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Landscape Profiles: Ontario Tree Species
Landscape position, soil depth, and moisture strongly influence which species thrive. Below is a clean breakdown of species that occur in each category.

Exposed Ridges
High points with shallow, rocky soils; exposed to wind and sun; dry conditions.
Soil Depth: Very shallow — roots limited, trees small or stress-tolerant.
Soil pH: Often acidic due to thin soils and rock substrate.
Shade Tolerance: Trees must tolerate full sun; shade-intolerant species dominate.
Flooding / Moisture: Dry; water quickly drains off, little retention.
Regional Notes: Usually harsh microclimate; species must tolerate wind, temperature extremes, and limited nutrients.

Upland Flats
Flat areas at high elevation; well-drained; moderate soil depth.
Soil Depth: Moderate — allows deeper rooting.
Soil pH: Varies; often neutral to slightly acidic.
Shade Tolerance: Mix of shade-tolerant and intolerant species can grow.
Flooding / Moisture: Moisture moderate; rarely flooded.
Regional Notes: Stable soils favor a mix of hardwoods and conifers.

Upper Slopes
Steep to moderate slopes just below ridges; soils shallower than lower slopes.
Soil Depth: Shallow to moderate; less water-holding capacity.
Soil pH: Often acidic.
Shade Tolerance: Moderate sun exposure; mid-tolerant species thrive.
Flooding / Moisture: Well-drained; runoff prevents saturation.
Regional Notes: Soil erosion risk higher; species must anchor well.

Middle Slopes (Moderately Deep)
Slightly deeper soils; less exposure; moderate moisture.
Soil Depth: Moderate; better root development.
Soil pH: Typically slightly acidic to neutral.
Shade Tolerance: Can support shade-tolerant species under canopy.
Flooding / Moisture: Moisture moderate; soils retain some water.
Regional Notes: Protected from extreme exposure; mixed species thrive.

Middle Slopes (Shallow)
Shallow soils on mid-slopes; fast drainage; lower moisture availability.
Soil Depth: Shallow; roots limited.
Soil pH: Often acidic.
Shade Tolerance: Sun-adapted species favored.
Flooding / Moisture: Drains quickly; prone to drought stress.
Regional Notes: Supports drought-tolerant hardwoods and conifers.

Lower Slopes (Shallow)
Base of slopes with thin soils; moderate moisture; may dry quickly.
Soil Depth: Shallow; some rooting possible in pockets.
Soil pH: Slightly more neutral than upper slopes.
Shade Tolerance: Moderate; partial canopy possible.
Flooding / Moisture: Water may accumulate briefly but drains fast.
Regional Notes: Transitional zone; supports hardy species able to tolerate both wet and dry conditions.

Lower Slopes (Moderately Deep)
Deeper soils; more moisture; less exposed.
Soil Depth: Deep; roots can grow extensively.
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic.
Shade Tolerance: Shade-tolerant species can thrive.
Flooding / Moisture: Soils retain water; occasional saturation possible.
Regional Notes: Rich soils allow larger, slower-growing species; conifers and hardwoods mix.

Depressions / Wet Areas
Lowest points; poorly drained, wet soils; rich in organic matter.
Soil Depth: Often deep but waterlogged; roots may be restricted by saturated soils.
Soil pH: Varies; often slightly acidic in organic-rich soils.
Shade Tolerance: Can support shade-tolerant species.
Flooding / Moisture: Frequent saturation or standing water; species must tolerate periodic flooding.
Regional Notes: Wetlands and depressions support specialized hardwoods and conifers adapted to high moisture.

Very Dry / Very Shallow:
Pines: Red Pine, Jack Pine, White Pine, Pitch Pine, Scots Pine, Austrian Pine
Conifers: Eastern Hemlock, Eastern White Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar
Hardwoods: Red Oak, White Oak, Bur Oak, Sugar Maple, Black Maple, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Manitoba Maple, Butternut, American Beech, Shagbark Hickory, Bitternut Hickory, Black Walnut, White Ash, Red/Green Ash
Broadleaf Species: Trembling Aspen, Largetooth Aspen, White Birch, Grey Birch, Yellow Birch, Blue Beech, Ironwood, Hackberry, Willow, Wild Crab Apple, Pin Cherry, Black Cherry, Hawthorn, Horsechestnut, Common Apple, Hybrid Poplar, European Larch
Notes: Extremely thin soils, exposed ridges, high sun and wind. Pines and oaks dominate.

Dry / Shallow:
Pines: Red Pine, Jack Pine, White Pine, Pitch Pine
Conifers: Eastern Hemlock, Eastern White Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Norway Spruce, Colorado Spruce
Hardwoods: Sugar Maple, Black Maple, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Beech, Red Oak, White Oak, Bur Oak, Butternut, Shagbark Hickory, Bitternut Hickory, Black Walnut, White Ash, Red/Green Ash
Broadleaf Species: Trembling Aspen, Largetooth Aspen, White Birch, Grey Birch, Yellow Birch, Blue Beech, Ironwood, Hackberry, Willow, Wild Crab Apple, Pin Cherry, Black Cherry, Hawthorn, Horsechestnut, Common Apple, Hybrid Poplar, European Larch
Notes: Upper and middle slopes with thin but slightly deeper soils. Hardwood species begin to compete with pines.

Fresh / Moderate:
Conifers: Eastern Hemlock, Eastern White Pine, White Spruce, Balsam Fir, Norway Spruce, Colorado Spruce, European Larch
Hardwoods: Sugar Maple, Black Maple, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Beech, Yellow Birch, Basswood, Red Oak, White Oak, Bur Oak, White Ash, Red/Green Ash, Butternut
Broadleaf Species: Trembling Aspen, Largetooth Aspen, White Birch, Grey Birch, Blue Beech, Ironwood, Hackberry, Willow, Wild Crab Apple, Pin Cherry, Black Cherry, Hawthorn, Horsechestnut, Common Apple, Hybrid Poplar
Notes: Upland flats and moderate slopes. Well-drained, nutrient-rich soils.

Moist / Wet:
Conifers: Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Black Spruce, Tamarack (Eastern Larch), Norway Spruce, European Larch
Hardwoods: Red Maple, Silver Maple, Black Ash, White Ash, Red/Green Ash, Sugar Maple (in moist but not waterlogged areas), Yellow Birch
Broadleaf / Wetland Species: Willow, Balsam Poplar, Trembling Aspen, Largetooth Aspen, Pin Cherry, Black Cherry, Hawthorn
Notes: Lower slopes, depressions, and wetlands. Deep, poorly drained, or periodically flooded soils.