The City of Toronto promotes the planting of large-growing native shade tree species hardy to the Toronto area and suitable for the urban environment. Urban Forestry discourages the planting of invasive species such as Norway Maple especially in areas adjacent to ravines and natural areas.
You can request a particular type of tree when you submit a service request for tree planting. However, species selection is limited to City-approved species. Fruit trees, evergreens and decorative ornamentals, such as Weeping Mulberry are not planted. Please refer to the Tree Planting brochure to view a list of trees to choose from.
City staff document choices made for tree planting and reasons why certain trees have been recommended for planting. A first and second choice are normally listed by the Inspector, in case the first selection cannot be supplied, the other can be substituted. There are two tree planting seasons: Spring and Fall and some species are only available for planting in the Spring.
The City does not allow the planting of evergreen/coniferous trees on City-owned road allowances. Evergreens planted on the road allowance can cause site line issues on the roadway. Most evergreens are not tolerant of salt and cannot be readily pruned to clear utility lines. We encourage the planting of large growing deciduous tree species.
Poplar and Willow trees are discouraged as street trees because of their size and weak wood. Butternut is not planted because of Butternut Canker, a recently introduced disease. With the exception of some experimental cultivars, elm is not planted because of Dutch Elm Disease. Ornamental pear trees have been removed from the planting list due to an introduced disease called Pear Trellis Rust.
For up-to-date information on trees that Urban Forestry recommends, visit the City of Toronto website
Currently no species of Ash can be planted on City owned property. Ash tree plantings have been suspended due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
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