Backyard Tree Planting Program

What comes to mind when you think of pruning? For many people, it’s a topiary shrub clipped into an ornamental shape. Though we often think of pruning as an aesthetic practice, it actually serves a much wider purpose. Each pruning cut has the ability to change the growth pattern of a tree forever; making pruning young trees an essential practice in order to maintain health and encourage a strong structure as they mature.

LEAF offers over 50 native trees and shrubs through our Backyard Tree Planting Program. Clearly, we love native species! But, is there one among them all that our staff likes best? I interviewed our Residential Planting Programs staff on what makes their favourite tree so great.

The ironwood is a tree with so many wonderful features, but its ability to blend in with its surroundings is uncanny. As a natural, smaller-growing understory tree that prefers a bit of shade, the ironwood keeps a low-profile amongst its forest friends.

The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program has been helping private property owners plant native trees for more than two decades. Designed so that native trees survive and thrive, the program boasts a number of unique features that benefit both trees and property owners.