The City is investing in tree planting and stewardship on private land to help enhance and expand our urban forest, and to improve the health of the environment. With some of the greatest potential on private land, everyone’s help is needed to reach our 40 per cent canopy cover target.
These programs support partnerships and collaborations with homeowners, landowners and not-for-profit organizations that advance the City’s strategic priorities to invest in people and neighbourhoods, and to tackle climate change and build resilience.
| Date and Time | Event Name and Location | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Community Canopy Southeast Tree Pickup
Ellesmere Community Centre, |
arborday.org |
| May 11, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Community Canopy Northeast Tree Pickup
L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre, |
arborday.org |
| May 11, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Community Canopy North Tree Pickup
Oriole Community Centre, |
arborday.org |
| May 25, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m |
Cliffcrest Butterflyway Tree Giveaway
Scarborough Food Security Initiative, |
cliffcrestbutterflyway.com |
| May 22, 2024
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
Community Canopy South Tree Pickup
The Grenadier Cafe in High Park, |
arborday.org |
| June 1, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Community Canopy Northwest Tree Pickup
North Kipling Community Centre, |
arborday.org |
| June 1, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m |
Community Canopy Southwest Tree Pickup
Centennial Park Ski Chalet, |
arborday.org |
| June 1, 2024
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Bayview Village Association Tree Giveaway
Location to be determined. |
bayviewvillage.org |
| June 15, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Guildwood Village Community Association Tree Giveaway
Guild Park and Gardens, |
eventbrite.ca |
Learn more about community grant programs and the application process. The information sessions will be held online.
| Date | Time | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2024 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | toronto.webex.com |
| June 27, 2024 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | toronto.webex.com |
Applications open on May 21, 2024.
The Community Planting and Stewardship Grant supports tree planting and stewardship on private land by non-profit organizations within Toronto.
Download the Community Planting and Stewardship Grant 2024 Guidelines.
Applications open on May 21, 2024.
The Greening Partnership Grant supports partnerships with public school boards, hospitals, colleges, universities, and other eligible institutions that will increase canopy cover through tree planting and stewardship on private land.
Download the Greening Partnership Grant 2024 Guidelines.
Applications open on May 21, 2024.
The Neighbourhood Planting Program supports community-led tree giveaway and planting events through financial support, free native trees and shrubs, and technical support and training.
Download the Neighbourhood Planting Program 2024 Guidelines.
The City of Toronto has partnered with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) to offer backyard tree planting services to Toronto residents at a subsidized cost. This includes a full-service option (in-person consultation, delivery and planting) and a do-it-yourself option.
The City of Toronto has partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) as part of the Toronto Tree Cover Project to offer tree planting services to eligible private landowners including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential landowners on a cost-shared basis. This includes a site visit by TRCA staff, supply, delivery and installation of plant materials for landowners who have space to plant 20+ trees on their property. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. Contact TRCA’s Private Land Planting Program for more information.
The City of Toronto has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to connect Toronto residents with free trees through an innovative online mapping tool that takes the guesswork out of where to plant the tree on a specific property. Through the Community Canopy Program residents will be able to use the software interface to identify the ideal planting location that will maximize the air, water, energy, and carbon benefits of their tree.
From 2017 to 2023, the Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Program has invested and leveraged a total of more than $20.5 million and funded 200 projects across all 25 wards in Toronto. Together, with the help of our partners, we have been able to plant over 103,000 trees and shrubs on private land and engage over 269,000 people. Our 2020 Impact Report highlights our achievements increasing canopy cover on private land between 2017 to 2020, and showcases the successes of our partnerships and collaborations with our many community partners.
While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this site. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings, or any other content, please contact Nathan Hobbs at 416-392-7513.
Download the 2020 Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives Impact Report
Fourteen projects were selected to receive funding in support of tree planting and stewardship on private land in Toronto.
Over 8500 trees and shrubs will be planted through these projects. They will also engage and educate communities through planting events, educational workshops, citizen science, and youth programming.
Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag Indigenous Youth Program is an educational and engaging program that involves Elder-led cultural teachings, landscape architecture, and environmental conservation. This program engages youth in Indigenous place-keeping, and community-based projects, including food forests, healing gardens, and ecological restoration projects.
Centennial College is revitalizing an outdoor gathering space to create a resilient new urban green space for students and faculty to enjoy. The space has been deemed desirable for this type of restoration work due to its proximity to the Highland Creek ravine system. This project is planting a variety of native trees and shrubs and includes educational signage to convey the importance of urban green spaces.
Ward 24 – Scarborough-Guildwood
Supporting existing tree planting programs, TDSB is continuing to plant native trees on school properties throughout Toronto. TDSB will provide tree care maintenance to improve the survival rate of new and existing trees. The project is increasing shade on school properties and increasing access to green space for all students across TDSB schools.
Citywide.
The TDSB is ensuring the long-term health and success of trees through education and engagement. This project incorporates an assortment of workshops and classes to teach staff and students about the benefits of trees while also giving students the chance to actively participate in the stewardship of newly planted trees on school grounds.
Citywide.
As part of the UTSC holistic landscape vision, the University is creating a Gathering Circle that will anchor the east entry to the Indigenous Hub and expand the possibilities of the campus’s public realm. The project includes over 200 native trees and shrubs being planted and cared for. It also provides a space for Indigenous teaching, gathering, ceremony, performance, and research.
Ward 25 – Scarborough-Rouge Park.
The Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) Program is a mentorship and training program aimed at providing youth with valuable experience in the fields of arboriculture, urban forestry, and community engagement. Program participants are identifying opportunities for tree planting and stewardship in their neighbourhoods and collaborating with local community groups to plan and undertake outreach and engagement activities.
Citywide.
TRCA’s Toronto Tree Cover Project is an ongoing project that focuses on increasing the canopy cover in Toronto. They accomplish this by encouraging community members and property owners to plant native trees and shrubs on private land. The TRCA is actively increasing Toronto’s canopy by planting on residential, commercial, industrial, and Institutional lands. These programs allow participants to help make their communities greener and learn about urban forests and tree stewardship.
The Growing Green Project is creating a more sustainable York University campus by enhancing green space on the campus and at student housing cooperatives. Students and faculty are coming together to plant trees and shrubs, learn about the benefits of growing native species in the urban environment, and contribute to the sustainability of their communities.
The Long Branch Neighbourhood Association (LBNA) is working with residents to identify planting sites on private properties in Long Branch and neighbouring communities. They are also working with residents, students, and volunteers to educate property owners on how they can help enhance the urban forest. Native trees and shrubs are being distributed to residents for planting in addition to workshops and community events promoting tree health and care.
Ward 3 – Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Green Thumbs Growing Kids is a for-impact food and nature literacy program promoting environmental education for school age children. The Urban Tree from Seed program is engaging elementary school students in gathering, preparing, and growing local native tree seeds that are adapted to the urban environment. Successfully grown trees are being planted on school campuses and distributed back into communities for planting.
Ward 13 – Toronto Centre.
LEAF is working with Toronto Community Housing (TCH) to engage communities in the planting and stewardship of native trees on TCH properties. TCH residents and staff are being engaged throughout the planning process to select planting sites and tree species. Tenants are also taking part in tree stewardship training, and are being provided with tools and resources to ensure trees thrive after planting.
The Community Canopy Program connects Toronto residents with free native trees through an innovative online mapping tool that takes the guesswork out of where to plant the tree on a specific property. Residents can use the software interface to identify the ideal planting location that will maximize the air, water, energy, and carbon benefits of their tree.
Citywide.
Downsview Park is planting a variety of native trees along their paved multi use path. These plantings will benefit park users and the surrounding community by providing shade and reducing heat islands. Planting trees in the park is increasing the park’s canopy cover, biodiversity, and improved experience for park users.
Ward 6 – York Centre.
Variety Village is a children’s Charity supporting children with disabilities. Project Green Space is providing equitable and accessible green space for people with disabilities. This project is enhancing the landscape and creating a setting where facility users and the community can enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature and sustainability through educational signage.
Ward 20 – Scarborough Southwest.
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