable alternative to ash trees. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. Miyabe maples are easy to transplant and the cultivar Morton state street miyabe maple is noted for its heat tolerance and adaptability to urban environments.

NOT RECOMMENDED TO PLANT: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer negundo, or Manitoba/ boxelder maple, is not recommended to plant as it spreads and dominates forest stands easily (weedy), despite being native to Canada. As a result, it is not commonly available in the nursery. Manitoba maple is a hardy and fast-growing tree, but is prone to storm damage which gives it a short life span. It prefers a well-drained loamy soil, and can tolerate a range of soil types, however, it performs best in nutrient-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. The Auditor General of Ontario has specifically flagged this tree species as a concern in the nursery trades ("Value-for-Money Audit Management of Invasive Species," 2022) and as such should not be recommended for planting. For an alternative native tree species, consider Amelanchier spp., or Acer rubrum.

Acer nigrum, or black maple, now classified as a subspecies of sugar maple (Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum), is native to Ontario, and is found in the eastern and central United States, extending into southern Canada in southern Ontario and Quebec. It is valued for its dense, rounded crown, dark furrowed bark, and vibrant fall colors. It prefers well-drained rich soils, and has limited availability in the nursery industry but can be commonly planted in urban environments and is a recommended urban tree. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. Black maple suffers from salt, drought, and air pollution. While it is not suited to hostile urban sites it can make an excellent tree for gardens, residential areas and parks with large lawns (similar to sugar maples).

Acer palmatum, or Japanese maple, is a non-native species originating from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and eastern China. It thrives in well-drained fertile loam enriched with organic matter, and between a pH of 6.0-7.0. This species makes for an excellent small tree for home gardens or maintained garden beds with part shade in late afternoon. Avoid planting in areas that are hot and dry. They are commonly found in the nursery industry as being popular choices for ornamental gardens, understory trees, and bonsai. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. It can be transplanted with some ease.

Acer pensylvanicum, commonly known as moosewood, snakebark, or striped maple, is native to Ontario and enjoys moist, well-drained conditions, in partial shade. Although native to Ontario, it can be limited in quantity at nurseries. Moosewoods are relatively easy to transplant, but can be sensitive to heat and drought, requiring constant moisture. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree.

NOT RECOMMENDED TO PLANT: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer platanoides, or Norway maple, is non-native with a natural range of continental Europe and not recommended to plant as it spreads easily and dominates urban woodlots. Norway maple has previously been overplanted as a street tree in parts of Canada as it is highly adaptable, thriving in various environments and urban settings due to its tolerance of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and ozone. It does best when planted in moist well-drained soil, and kept from drying out. It has shallow roots that can damage pavements and is a prolific seed producer, leading to its invasion of forests and edges. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. Although this species has invasive tendencies, it is commonly found in nurseries due to its popularity in urban landscapes. Other suitable species to plant instead include the Acer rubrum, Acer saccharum and Acer saccharinum.>

CAUTION: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer pseudoplatanus, or sycamore maple, is not recommended to plant, due to invasive tendencies and the large quantities of seeds it can produce. This species is non-native to Ontario with a natural range in continental Europe and western Asia. They are not overly particular to one type of soil, but do best in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Sycamore maple trees are tolerant of salt and many pollutants, making them tolerant to urban settings and can be transplanted with some ease. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. For an alternative, consider planting Acer rubrum, Acer miyabei, sugar maple, and silver maple.

Acer rubrum, or red maple, is native to Ontario and ranges throughout eastern North America, thriving on a wide range of soil types and tolerating wet, flooded soils for prolonged periods of time. They are commonly found in the nursery industry and are ideal to plant in urban environments. Not recommended for urban areas with alkaline, and fine textured soils (chlorosis generally occurs). The species can be easily transplanted. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree.

Acer saccharinum, or silver maple, is native to Ontario and ranges throughout eastern North America and is a great selection when planting on floodplains, edges of streams or rivers, and in low woods. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate wet conditions and periodic flooding. They are commonly found in the nursery industry and can intake vast amounts of water that can support areas prone to poor drainage or can be integrated into rain gardens. Their shallow roots may damage nearby sidewalks and their brittle branches are prone to storm damage, making regular pruning essential. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree.

Acer saccharum, or sugar maple, is native to Ontario and ranges throughout eastern North America and has its famous leaf shape displayed on Canada's flag as the national tree. It prefers a slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. The species is commonly found in the nursery industry and thrive best in open parks, lawns, or large residential areas, providing excellent shade. Planting along roadsides is not recommended as sugar maples are not tolerant to salt, pollution, or soil compaction, but otherwise are easily transplanted. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree.

Acer spicatum, or mountain maples, is native to Ontario and ranges throughout northeastern North America but are extremely rare in the nursery industry. A substitute that is more readily available at nurseries is the striped maple, also called moose maple (Acer pensylvanicum). Mountain maples are resistant to most diseases and insects but require protection from wind and sun but are relatively easy to transplant. The hardy, shade-adapted species can prevent erosion on streambanks and steep slopes. These small maples, with the most northerly range among maples, adapt to various soils and support wildlife such as rabbits, deer, moose, and ruffed grouse. Though important in riparian systems, they are not well-suited for cultivation.

CAUTION: MAY HAVE INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer tataricum, or tatarian maple, is not recommended to plant as the industry is debating it being synonymous with Acer ginnala, and as a species with invasive tendencies. This species is non-native to Ontario with a natural range in eastern Europe, Central Asia and Russia. It prefers well-drained loamy soil, but can tolerate a range of soil conditions. The species is commonly available at nurseries but are moderately messy with their seeds and leaves dropping seasonally. They are relatively easy to transplant. For an alternative, consider planting Acer rubrum.

CAUTION: MAY HAVE INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala, or amur maple, is non-native to Ontario and naturally occurs in northeastern Asia, specifically from easternmost Mongolia east to Korea and Japan, and north to the Russian Far East in the Amur River valley. It prefers a well-drained fertile soil and will produce a more vibrant fall colour when planted in more acidic soil. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. The amur maple is highly adaptable and hardy in the urban environment, making it easy to transplant, and isalso commonly found in the nursery trade. The Auditor General of Ontario has specifically flagged this tree species as a concern in the nursery trades ("Value-for-Money Audit Management of Invasive Species," 2022) and as such should not be recommended for planting. For an alternative native to North America, consider Aesculus pavia, or Carpinus caroliniana.

Acer triflorum, or the three flowered maple, is a non-native species originating from northeastern China and Korea. It prefers acidic soil and is salt tolerant, but is intolerant of alkaline soils, soil compaction, and wet soils. It prefers sun to partial shade, and does best in moist, but well-drained soils. This species is not commonly available in nurseries due to its complex seed dormancy and limited success with cuttings, but may become popular in the future due to its aesthetic features. It is one of the few trees to develop good fall colour in shade.

Acer truncatum, or shantung maple, is a non-native species originating from China, Japan, and Korea. It thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, and prefers loamy or sandy soil. It is commonly found in the nursery trade and its smaller size makes it suitable in a variety of urban settings, including under utility lines. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. Although adaptable and hardy, it remains relatively uncommon based on limited data.

Acer x freemanii, or freeman maple, a hybrid between red and silver maples, is native to Ontario and is commonly found in the nursery industry with numerous cultivars available. The species combines the strong branch attachment and striking fall colour of red maple with the fast growth rate, drought-tolerance and broader soil-type-range of silver maple. It prefers well-drained, moist, acidic soil in the full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate heavy clay soils. An observed issue with Freeman maples is that they develop multiple tight crotches with enclosed bark - which can result in crown breakage in mature trees. It is advisable to prune in the late spring (June), as cutting may cause sap to leak from the wounds. While this can impact the tree's appearance, it does not harm the tree. Some areas of Canada are seeing an over-planting of freeman maple, and therefore it's advisable to look at local diversity at the site before planting.