Backyard Tree Planting Program

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.

I was hired as the spring 2019 Lead Planter at LEAF for the 2019 spring planting season. At the time, I was looking to expand my field experience and was excited to get involved with an organization that has been doing such great work in urban forestry for over 20 years! Now, a year later, I am sharing with you what a typical day might look like as a LEAF planter and why the work we do is so important!

The fall season is here - a time of year where it is very common for homeowners to rake up those colourful autumn leaves after they have fallen. But did you know that leaving fallen leaves in garden beds and around trees, shrubs and other plants over the winter can actually yield many benefits?

Ever heard of the term “stormwater runoff”? It refers to rainfall that does not seep into the ground and instead flows over the ground surface and into our sewer or drainage systems. In urban and suburban areas, where there is an abundance of sidewalks, roads and other paved areas, stormwater management is becoming an increasingly complicated and costly problem. But, trees can help! Not only are they a cost-effective way to reduce flooding, they also provide countless co-benefits such as shade, air purification, beauty and privacy.