Use the filters below to help find the best tree for your planting site. Click on each of the filters to learn more about them.

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Planting Site

Where are you planting your tree(s)?

Landscape Ontario Recommended

Hardiness Zone

Your hardiness zone is determined by the coldest temperature your area experiences. Choosing a tree that's suited to your zone means it's more likely to make it through the winter and thrive.
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Do you know your hardiness zone?

Soil Quantity

Soil quantity is the amount of soil around your tree that is available forits roots to grow into. Assuming a 1 meter soil depth, how much space is available around your tree?

Sunlight

Different tree types have varying sunlight requirements during the growing season.

Thinking about how much sunlight your planting site receives. Is it:

Height

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How tall do you envision your tree once its fully grown?

Remember, how close your tree is planted to other objects will affect its height. Here's a guide:

Taller trees (over 8 meters) should be planted at least 8 meters away from powerlines.

Medium-height trees (between 6 to 8 meters) should be planted 3 meters away.

Smaller trees (under 3 meters) can be planted safely under powerlines.

Clear

Canopy

The tree canopy is like a leafy umbrella formed by the branches and leaves at the top of a tree. It's the upper layer of branches and foliage that creates shade and shelters everything beneath it. Think of it as the "roof" of the tree.

How wide do you want the canopy of your has fully grown?

Drainage

One way to tell how much drainage a site has is to see whether water pools after a heavy rain.

Does water tend to pool at your site after a heavy rain?

Still not sure?

If it hasn’t rained recently in your area, you can determine the drainage of your site yourself:

1. Dig a hole 30cm wide and 30cm deep.

2. Fill the hole completely with water and let it drain completely.

3. Fill the hole again and measure the water depth every 2 hours. A medium-draining soil will drop at least 5cm every 2 hours, any slower and you have a poor draining soil, any faster and you have a high draining soil.

Salt Tolerance

Will this tree be planted close (less than 5 meters) to a road/sidewalk that is salted in the winter?

Growth Rate

Clear

Trees grow at different speeds, some trees grow quickly, while others grow more slowly.
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How fast do you want your tree to grow?

Native Species

A native species is a type of plant that naturally occurs in a specific region and has adapted to the local climate, soil and other factors. Depending on the availability of native species, it may be more feasible to choose non-native species that serve a similar function to native ones, for example by providing a habitat for local wildlife or preventing erosion.
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I am looking for a species:

Deciduous or Evergreen

There are two main types of trees: Evergreen and Deciduous. Evergreen trees have leaves year round. Pine trees are an example of evergreen trees. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall. Maple trees are an example of deciduous trees.

Do you want your tree to have leaves year-round?

Watering

Will the tree be watered regularly after planting (at least once per week for the first year)?

Soil Quality

Soil quality testing is useful for understanding the growing conditions at your site and selecting a tree that’s likely to do well there.

Have you had your soil quality tested?

Texture Class:

Soil Respiration:

pH:

Organic Matter:

Calculate

Select Your score

Scoring ranges from 4-12.

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Striped Maple, Moosewood, Moose Maple
Acer pensylvanicum
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.
Naturalization area: Primarily intended to provide wildlife habitat, ecological restoration, and ecosystem services. | Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Upland Naturalization: Primarily upland or well drained to shallow sites
4 score, 5 score, 6 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 3 (a/b) | Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day. | Full shade: Less than 6 hours of filtered light or very little to no direct sunlight.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Deciduous
About the height of a 2 storey house (6 - 8 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
ontario_native | north_america_native
Yes
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area.
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day. | Full shade: Less than 6 hours of filtered light or very little to no direct sunlight.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
Yes
Deciduous
About the height of a 2 storey house (6 - 8 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
No
Trident Maple
Acer buergerianum
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Highway. Includes sites that are open spaces along major highways, and expressways. Typically high salt content, and very long maintenance of the trees. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Wide Median or Boulevard. Typically, a divider between two roads, with a small width of 1 to 3 m, or a boulevard between a roadway and a sidewalk | Restricted Urban Site/ hardscaped landscape Site
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score, 9 score
11 - 20 m
Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
Yes
Deciduous
About the height of a 2 storey house (6 - 8 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
No
Amur Maple - NOT RECOMMENDED TO PLANT
Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala
Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala, or amur maple, is not recommended to plant, due to invasive tendencies. This species 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.
Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Wide Median or Boulevard. Typically, a divider between two roads, with a small width of 1 to 3 m, or a boulevard between a roadway and a sidewalk | Restricted Urban Site/ hardscaped landscape Site
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score, 9 score, 10 score, 11 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 3 (a/b) | Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed after 12-24 hours (medium draining) | Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Deciduous
About the height of a 1 storey house (4 - 5 meters)
About the length of an average car (4 - 5 meters)
Moderately (30cm- 60cm per year)
No
Miyabe Maple
Acer miyabei
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Highway. Includes sites that are open spaces along major highways, and expressways. Typically high salt content, and very long maintenance of the trees. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Wide Median or Boulevard. Typically, a divider between two roads, with a small width of 1 to 3 m, or a boulevard between a roadway and a sidewalk | Restricted Urban Site/ hardscaped landscape Site
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score, 9 score, 10 score
11 - 20 m
Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Deciduous
About the height of a 3 storey house (9-15 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Moderately (30cm- 60cm per year)
No
Japanese Maple - Plant with Caution
Acer japonicum
Acer japonicum, or Japanese 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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area.
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Deciduous
About the height of a 2 storey house (6 - 8 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
Yes
Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area.
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score
11 - 20 m
Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
Yes
Deciduous
About the height of a 2 storey house (6 - 8 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
No
Hedge Maple - NOT RECOMMENDED TO PLANT�
Acer campestre
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.
Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Wide Median or Boulevard. Typically, a divider between two roads, with a small width of 1 to 3 m, or a boulevard between a roadway and a sidewalk | Restricted Urban Site/ hardscaped landscape Site
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score, 9 score, 10 score
21 - 30 m
Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
Yes
Deciduous
About the height of a 3 storey house (9-15 meters)
About the length of 3 average cars (10-15 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
No
Silver Fir, European Silver Fir
Abies alba
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area.
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Evergreen
Taller than a 4 storey house (21 meters +)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
No
Fraser Fir
Abies fraseri
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area.
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Evergreen
About the height of a 3 storey house (9-15 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
north_america_native
No
Noble Fir
Abies procera
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area.
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Evergreen
Taller than a 4 storey house (21 meters +)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Moderately (30cm- 60cm per year)
north_america_native
No
White Fir
Abies concolor
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.
Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Highway. Includes sites that are open spaces along major highways, and expressways. Typically high salt content, and very long maintenance of the trees. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Wide Median or Boulevard. Typically, a divider between two roads, with a small width of 1 to 3 m, or a boulevard between a roadway and a sidewalk | Restricted Urban Site/ hardscaped landscape Site
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score, 8 score, 9 score
11 - 20 m
Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Evergreen
About the height of a 4 storey house (greater than 16-20 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
north_america_native
No
Silver Fir, European Silver Fir
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.
Naturalization area: Primarily intended to provide wildlife habitat, ecological restoration, and ecosystem services. | Open Spaces. Includes commercial, industrial, and educational campuses, as well as municipal parks. | Highway. Includes sites that are open spaces along major highways, and expressways. Typically high salt content, and very long maintenance of the trees. | Residential area: Select this option if you're planting on your own property (like your backyard), or if you're an organization planting trees in a residential area. | Upland Naturalization: Primarily upland or well drained to shallow sites
4 score, 5 score, 6 score, 7 score
0 - 10 m
Zone 3 (a/b) | Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)
Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. | Partial sun: Less than 6 hours of direct sunlight or filtered light for most of the day.
Yes, but the water is absorbed in under 12 hours (high drainage)
No
Evergreen
About the height of a 4 storey house (greater than 16-20 meters)
About the length of 2 average cars (6 - 9 meters)
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
ontario_native | north_america_native
No
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