In an effort to supply repeatedly requested information, the Task Force is preparing a series of brief documents/brochures to address these concerns. Back to brochure list.

Good neighbours

Good neighbours (PDF)

Toronto's parks and ravines are your valuable "neighbours"
People want good neighbours and in turn, should make an effort to be good neighbours.

Most homeowners periodically want to dispose of shrub trimmings, annuals, old potted plants, tree leaves in the fall and old Christmas trees and garlands. Surely you would find it unacceptable if your neighbours threw these items into your yard ... and it's unlikely that you would throw them into theirs.

It is equally unacceptable that you — or those you may employ to help with landscaping — discard any yard waste onto park or ravine property, either directly outside your own yard, or over the lip of a slope some distance away.

Good neighbours good park/ravine healthy environment

Yard waste discarded in parks and ravines damages small plants that are regenerating or that have recently been planted. It also prevents the germination of seeds from native plants already growing in the area and smothers small herbaceous understorey plants. In addition, yard waste often contributes to the growth and spread of invasive, non-native plants because it may contain seeds that germinate, shrub cuttings that take root or even roots or bulbs that multiply and spread.

As well, nursery tags, pots of all materials and plastic and/or wire materials from flower arrangements or evergreen garlands pose a danger to wildlife and are unsightly.

Yard waste collections
If you don't want to compost yard waste on your own property, the City of Toronto provides yard waste collections from March to November with the following options:

• Use the brown paper bags made for that purpose.
• Tie branches and large stalks in bundles.
• Use any reusable open-top container.
• Put your Christmas trees out only on the days shown on your calendar.

Grass clippings are NOT acceptable in the City's Yard Waste Program, NOR in natural areas. A lawnmower with mulching blades is the only answer — your own or your landscaper's.

Let's keep Toronto's parks and ravines natural and healthy for all to enjoy.

A few final words...
Toronto's parks and ravines have a wide variety of plants. Admire them without removing them (or any part of them) by digging, cutting or picking.

Please leave all plants for others to enjoy and as food and habitat for wildlife. Even dead plant material and fallen branches should not be removed but allowed to complete nature's cycle and provide nutrients for new plants. There are also some unwanted invasive plants in our natural areas. If you know what they are, please realize that it is counter-productive to pull a few of these as you walk through the areas because that action usually leads to further spreading of that plant.

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