Barrie Rec Guide, Spring/Summer 2020

NOTICE
Butternut Trees are protected
under the Ontario Endangered
Species Act.
For more information,
visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca.
STREET TREES
If you would like to request a tree, or if you have an existing street
tree that requires maintenance, please contact Service Barrie at
(705) 726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca. Locations that meet
the minimum standards to allow a street tree will be planted in
the spring and fall during the annual tree planting contract,
budget permitting.
TREE TIPS
1 Never pile rocks, mound soil or build structures around the
tree. This prevents water and oxygen from reaching the roots.
2 Mulch 2-3 inches deep around the tree to retain moisture in
the soil.
3 Young trees need around 40 litres of water per week.
4 Protect trees from physical damage from lawn mowers, weedwackers,
dogs, nails, and construction activity.
5 Never cut the main leader of the tree (centre branch at top).
TREE REMOVALS
The City of Barrie regulates private property tree removals when the
tree is part of a woodlot under By-law 2005-120 (available online).
FORESTRY INFORMATION
The Emerald Ash Borer started showing signs of infestation in
Barrie in 2014. Since 2015, the City has been removing street, park
and woodlot Ash trees. Ash logs and waste wood are ground at the
landfill and turned into compost for landfill cover. Visit Sunnidale
Park to see the large wooden benches made from the ash tree
trunks by Forestry staff using a portable sawmill. Look for the 3D
logo branded into the benches showing how urban trees have been
grown, managed, recycled, milled and given new life.
To determine whether a Tree Removal Permit is required for your
property, visit barrie.ca/UrbanForestry or contact Service Barrie at
705-726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca.
PREVENT FOREST FIRES
Large natural areas are always at risk for forest fires and can
be inaccessible to City Emergency vehicles and crews. Lighting
fires within natural areas is strictly prohibited at ALL times.
If you see a fire, CALL 911 immediately.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREAS
FENCING POLICY
Chain-link fencing is installed between residential areas and natural
areas to prevent private encroachments, pets from disturbing
wildlife, and yard waste dumping. Yard waste dumping is injurious
to the roots of trees and plants and is strictly prohibited. Residents
are to use the regular City yard waste collection service. Residents
are not permitted to damage City property by installing gates for
personal access. Please report any damaged fencing to Service
Barrie, (705) 726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca.
NATURALIZATION PROJECTS
Throughout Barrie’s park systems, signs have been placed to
identify specific areas where plant communities are being
encouraged to revert back to their native state. Hardy native
plants have adapted to local climatic conditions over thousands
of years and provide essential food and shelter to urban
wildlife, such as songbirds and butterflies. To participate in local
naturalization planting projects, watch for newspaper ads calling
for volunteers.
POISON IVY
Poison ivy is a naturally occurring plant in Barrie’s parks and
along trails. The plant produces an oil that can remain active for
several years, even handling dead leaves can cause a reaction.
Oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur)
can also cause a rash if it comes into contact with skin. Poison ivy
generally has three leaves and a red stem. Contact with the plant
can generally be avoided by staying on established trails and
watching for poison ivy.
BUG ALERT
While invasive insects are not a threat to public health, the Asian
Long Horned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer pose a significant
threat to Canada’s hardwood trees and forests. For pictures and
more information on how to identify signs of these insects and
infested trees, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) website inspection.gc.ca.
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