5 Most Common Trees You’ll Find In Southern Ontario

If you want to add a tree, here are some popular options for you.

Choosing native tree species is important for ensuring their successful growth and contribution to the environment and ecosystem. You’ll find five tree species that are particularly common and successful in that role in Southern Ontario.

In this blog, we’ll share these five tree species, their identifying characteristics, and their significance to the environment.

Sugar Maple

The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is a large deciduous tree native to Southern Ontario, featuring green, five-lobed leaves with sharp tips and yellowish-green springtime flowers. As fall approaches, these leaves undergo a stunning transformation, turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This tree is a popular choice for landscaping, providing shade and a striking display of autumn colors. Additionally, it serves as a valuable source of maple syrup, making it of significant economic importance in the region, all while being beloved for its magnificent fall foliage display in Southern Ontario.

White Oak

White Oak (Quercus alba) is another common tree species in Southern Ontario. It has leaves that are five to seven-pointed lobes with bristly tips and a wavy edge. White Oak trees are also an essential food source for wild animals such as squirrels and chipmunks because they produce acorns.

If you’re choosing a tree that’s good for landscaping, White Oak is a great option thanks to its slow growth and long life. They’re also resistant to insect infestations and rotting, making this tree the best choice if you want to plant something for commercial and residential landscaping.

White Birch

White Birch (Betula papyrifera) is a popular ornamental tree in Southern Ontario. Its bark is white and textured, with diamond-shaped black markings. It produces small, winged seeds that are edible and can be made into syrup.

The White Birch is prized in Southern Ontario for its ornamental appeal, as well as its fast growth rate. Its bark is white and textured, with diamond-shaped black markings that provide a unique and attractive look. Additionally, it produces small edible seeds that can be made into syrup or used as a food source for wildlife.

Green Ash

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is an established tree species in Southern Ontario. Its leaves are compound and arranged in pairs along a central stem, and it's well-known for its fast-growing nature, making it a fantastic choice for quick landscaping additions. Moreover, the tree produces small, winged seeds that attract birds and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice if you want to support local wildlife by providing them with an essential food source.

Black Walnut

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to most of Southern Ontario. It has pinnately compound leaves with serrated edges, and its bark is dark gray or black. It also produces edible nuts that are an important food source for wildlife. Black Walnut is a slow-growing tree but has a long life expectancy, making it an excellent choice for landscaping and forestry applications.

Some of the most commonly found trees in Southern Ontario are the five species mentioned. They are valued for their beauty, shade, various uses, and contribution to the environment and local ecosystem. When selecting trees for landscaping or forestry applications in the region, be sure to consider the characteristics of these five tree species. Take good care of them and maintain them properly. If you do, they will grow well and keep providing environmental benefits for many years.

If you want to know more about trees and how to care for them, don’t hesitate to give us a ring! Our reliable and expert arborists at Kanata Tree Service Masters will gladly lend a hand.