GREENING YOUR COMMUNITY
Welcome TCHC tenants! If you’re interested in planting trees and shrubs in your TCHC community, we can’t wait to work with you!
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Many TCHC communities have few trees or old ones that need to be removed in the coming years. Recognizing this, LEAF and TCHC have been working together since 2018 to bring beautiful native trees and shrubs to your communities for free.
LEAF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making our city greener and healthier through tree planting and tree care! We plant native trees and shrubs because they are well suited to the area, are easier to care for and provide the greatest benefits!
This program is funded in part by the City of Toronto through an Urban Forestry Grant. If you want to learn more about the program, you can read more here.
Planting and caring for native trees and shrubs doesn’t just help the environment—it also brings people together and strengthens communities. Past participants couldn’t agree more:
"The LEAF program has had a significant positive impact on our community in several ways. Environmentally, it has enhanced local biodiversity by increasing the variety and number of trees, which provide habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Socially, the program has brought people together, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. It has encouraged residents to connect with each other through tree-planting events and educational workshops, leading to a stronger, more environmentally conscious community." – Program participant
"I can't find the words to describe it [the impact of the program]. Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, it effects the people in the community. Because when you look at where the trees are planted, there was nothing there. And to see something there now that has been nurtured and doing excellent it is very rewarding for everybody.” – Program participant
Other benefits include:
- Learning new skills
- Spending time outdoors
- Getting more active
- Sharing knowledge with others
- Teaching children how to care for the environment
- Connecting and celebrating with neighbours
- Beautifying the community
- Replacing trees that were removed
- Improving air quality
- Reducing noise
- Creating shade and cooler temperatures
The TCHC Program
LEAF has been working with Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and the City of Toronto since 2018 to engage communities in the planting and stewardship of native trees and shrubs on TCHC properties.
Trees and shrubs, which make up the urban forest, are cornerstones of liveable communities. They provide benefits and services such as shade and cooling, lower feelings of anxiety and stress, and improve our sense of community. Unfortunately, the urban forest and, by extension, its benefits are not equitably distributed across the city. Lower-income communities often have lower tree canopy cover compared to wealthier communities. In addition, many trees on TCHC properties have been severely affected by extreme weather events over the past decade and thousands of trees have been removed due to the emerald ash borer. Most remaining trees in these communities are limited to a handful of species, many of which are non-native such as Norway maple and Austrian pine.
Our program engages and supports tenants and staff in TCHC communities to improve the local tree canopy, providing tenants with the many benefits that trees offer. A central element of the program is the engagement of local tenants and site staff in planting locations, species selection and stewardship.
Here’s how the program works:
- Tenants and staff give feedback on planting locations, species selection.
- Interested tenants commit to stewarding their trees and shrubs.
- We provide training and tree care resources to ensure you have the skills to steward trees and shrubs that thrive.
Planting sites are identified in consultation with TCHC tenants and TCHC Facilities Management staff. The supply and installation of large caliper trees is provided by the City of Toronto. In 2025, we helped green TCHC communities with over 350 native trees and shrubs through the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program.
Recognizing the benefits that trees bring to a neighbourhood, many TCHC communities have a desire for tree planting. We are honoured to have worked with 47 communities to plant over 520 new trees as part of this program.
At each site, we work with tenants and site staff to establish Tree Care Teams. The teams are made up of tenants whose stewardship ensure the trees thrive.
“I love the fact that everything is provided and also having someone check in on your tree is great... Tree planting is a great way to bring neighbors together in harmony " – Tree Care Team member
Each team receives specialized, hands-on training from LEAF about proper tree care along with resources to help them carry out their stewardship efforts with confidence. The main responsibilities of the teams include:
- regular watering
- keeping tree bases free from weeds
- mulching the trees when needed
We work with the Tree Care Teams to host fun and educational community events that celebrate the trees and the people that help care for them. "Nature is a big part of our community and is valued by the residents who live here and I think LEAF builds on this by educating those who live here about the nature we are surrounded by and how best to protect it. " – Tree Care Team member
Trees are not the only way that tenants can experience the benefits of the urban forest. Shrubs bridge the gap for communities which desire greening but may not have the space or desire for trees. That is why we offer native shrubs that can be planted in existing garden beds on TCHC properties. Since 2018, over 1,860 native shrubs have been planted by tenants at 100 properties.
Program Partners
Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is Canada's largest social housing provider. TCHC is owned by the City of Toronto and provides homes for nearly 41,000 low- and moderate-income households in 106 of the city’s 158 neighbourhoods. Their 1,347 buildings represent a $9-billion public asset.
The City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Branch provides the critical services needed to protect, maintain and enhance the urban forest. With funding for this project provided in part through a Urban Forestry Grant, the City of Toronto is investing in tree planting and stewardship on private land to help grow the urban forest. Additional support provided includes the supply and installation of large caliper trees.
In-Kind Support
Thank you to the following companies for providing mulch throughout the years!
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Follow our social media channels to stay up-to-date on this project and join the conversation by using the hashtag #TCHCTrees. Be sure to tag us so we can share them too!
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Learn more
Interested in finding out more about this project? Want to learn all about the latest updates and news? Read through our media releases and blogs for more information on how we're working with TCHC communities to green and beautify their properties.
Read our media releases:
- Nov 17, 2025, Toronto - TCHC Tenants Celebrate Growing Green Spaces
- October 8, 2024 - Tree Canopy Growing on TCHC Properties
- November 8, 2023 - LEAF Celebrates Innovative Tree Planting Program With Toronto Community Housing And Partners
- April 12, 2022 - Celebrating Five Years of Increasing Tree Canopy Through the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative
- November 30, 2021 - LEAF Awarded TD Green Space Grant to Support TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative
- April 21, 2021 - Toronto Community Housing, the City of Toronto and partners celebrate Earth Week by offering free trees and shrubs to tenants
- November 4, 2019 - Toronto Community Housing and partners celebrate innovative tree planting initiative
- May 15, 2019 - Toronto Community Housing tree project: spring season celebration and tour
- November 16, 2018 - Toronto Community Housing Partners with Several Organizations to Expand Tree Canopy in Its Communities
Read our blogs:
- TCHC Tenant Shares How Trees Bring Life to their Community
- Planting Roots: How a TCHC Coordinator Empowers Tenants Through Green Spaces
- TCHC Superintendent Bonds With Tenants Through Tree Planting and Maintenance
- TCHC Tenant Encourages Others to Give Back to the Environment
- For Climate and Community: The Benefits of Planting and Stewardship with a TCHC Resident
- Stewarding the Earth, the Community and the Soul
- TCHC Tenant Cares For His Trees and Community
- Five Years of Planting Native Shrubs with LEAF and TCHC
- Inspiring TCH Tenant Shares Her Experience Working With LEAF
- TCH Tenant Committed to Greening His Community
- Young Urban Forest Leader Greens Her TCH Community
- Shrubbing It Up in the City!
- Growing Teams and Growing Trees at Toronto Community Housing Sites
- How Much Are Our Trees Worth?
- Meet the New Neighbours at Toronto Community Housing Properties!
- Trailblazing the Way for Equitable Tree Planting
- Greening Community Housing Properties Grows More than Trees
What You Get
There are a few perks to participating in the program!
FOR TREE REQUESTS
- Free Trees. Trees can be planted in communal spaces (by playgrounds, hills, walkways etc.) and in yards. The following types of trees are available (click on the links for photos and information):
- Free Training and Watering Equipment. On-site training will be provided along with the equipment needed to care for your trees (e.g. hose, watering can). See the “Your Commitment” section for more information.
- Tree Planting by Contractors. You don’t have to lift a finger as contractors conduct/do the tree planting.
- Free Mulch for Trees. Mulch is made from woodchips and helps protect your trees while providing nutrients.
- Stewardship Plan. A document that details where the trees are planted, contain a month-by-month guide on tree care and much more!
- Honourarium. A small honourarium after one year of tree care. The amount is based on the number of trees and care activities completed.
- Support from LEAF. LEAF staff will be available to answer questions and help with any tree care issues you encounter.
- Dig Deeper. You will be invited to participate in other educational events throughout the year, such as tree tours and presentations.
FOR SHRUB REQUESTS
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Free Shrubs. Shrubs are a great addition to existing community gardens. Tenants are responsible for planting the shrubs that LEAF delivers. The following types of shrubs are available (click on the links for photos and information):
- wild black currant (edible fruit)
- St. John's wort
- lowbush blueberry (edible fruit)
- bush honeysuckle
- Free Shrub Delivery and Mulch. LEAF will deliver the shrubs and mulch to you for free. Mulch is made from woodchips and helps protect your shrubs while providing nutrients.Free Training and Care Guide. A virtual training session and a care guide will be provided. See “Your Commitment” section for more information.
- Free Training and Care Guide. A virtual training session and a care guide will be provided. See “Your Commitment” section for more information.
- Support from LEAF. LEAF staff will follow up with you to ensure there are no problems taking care of your shrubs.
YOUR COMMITMENT
Did you know that the number one stress for newly planted trees and shrubs is lack of water? Growing in a new environment takes a lot of energy. That is why proper care from dedicated tenants is important to make sure your trees or shrubs thrive in their new home.
To support you, free training will be provided and is required as part of your participation in the program.
Tree Care TrainingWHEN: LEAF will organize training to take place after the trees have been planted. WHAT: The focus of the training will be hands-on tree care.
WHERE: The training will be on-site, where your trees are planted.
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Shrub Planting/Care TrainingWHEN: LEAF will host an online training in the weeks leading up to the shrub delivery. WHAT: The focus of the training will be on proper shrub planting and care. WHERE: Online using Zoom. A link will be sent to everyone who had their shrub request approved. |
For more information on proper tree or shrub care techniques, please see the section on “Provide Care”.
You play the most important role in the growth of your tree or shrub once it has been planted. But don’t worry, LEAF is here to help you at every step of the way! We’ll ensure that you have all the knowledge, skills, and support required to provide the best care.
For a couple of years after planting, your trees and shrubs will focus most of their energy below ground, growing a strong root system. Don’t worry if there is not much growth above ground. With proper care, we know that your trees and shrubs will thrive.
For the first two years after planting:
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Water your trees and/or shrubs one to two times per week from May to October.
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Replenish the mulch at the base of your trees and/or shrubs as it decomposes.
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Protect your trees and/or shrubs from lawn mower and other physical damage.
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Avoid using chemical fertilizers or pesticides - these can cause harm.
COUNT ME IN
Before submitting your request, please review the next steps below.
Tree Requests
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Shrub Requests
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I WANT TO GREEN MY COMMUNITY
We can’t wait to hear from you! Please have the following information on hand before beginning your request:
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The location(s) where you’d like trees and/or shrubs planted on TCHC property. We’ll ask you to be as specific as possible when describing the locations.
- If possible, please upload up to three photos of the area when completing the request form.
- Contact information for your Community Services Coordinator (CSC) and superintendent.
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Additional items for shrub requests:
- Ensure that either you or another community member is able to attend the training workshop.
- A delivery location must be identified.
Applications for 2026 are now open! Click here if you are interested:
2026 TCHC Tree and Shrub Requests
Deadline for requests is 11:59p.m. on Sunday, March 29.
Supporting Partners
