(Friday, July 3, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

Toronto, ON – As hot weather settles over Toronto this week, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) is highlighting the role urban trees play in reducing the impacts of extreme heat by offering free trees and planting services in low-canopy, equity-deserving neighbourhoods.

The Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative is being offered in various parts of Toronto. Qualifying areas were determined by identifying low canopy cover (less than 28%) within equity-deserving areas (Neighbourhood Improvement Areas designated by the City of Toronto). The offer is available for all types of private property. Single homes qualify for one tree and up to three shrubs. Other properties such as apartment buildings, townhomes coops and businesses qualify for two trees and up to five shrubs. Anyone can visit the LEAF website and enter their address to determine if they qualify for the offer. LEAF arborists conduct a site visit to help owners or renters decide what to plant and a planting team returns to do the work. Trees are approximately five to eight feet when planted and program participants receive clear and simple instructions so that they can provide the care needed to ensure plantings thrive.

In cities like Toronto, the urban heat island effect intensifies summer temperatures. Hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and rooftops absorb and retain heat, particularly where tree cover is limited. Trees help counter this effect by providing shade and cooling the surrounding air by releasing moisture. Areas with limited tree canopy tend to experience hotter conditions and reduced overnight cooling, increasing heat discomfort and health risks during heat events. As canopy cover increases, trees cool their immediate surroundings and help reduce urban heat across the city over time.

"Extreme heat is becoming a more frequent reality in Toronto, and its impacts are not felt equally across the city," says Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF. "Planting more trees in neighbourhoods with low canopy is urgently needed to create cooler, healthier and more climate-resilient communities."

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

 

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:

Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)

Justin Lewis, Marketing and Communications Lead 
416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org