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Trees are essential to the health, resilience and quality of life in Niagara. In 2021, we undertook our first-ever comprehensive tree and forest canopy assessment. Here's what we found and why it matters.
25.4%
of Niagara's land area covered by tree and forest canopy
46,789
of Niagara's land area covered by tree and forest canopy
$11B
estimated replacement value of all trees in Niagara
Trees are far more than shade and scenery. They are critical green infrastructure delivering measurable environmental, health and economic benefits to every Niagara community.
Cleaner air
2,757.7 metric tons of air pollutants absorbed annually
Trees filter carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves, improving air quality and making it easier to breathe, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. They also continuously produce fresh oxygen for the communities around them.
Carbon storage
330.9 metric kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent captured each year
Trees act as natural carbon stores capturing carbon dioxide from the air and locking it away in their trunks, branches and roots. The older and larger the tree, the more carbon it holds. This is one reason why protecting mature trees matters just as much as planting new ones.
Stormwater management
239 pools worth of stormwater kept out of drains each year
Tree canopies catch rainfall before it hits the ground, slowing runoff and letting water soak into the soil. This reduces flooding in your neighbourhood and prevents pollutants from washing into local streams and lakes during heavy storms.
Temperature regulation
As heat waves become more frequent, trees provide critical cooling. Strategically planted trees reduce summer temperatures and make hot days feel less intense.
They also lower indoor cooling costs in summer, and in winter act as windbreaks, reducing heat loss from buildings and cutting heating bills.
Mental and physical health
Studies show that access to trees and greenspace improves mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Time spent near trees reduces stress, anxiety and depression.
Greenspace also encourages physical activity, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Wildlife habitat
Trees support a wide diversity of wildlife. Birds, pollinators and insects depend on them for food, shelter and raising their young.
Even standing dead trees are vital: birds, small mammals and other wildlife use them for nests, foraging, roosting and shelter.
Niagara's tree canopy faces several serious and growing threats. Understanding these challenges is the first step to protecting and growing our canopy for future generations.
Non-native vegetation is one of the biggest threats to Niagara's forests.
Invasive species outcompete native plants for water and nutrients, and quickly establish themselves in areas where native trees have died. This reduces regrowth of native tree and forest canopy.
Changing climate conditions are stressing Niagara's trees in multiple ways.
The most significant pests and diseases affecting Niagara's tree and forest canopy, include longstanding pests such as the Spongy Moth and Emerald Ash Borer.
Additionally, potential future threats come from Oak Wilt and the Spotted Lanternfly. The Spotted Lanternfly primarily poses a threat to grapevines and orchards.
Without early detection and rapid response, these pests can lead to high tree mortality, severe declines in native tree species and substantial economic losses to agricultural operations.
Growing and protecting Niagara's tree canopy is something every resident can contribute to. Here are some practical steps you can take.
Plant native trees
Native species are better adapted to Niagara's climate and provide more value for local wildlife than non-native ornamentals.
Protect existing trees
Avoid damaging tree roots and stems during construction, landscaping or yard work. Damage to roots is often invisible but fatal to the tree.
Water young trees
Newly planted trees need regular watering, especially during dry spells. A young tree well-established today becomes a mature canopy tree in 20 years.
Know your by-laws
Tree cutting in Niagara is regulated. Before removing trees on your property, check the Woodland Conservation By-law and local municipal by-laws.
Join a tree planting event
Community tree planting events are a great way to contribute to canopy growth while connecting with neighbours and local green spaces.
Consider transplanting
Before removing a tree, explore whether it can be relocated elsewhere on your property or to another site. Saving an established tree is always preferable to planting a new one.
Tree and Forest Canopy Summary Report
Download the full summary report from our 2021 canopy assessment, including methodology, detailed findings by municipality, land cover analysis and benefit calculations.
Interactive Canopy Map Viewer
Explore canopy coverage across all of Niagara's 12 municipalities using our interactive map. Zoom into your neighbourhood to see local coverage in detail.
