Toronto, ON – Toronto-based non-profit organization Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), with the support of City of Toronto, is launching a new program in 2026 to enable residents of low-canopy, equity-deserving neighbourhoods to have trees planted for free on their property.

The Toronto Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative will be offered to Toronto residents located in neighbourhoods where tree canopy cover is below Toronto’s average of 28.4 per cent. The program uses City data to identify areas where residents have historically had fewer trees and green spaces that can benefit the most. Planting is available for most private property types, including residential, multi-unit and commercial or institutional properties. Residents can check the LEAF website to see if their address is eligible.

Recognizing that 55 per cent of the city's land area is privately owned, encouraging planting and care on these lands is key to reaching the City's 40 per cent canopy cover target by 2050. As urban temperatures rise with climate change, ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of trees is more important than ever.

“We want every resident of Toronto to enjoy the benefits of a healthy urban forest. This new program will grow tree cover where it’s needed most,” said Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF. "By empowering residents to green their spaces, we not only beautify neighbourhoods but also promote tree equity, support climate resilience and enhance well-being for all."

The new incentive works alongside LEAF’s existing subsidized planting programs, both supported by the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives team. LEAF’s programming has been helping residents plant the right native species in the right place with the right care for 30 years to help grow and maintain Toronto’s urban forest. This offering will include a site consultation with an arborist to help select appropriate species and planting location(s) based on unique site conditions; five-to-eight-foot-tall native deciduous trees, two-to-four-foot-tall native evergreen trees; full tree planting service; and post-planting care resources to help newly planted trees establish and thrive.

The program makes it simple for residents and property owners to add more trees and shrubs to their properties. Residential properties may receive one free tree, two free cedars or one pair of pawpaws, plus up to three free shrubs per year over the two-year duration of the project. Multi-unit and business properties may receive two free trees or four free cedars, plus up to five free shrubs each year. All plantings are available on a first come, first served basis, space permitting.

"Supporting programs like LEAF’s Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative is a key part of the City’s commitment to growing a healthier, more equitable urban forest,” said Jennifer Gibb, Supervisor of Strategic Tree Planting Projects at the City of Toronto. "By targeting planting efforts where they are needed most, we are ensuring that every resident, regardless of their postal code, benefits from improved air, cooler streets and natural beauty provided by trees."

To learn more about the Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative, including which neighbourhoods qualify, visit www.yourleaf.org/toronto-low-canopy-neighbourhood-greening-initiative.

 

PARTNERS:

About the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Group: The City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Group is part of the City’s Environment, Climate and Forestry Division and home to one of the largest urban forestry programs in Canada. It is responsible for the management, growth and stewardship of Toronto's urban forest through maintenance, planting, protection and planning. Toronto's urban forest comprises more than 11.5 million trees and is valued at $7.04 billion.

About LEAF: LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.


MEDIA CONTACTS:

City of Toronto
Media@toronto.ca

Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)
Justin Lewis, Marketing and Communications Lead 
416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org