Cedar hedges are everywhere in the GTA because they grow dense, stay green all year and give you privacy. But every spring, plenty of homeowners walk outside to find hedges that are splayed open, snapped at the top or covered in brown, crispy patches. Most of that damage happens...
Markham has some of the strictest private tree rules in the GTA. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a fairly modest backyard tree, one they could almost wrap their hands around, may need a City permit before it can be removed or seriously cut back. This guide covers...
If you own a home in Toronto with a mature tree on the lot, the rules around that tree just got stricter. On September 1, 2026, a package of amendments to the City’s tree bylaws came into force, and several of them affect everyday homeowners, not just developers. This...
Most homeowners think of spring as planting season, but fall is actually the better window for trees in the GTA. Cooler air slows top growth, while the soil stays warm enough for weeks after the leaves drop, giving roots time to establish before winter without the stress of summer...
Most tree failures don’t happen without warning. A tree that snaps in a windstorm or drops a limb on a driveway usually gave off signals for months, sometimes years, before it happened. The challenge for most GTA homeowners isn’t a lack of concern — it’s not knowing what to...
If you’ve walked under a maple tree in the GTA this August and noticed leaves covered in round, shiny black spots that look like someone splashed tar on them, you’re not imagining things. This is one of the most common tree questions homeowners across Richmond Hill, Toronto, Markham, Vaughan,...
If you’ve noticed caterpillars stripping leaves off your oak or maple, you’re not imagining things. The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) is back in the news across the GTA, and while 2026 forecasts are calling for low populations in most municipalities, this invasive pest is cyclical...
Emerald Ash Borer in the GTA: How to Protect Your Ash Trees in 2026 If you have an ash tree on your property anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, there’s a good chance it has already been exposed to the emerald ash borer. This small, metallic-green beetle has been...
A large tree on your property is a long-term investment. It adds shade, curb appeal, and real value to your home. But when you notice a trunk beginning to split, a heavy limb pulling away from the main stem, or co-dominant stems growing at a dangerous angle, it can...
A striking new invasive insect has Ontario’s tree experts on high alert, and homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area should be paying attention. The spotted lanternfly — a colourful but destructive pest — was recently intercepted in St. Catharines, renewing concern that it could establish itself in our region....