Blogs

Urban trees exist in conditions very different from those of a natural forest. As such, it is our duty to provide them with the proper care in order to protect them from harsh urban stressors. Follow these six, easy tips to help your trees survive and flourish.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the LEAF Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens. Made possible with support from Ontario Power Generation, these gardens, located outside five TTC subway stations, demonstrate how biodiversity can thrive, even in small urban spaces. Whether you frequent our gardens on your daily commute or are just learning about them now, we are excited to share with you how much they have grown!

Trees not only look great, but provide plenty of highly valued services for people! In 2019, we planted nearly 75 trees in Toronto Community Housing (TCH) communities and have quantified the benefits these trees will provide throughout their lives. While 75 new trees provide $108 worth of benefits in the first year of planting, by year 75, this cumulative value will reach $81,000!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, LEAF has reimagined its volunteer programs and is now delivering many of them virtually. Recently, we completed our first virtual volunteer orientation and connected with 50 new urban forest advocates! What challenges does this virtual world pose for LEAF programs, and what new opportunities does it present?

The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program has been helping private property owners plant native trees for more than two decades. Designed so that native trees survive and thrive, the program boasts a number of unique features that benefit both trees and property owners.