How does the City determine where to plant new trees?
City staff carefully examine neighbourhoods to see where trees are needed most and whether there is appropriate space on City-owned right-of-ways and parks to plant new trees. Species are chosen based on the size of the site, the soil type, and other important factors. City staff choose the right tree for the right location.
The City has notified me that they will be planting a tree in front of my house. What happens next?
A healthy, young tree will be planted on the City-owned section in front of your home in the coming months. To help the tree grow and stay healthy, give it a good watering on a regular basis, especially in the first year and whenever there have been a few hot days with no rain. City staff will check on the tree periodically to make sure that it’s in good shape, for any concerns or to request maintenance on a City tree, visit toronto.ca/311.
I would like to plant a tree on the City's right-of-way. Do I need permission?
Planting a tree without an encroachment agreement is not permitted. Private trees must be of a species approved by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. The property owner is required to maintain the tree in a healthy state of growth for a period of two years following planting, at which time the City will assume ownership of the trees. Please learn more by visiting the City's website.
I would like the City to plant a tree in front of my house. How do I make that request?
You can make a request through 311 to ask Urban Forestry to plant a tree in the City's right-of-way. Urban Forestry plants trees on the City street allowance in front of residential properties free of charge. Requests for tree planting are taken throughout the year. You can indicate your tree preference when you submit your service request.
When the tree is planted will be determined by the results of the location inspection and the suitability and availability of the chosen tree species, as well as the current number of requests. The earlier your request is made the earlier your request can be processed. The City promotes the planting of large growing tree species, where permitted by local site conditions. To learn more and review criteria staff use when determining appropriate locations, please visit the City's website.
