Regular observation and maintenance is important to ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of trees and shrubs. While the native species LEAF plants are well adapted to local conditions and often require lower maintenance, even native plants benefit from regular care and monitoring. This is why we are proud to offer free follow-up health assessments for LEAF planted trees and shrubs.
Young trees are especially vulnerable to many urban stressors, such as pests or diseases, so regular care and maintenance is essential to their growth and survival. Our follow-up visits are designed to ensure continual, healthy growth for your trees and shrubs after planting.
During a follow-up visit to assess your trees and shrubs, our arborist will:
- Take important measurements, such as the height, width and DBH (diameter at breast height)
- Assess the overall appearance and health of the structure, branches, leaves and bark
- Identify any areas of concern (e.g., damage, pests/diseases, soil conditions, improper pruning practices, poor moisture levels, growth conflicts, etc.)
- Conduct minor structural pruning (with your permission) to ensure a strong growth form
- Photograph the trees and shrubs from different angles
- Recommend solutions to improve overall health
Following the assessment, our arborists will email their observations and care recommendations to you, so it is not necessary for you to be present at the visit. However, we are always happy to talk if you would like to attend the visit to discuss any concerns. One major benefit of our follow-up program is that it gives you the opportunity to learn more and take an active role in the long-term health and survival of your trees and shrubs.
To get the most out of your follow-up assessment, it is important to clearly communicate with us prior to your visit to outline any concerns you may have, to let us know if your tree or shrub has been moved from its original planting location or to explain if your tree or shrub has received any significant damage since planting.
We have many helpful resources to help you identify common issues with your trees and shrubs. Your insight will give our arborists the tools they need to best advise you on your plants.
The LEAF Follow Up program is an essential tool for homeowners looking to maintain the health and longevity of their LEAF planted trees and shrubs. By participating in this program, you are not only taking an active role in helping the urban forest but also providing LEAF with valuable information on the success of our plantings. If you have previously had trees and shrubs planted by LEAF, we encourage you to take advantage of this valuable service. Keep an eye out for an email with a follow-up form asking if we can come by to assess your LEAF trees and shrubs.
Ready to plant? Check out our Homeowners page to get started on tree planting and our Shrubs, Garden Kits and Pawpaws page to order shrubs.
Sarah G. is the Residential Planting Programs Field Assistant at LEAF
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the Township of Brock, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby, Ontario Power Generation and Ontario Trillium Foundation.