LEAF’s Partnership with the City of Markham
For nearly two decades, Markham has partnered with LEAF to support sustainability initiatives. In 2025, this partnership will mark its 17th year, strengthened by the introduction of an additional discount in 2019 through Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative. This initiative, which is also supported by the Regional Municipality of York, extends the benefits of the program even further. The additional discount makes the already subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program more affordable, allowing Markham property owners to plant diverse native trees from a select species list at a reduced cost.
The discounts are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of five discounted trees per property per year, subject to space availability. Participants also receive a consultation from a LEAF arborist to help choose the right trees for their property. Care instructions are provided to ensure the newly planted trees thrive.
How Discounts Are Growing Markham’s Green Canopy
Markham’s partnership with LEAF is transforming the city’s tree canopy. Since the collaboration began, 1,254 trees have been planted, including 419 that have been added since the additional discount launched in 2019. To date, 298 discounts have been used, representing substantial cost savings for homeowners. These results underscore the program’s success in encouraging property owners to grow the city’s urban forest.
The diversity of Markham’s urban forest is another notable success. An impressive 36 tree species have been planted through the LEAF program. Among these species, the Bur Oak stands out as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. This iconic tree is so integral to Markham’s identity that its name graces one of the city’s main streets, Bur Oak Avenue and is the city's official tree. Over the years, the LEAF program has planted 43 Bur Oak trees in Markham. These trees thrive in Markham’s urban settings, and help strengthen resilience against diseases, pests and environmental challenges.
LEAF’s Environmental Legacy in Markham
The impact of Markham’s tree-planting initiative with LEAF will continue to grow over time. As trees mature, their benefits multiply. Depending on the species and size of the tree at maturity, the larger root systems and canopies enable them to store more carbon and provide greater shade, amplifying their value to the community.
Once the trees planted through this partnership reach 10 years of maturity, they will have sequestered more than 335,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing 80 cars from the road for a year. After 40 years, these trees will represent more than 565 cars being taken off the road for one year in sequestered carbon emissions. Over their lifetimes, these trees will mitigate over 550 million litres of stormwater and reduce air pollution by over 76,000 kilograms.
LEAF’s dedication to the health of Markham’s urban forest extends beyond planting. Our experienced staff conduct free follow-up health assessments to check on the trees we’ve planted and to ensure the success of our programs. Of the 537 trees we have assessed in Markham, 88% were rated in "good" or "excellent" condition. This success reflects LEAF’s philosophy of planting the right tree in the right place with the right care. By prioritizing strategic tree selection and providing ongoing care, the program sets trees up to survive and thrive long term, transforming them into a lasting asset — helping to reduce carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity.
Markham’s Green Future Starts with You
As we look to the future, Markham’s partnership with LEAF shows the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability. You too can play a vital role in this effort. Take the first step in creating a greener, healthier community by planting a backyard tree through LEAF. Visit our Markham Homeowners page to learn more about our subsidized planting programs and apply online today.
Amba is the Residential Planting Programs Assistant at LEAF.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the Township of Brock, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby and Ontario Power Generation.