Wait! Don’t start digging just yet! Here are a few things to consider before you dig. Whose land is it? Is there a network of gas lines, water pipes, telephone and hydro cables? Is there a septic system? Keep in mind the size of the tree once it is full grown, and how that may impact local features.
Before you dig, contact Ontario One Call, by phone at 1-800-400-2255 or online at on1call.com. This free provincial service will provide you with information about any underground services (pipelines, cables, etc.) that could affect where you plan to dig. It is mandatory by law to call them at least five days before starting to dig a hole.
If you want to plant a tree in a park or public place, call the City of Ottawa. The city is committed to planting more trees and is open to citizen input on where to put them. If you’d like to have a tree planted on city property in front of your home, and are willing to care for it once it has been planted by the city, check out Ottawa’s Trees in Trust program.
Once you’ve decided on a tree and have selected an appropriate site, find the best season to plant it in. In general, early spring and autumn are the best times to plant a tree.
