Prunus pensylvanica, or pin cherry, serves as a valuable "nurse" tree in woodlands, providing cover and shade for larger hardwood seedlings. The native range extends across much of North America, encompassing eastern Canada from Newfoundland and southern Labrador to British Columbia, and the southern Northwest Territories, as well as the Great Lakes region, New England, and parts of the Appalachian Mountains. It thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil but can also grow in sandy or light clay soil. Fast-growing and one of the first to emerge after a fire, it's beneficial for erosion control in disturbed areas. However, its bark, flowers, leaves, and stems are highly poisonous to humans and livestock due to hydrocyanic acid. It is short-lived, often surviving until it reaches about 10cm in diameter in urban areas.

Prunus sargentii, or sargent cherry, is a non-native tree originating from Japan. It is a hardy, adaptable tree known for its stunning pink flowers, making it a great choice for residential areas, parks, and urban settings. It adapts to various soil pH levels and tolerates wind but is sensitive to air pollution. Sargent cherry drops leaves in the fall and produces small, inedible fruit that can create some mess.

Prunus serotina, or black cherry, thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained, fertile loams with moist conditions. The native range encompasses eastern North America, extending from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, west to eastern Texas, with disjunct populations in central Texas, the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. It prefers slightly moist soils, and will not tolerate extreme periods of wet or dry soil. Known for its profuse spring blooms, attractive summer foliage, and vibrant fall colour, it's an excellent choice for large landscapes like parks. While it's slightly salt tolerant, making it adaptable to various sites and is considered one of the more trouble-free cherry varieties. Black cherry produces small, dark, bitter fruit that's popular with birds but can create litter, along with leaf drop in the fall.

Prunus serrulata, or Japanese flowering cherry, is a non-native tree species originating from Japan, Korea, and China. It is well-suited for urban areas due to its tolerance of air pollution. Though it has a relatively short lifespan and can be high maintenance, it thrives with good air circulation and well-drained soils. The trunk is prone to splitting, and its thin bark is easily damaged. While it drops leaves in fall and produces small fruit that can create litter, it still makes a striking addition to any landscape.

Prunus subhirtella, or higan cherry, is a non-native tree species originating from Japan. It is a hardy tree with better tolerance for both summer heat and winter cold than many other flowering cherries. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil but is also adaptable to alkaline and dry sites. Higan cherry drops leaves in fall and produces small fruit that can create litter, making it somewhat messy.

Prunus virginiana, or chokecherry, is native to Ontario and most of Canada and the US. It thrives in semi-dry, fertile soil and is highly resilient, with easy transplanting. Its weak wood, however, makes it prone to branch breakage during ice storms. In the fall, Prunus virginiana drops leaves and produces small, dark fruit that can create some mess.

Pseudotsuga menziesii, or douglas fir, is native tree species to North America from the coastal regions from west-central British Columbia southward to Central California and thrives in areas with abundant air and soil moisture. It prefers well-aerated, deep soils, with a pH range from 5 to 6. While it is one of the largest tree species, it can be prone to significant damage from fungal diseases. Due to its size and specific growing conditions, douglas fir is generally not suitable for most urban landscapes.

Ptelea trifoliata, or common hoptree, is native to North America, where it is found in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This species is a versatile small tree that thrives in average, well-drained soils ranging from dry to medium moisture. It can tolerate both part to full shade and full sun, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. It is particularly effective as a large informal hedge or screen, or as a specimen plant in naturalized or woodland landscapes. Unlike true ash trees, it is not affected by the emerald ash borer. Its tendency to sucker makes it a good choice for naturalizing, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth.

CAUTION: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Pyrus calleryana, or callery pear, is not recommended to plant, due to invasive tendencies. It is native to China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Callery pear is short-lived and can be quite thorny. It prefers full sun, and well-draining, loamy soil, with a pH between 6 and 8.5. Pruning should be done as needed in winter to improve the tree's strength and structure as this species can be prone to branch breakage in storms. An alternative option is the Amelanchier or Cercis canadensis.

Pyrus ussuriensis, or prairie gem ussurian pear, native to northeast Asia and is highly resistant to fire blight. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soils. Young trees should be pruned to create an open branching structure for even light distribution of fruit. This high-maintenance plant requires regular care and is best pruned in late winter after the risk of extreme cold has passed. Pyrus ussuriensis drops small fruits and a moderate number of leaves, with heavier shedding during the fall. It is considered somewhat messy due to the persistent debris that requires regular seasonal cleanup.

CAUTION: MAY HAVE INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Quercus acutissima, or saw-tooth oak, is considered a noxious weed or invasive in some regions of North America (not Ontario). The native range of sawtooth oak encompasses eastern Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and the Himalayas. While it is generally considered low maintenance with good pest resistance, if planted in alkaline soils the leaves will become chlorotic. Quercus acutissima drops large, spiky acorns and a significant number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and frequent leaf drop that require regular cleanup. A good alternative to plant includes the Quercus alba, Quercus bicolor and Quercus macrocarpa.

Quercus alba, or white oak, is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Maine and Quebec west to Minnesota, south to Texas, and east to Florida. It is best grown in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained loams in full sun, though it adapts well to a variety of soil conditions and is drought tolerant. This long-lived tree is commonly used as a large shade tree, street tree, or lawn tree but requires ample space for growth. They are very slow growing when young, difficult to transplant and not tolerant of alkaline and fine textured soil. Its acorns ripen in fall, which can be a litter issue near sidewalks and patios. Pruning should be done in the dormant season to avoid attracting beetles that carry oak wilt. Quercus alba drops large acorns and a substantial number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and the seasonal leaf drop that requires regular cleanup.

Quercus biocolour, or swamp white oak is a durable, long-lived tree that thrives in moderate to wet, acidic soils and full sun. Its Native range extends across eastern and central North America, from southwestern Maine to southern Quebec and Ontario, and south to Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and New Jersey. It has surprisingly good drought resistance and is one of the easiest oaks to transplant. This tree is ideal for wet ground and low spots, making it a good choice for areas prone to moisture (but not flooding). This species may experience chlorosis in alkaline soils but is tolerant of salt and heat stress. Pruning in the dormant season helps prevent attracting beetles that could carry oak wilt. Quercus bicolor drops large acorns and a considerable number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and abundant leaf drop that requires regular cleanup

Quercus coccinea, or scarlet oak, is a durable, low-maintenance tree that thrives in well-drained soils, particularly those that are dry, acidic, and sandy. Scarlet oak is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southwestern Maine west to Michigan, south to Missouri and Mississippi, and east to South Carolina and the eastern Atlantic coast. It grows best in full sun and is less prone to chlorosis compared to its relative, pin oak (Q. palustris). Pruning in the dormant season helps prevent attracting beetles that could carry oak wilt. It makes an excellent shade tree, especially in drier locations, and can also be used as a street tree, provided it has enough space to reach its mature size. Quercus coccinea drops acorns and a significant number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and extensive leaf drop that require regular cleanup.

Quercus ellipsoidalis, northern pin oak, also known as Hill's oak, grows best in dry to medium, well-drained soils with average acidity and full sun. While it prefers consistent moisture, it can tolerate dry soils and is adaptable to a range of conditions, including alkaline soils, which typically cause chlorosis in other oaks. It is native to the north-central United States and south-central Canada, primarily in the Great Lakes region and the Upper Mississippi Valley. This tree produces acorns as a food source for wildlife, including deer, bears, and birds. Pruning in the dormant season helps prevent attracting beetles that carry oak wilt. Despite occasional galls and insect damage, this oak is a durable, low-maintenance tree for a variety of landscapes. Quercus ellipsoidalis drops acorns and a moderate number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and seasonal leaf drop that require regular cleanup.

Quercus imbricaria, or shingle oak is native primarily to the Midwestern and Upper South regions of North America, specifically from Pennsylvania to Iowa and Arkansas, and is particularly common in the Ohio River Valley. This species grows best in rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun but adapts to a variety of soil types, including dry ones. It is a low-maintenance tree with good pest resistance and provides acorns as an important food source for wildlife. It can be pruned for use as a screen or hedge and is suitable for large lawns, parks, or as a street tree. Pruning in the dormant season helps prevent attracting beetles that could carry oak wilt. Despite having a taproot, it is easier to transplant than other oaks and is somewhat salt-tolerant. Quercus imbricaria drops acorns and a moderate number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and seasonal leaf drop that require regular cleanup.

Quercus macrocarpa, or bur oak, is native to temperate eastern North America with a native range in eastern and southern Ontario, along the southern portion of northwestern Ontario, and infrequently in the southern Algoma District. This species is best grown in full sun and well-drained soils, preferring moist loams, but is adaptable to various soil conditions including heavy clays and urban soils. It has excellent drought tolerance and is a long-lived, low-maintenance tree, though it may take up to 35 years to produce its first crop of acorns. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for shade and specimen plantings. Pruning during the dormant season helps avoid attracting beetles that spread oak wilt. Quercus macrocarpa drops large acorns and a substantial number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the large acorn litter and abundant leaf drop that require regular cleanup.

Quercus montana, or chestnut oak, is native to the eastern United States and thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, preferring moist, rich loams but adaptable to dry, rocky soils. It has good drought tolerance and grows tallest in rich, well-drained conditions. Chestnut oak is susceptible to oak diseases like oak wilt, chestnut blight, and anthracnose, along with pests such as scale, oak skeletonizer, and caterpillars. Despite these risks, it is considered low-maintenance and long-lived. This tree is ideal for large lawns or parks and particularly suitable for areas with poor, rocky soils. Pruning during the dormant season helps prevent oak wilt spread. Quercus montana drops acorns and a significant number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and seasonal leaf drop that require regular cleanup.

Quercus muehlenbergii, or chinquapin oak, is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from New England and southern Ontario to Minnesota, south to the Florida panhandle, and west to New Mexico and northern Mexico. It is easily grown in full sun and well-drained soils, preferring moist, fertile loams in cultivation but often found in dry, rocky soils in the wild. It is drought-tolerant and can take up to 30 years to bear acorns. Acorns provide valuable food for wildlife. Despite these risks, it is considered a low-maintenance, long-lived tree. Ideal as a shade tree for large lawns or parks, it thrives in rich, deep soils but is also well-suited to alkaline soils. It is also moderately tolerant of urban soils and drought. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Quercus muehlenbergii drops acorns and a moderate number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and seasonal leaf drop that require regular cleanup.

Quercus palustris, commonly known as the pin oak, is a native to the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. Pin oak is well-suited for moist, acidic soils and is often found in lowlands, floodplains, and stream margins. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate wet and poorly drained soils, though it may be prone to chlorosis in alkaline conditions. Pin oak is a popular shade tree for lawns, streets, and parks. Notable cultivars include Crownright, which has an upright habit and avoids the need for pruning lower branches. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Quercus palustris drops a significant number of leaves and small acorns, with the heaviest shedding in the fall.

Quercus phellos, or willow oak, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the Southeastern U.S. This fast-growing tree thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a variety of conditions, including clay and wet soils. Willow oak is tolerant of urban pollution, making it a great choice for streets, parks, and large lawns. Notable cultivars include Hightower, which has a dense, uniform form, and Upperton, known for its narrow habit. These cultivars are ideal for various landscaping applications, including rain gardens and floodplains. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Quercus phellos drops a moderate number of leaves and small acorns, with the heaviest shedding in the fall.

Quercus robur, commonly known as English oak, is a large, deciduous tree native to Europe, Western Asia, and parts of North Africa. This white oak species thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it adapts well to a wide range of soil conditions, including alkaline and dry sites. English oak is known for being low-maintenance, but it is susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates. White oaks are known to be less susceptible to Oak Wilt. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Several cultivars are available, including the columnar 'Fastigiata,' which is a popular choice for smaller spaces. Quercus robur drops large acorns and a significant number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall.

Quercus rubra, commonly known as red oak or northern red oak, is a large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Known for its fast growth, the tree can reach heights of 50-75 feet with a similar spread and is highly valued as a shade tree. It thrives in acidic, moist, well-drained soils, preferring sandy loams, but can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including alkaline, dry, and clay soils. It also has a high tolerance for urban conditions, including air pollution and dry sites, making it an excellent choice for streets, parks, and large lawns. While red oak is generally a durable and long-lived tree, it is susceptible to oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. It is also prone to chlorosis in soils that are not sufficiently acidic. Quercus rubra drops acorns and a substantial number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall.

Quercus shumardii, commonly known as shumard oak or swamp red oak, is a large deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, southwestern Ontario, particularly found in lowlands, floodplains, and swamp edges. This oak grows rapidly in moist, rich soils but is highly adaptable, tolerating drier conditions and a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay and poorly drained soils. Shumard oak is a stress-tolerant tree that thrives in urban environments and can withstand high pH soils, drought, and occasional flooding. It is particularly well-suited for city streets, parks, and rain gardens, offering shade with its pyramidal crown, which broadens with age. The tree grows to a height of 40 to 60 feet, with a similar spread. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Quercus shumardii drops acorns and a significant number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall.

Quercus velutina, commonly known as black oak, is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers acidic conditions, though it is adaptable to poor, dry soils, including sandy and clay soils. Black oak is best suited for full sun and is commonly found in upland hills, slopes, and ridges, but can tolerate part shade. Prune in the dormant season to prevent attracting beetles that may spread oak wilt. Black oak is a relatively low-maintenance tree, though it may hold dead branches for extended periods and is not as commonly available in nurseries as other oak species. Quercus velutina drops acorns and a considerable number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall.