October 14, 2025
Justin Lewis
Tags: Backyard Biodiversity
If you've ever tried to tell a red oak from a white oak and felt a little lost, you're not alone. These iconic trees share a lot in common, but a closer look reveals some fascinating differences – ones that matter not just for identification, but for wildlife too. Leaf shape and bark texture matter, but the real story is in the acorns!
October 06, 2025
Jess Wilkin
While it might sound like something out of a fairy tale, this real-life fungal disease can do serious damage if left unchecked. As the leaves fall this autumn, you might notice something black and bumpy lurking on your tree’s bare branches. Read on to learn how to identify black knot, which trees it affects and how to manage it effectively!
October 01, 2025
Adam James
Tags: stewardship
Native trees and shrubs face an uphill battle when establishing themselves in disturbed environments. One of the main threats to their growth is invasive species. Without intervention, invasive plants can outnumber and outcompete native plants, eventually causing them to succumb to a lack of water, nutrients or space.
October 01, 2025
Joel S.
Do you like eating hazelnuts? What if we told you that you can grow them right in your own backyard, while also supporting biodiversity, enhancing privacy and enjoying a range of vibrant fall colours? LEAF’s Residential Planting Programs Field Assistant, Joel, shares all things American hazelnut and why he thinks this shrub could be the perfect addition to your yard this season!
September 11, 2025
Janet McKay
Tags: Urban Forest
The City of Toronto is asking for public comment on proposed updates to its Tree Bylaws. Urban Forestry staff have recommended several key improvements that LEAF enthusiastically supports. If you’re a Toronto resident, Toronto City Council needs to hear from you so that they understand the importance of these changes.
September 10, 2025
Amba P
From forest edge to urban yard, native trees and shrubs offer more than beauty. Many can be brewed into flavourful and grounding teas. With a professional background in developing recipes with foraged local ingredients, LEAF's Residential Planting Programs Assistant, Amba, shares her guide to harvesting ethically, storing wisely and blending intentionally with leaves, berries, twigs and flowers. Whether you forage or grow your own, you'll learn to craft teas that reflect your place, your palate and the seasons you move through.
August 13, 2025
Jessie Cripton
Our friend and Urban Forest Champion, Keyondre, used to wonder why so many city spaces remained bare when trees were needed more than ever. That question sparked action the day he saw LEAF planting outside his Toronto Community Housing home. What began with a dozen trees has grown into nearly 30, which he now helps care for. Hear from Keyondre as he shares how trees have improved the quality of life in his community.
August 13, 2025
Jess Wilkin
Finding the right shrub for your yard can feel a bit like dating. You’re looking for that perfect match with all the right qualities. So, we’re making it fun with a native plant twist. Imagine scrolling through “Timber,” the ultimate dating app for trees and shrubs, where each profile shows off what makes them irresistible. In our latest blog, we highlight four often-overlooked native shrubs that just might steal your heart (and make you want to swipe right).
July 30, 2025
Sarah Halonen
Tags: Community Programs
This spring, we asked our four Naturalization Assistants to share a memorable moment from their time working with LEAF. Whether guiding a young child through their first planting, connecting with families at a community event or learning directly from native species, each story highlights the unique ways this work builds relationships between people, places and plants we care for.
July 21, 2025
Jon Curtis
Tags: Inavsive Species
Have you noticed a small tree or shrub taking over your yard, forming dense thickets and crowding out native plants? It could be common buckthorn, an invasive species causing significant ecological damage in Ontario. Read on to learn how to identify, manage and prevent the spread of this threatening plant.