Homes in newly developed neighbourhoods often have compacted soil due to construction equipment. You can tell if your soil has been disturbed from construction if it is hard to dig into and has little to no visible organic matter (that dark layer near the top of soil ). Compacted soils are lower in biodiversity as they support fewer beneficial soil microorganisms responsible for providing organic material and nutrients . These soils also have trouble absorbing rain and snowmelt, which leads to flooding and soil erosion due to runoff.
![© 2022 LEAF Four Shrubs for Yards in Newly Developed Neighbourhoods](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser_10.png)
![© 2023 LEAF pussy willow flowers](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser1_0.png)
In most cases, waterlogged soils are not considered favourable growing conditions for trees and shrubs because excess water can promote rot or hinder the roots from getting enough oxygen. But for those of you with soggy soil, have no fear! Here are our top three native shrubs that can help soak up some of that extra water in those pesky, wet areas!
![© 2022 Lam Tran / LEAF LEAF RPP planting team standing by tree](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser_9.png)
Brenna Anstett – RPP Manager
Meet Brenna – our wonderful RPP Manager! She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph and is also an ISA certified arborist. Brenna loves working with nature and is passionate about reforesting the urban environment through educating folks on planting the right tree in the right place with the right care! She also loves teaching others all about fun tree identification facts!
![© 2017 Giuliana Casimirri / LEAF Making a dirt well after planting a tree](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser1.png)
Planting your own tree can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little help from our educated ISA-certified arborists, you’ll learn all about native species that fit your yard conditions and how to properly plant and care for a new tree. Before you know it, you’ll be planting a tree that will add many benefits to your yard and community for decades to come!
Why plant a tree yourself?
![© 2022 Sam Beleutz / LEAF A person standing in front of a wetland ecosystem, a forest in the background](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/sam_nov_2022.jpg)
For Sam, moving back to Toronto upon completing her undergraduate degree was the beginning of a new chapter. As the City was emerging from COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, Sam was driven to connect with other young environmental professionals, learn more about the urban forest in the city and expand her skillset. With those goals in mind, Sam applied for and was accepted into the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program in 2022.
![© 2023 LEAF close up of silver maple leaves](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser_8.png)
Why plant trees on my Multi-Unit or Business property?
There are tangible benefits to planting trees on your property, both as the owner and for your community.
![© 2022 Kathryn Devlin / LEAF A young woman on a trail, looking out into the natural landscape](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/yufl_-_kathryn_d_blog_teaser.png)
Kathryn always had a desire to grow a career in the environmental field. However, with her only work experience being in retail, she knew that volunteering with an environmental organization would bridge the gap to finding a fulfilling position. Driven to expand her skill set, learn more about the environmental field and make connections with other nature-lovers, she decided to apply and was accepted into the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) Program in 2021.
![© 2022 / LEAF Hemlock Wooly Adelgid](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/hwa_blog_teaser.png)
Invasive species are defined as any insect, animal, plant or pathogen (e.g., a fungus), that cause serious harm to our environment, society and economy. Take for example the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that has killed up to 99% of ash trees. The past two decades have set us face-to-face with its consequences: the loss of mature trees that provide shade, reduce pollution and increase property value; the loss of wildlife habitat; and the huge cost of removal and replacement.
![© 2022 LEAF Eastern White Cedar](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser_7.png)
![Stacey Bowman(© 2023 Stacey Bowman / LEAF)](/files/1_5.png)
What is your interest and motivation in serving for LEAF as a board member?
![© 2016 Brenna Anstett / LEAF Bumble bee on St. John's wort flower](https://www.yourleaf.org/files/blog_teaser_5.png)
Our Native Bee Shrub Bundle includes four native shrubs, mulch, delivery, a planting and care guide and a specialized fact sheet, all for only $100 +HST! The bundle includes four native species - St. John’s wort, snowberry, common ninebark, and grey dogwood - which provide shelter and food throughout every season for our native, wild bees. Planting a variety of shrub species will help support healthy biodiversity for our native bees in the urban environment. Read on to learn more about these species: