Here are our answers to the top five questions we receive about the Backyard Tree Planting Program:
The price of the Full Service program ranges from about $150 to $220 +HST per tree. This includes a site consultation in your yard with a certified arborist, a native tree, mulch, delivery, planting service and a care guide. The price of the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) program ranges from about $100 to $170 +HST per tree. This includes a virtual consultation with a certified arborist, a native tree, mulch, delivery, educational videos to help guide you through the planting process and a care guide.
The full value of the service is about $300 to $400, and the difference is paid by our funding partners. In some cases, additional rebates may be available, including:
- York Region Emerald Ash Borer Rebate
- City of Markham Trees for Tomorrow Initiative
- City of Newmarket Stormwater Management Rebate
- Town of Ajax rebate
What tree(s) can I get through the Backyard Tree Planting Program?
We offer over 25 different tree species! We plant/deliver native species only, which are generally better adapted to our local soils and climate and require less maintenance once established. Plus, they provide essential habitat for native birds, local wildlife and pollinators!
At your consultation, the arborist will assess your site conditions (soil type, amount of sunlight, space available, etc) and ask you what you are looking for in a tree. They will then provide a list of recommended species for you to choose from and help you select suitable planting locations.
What size of trees does LEAF offer?
Our deciduous trees are five to eight feet in height and our evergreen trees are two to four feet in height at the time of planting/delivery.
In our experience, smaller trees transplant much better than larger trees, which also means establishment is often quicker – especially when you get the right tree in the right place. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the species selected is an appropriate match for the soil, light, space and moisture conditions of the planting location.
How much space do I need to plant a tree through the Backyard Tree Planting Program?
Our goal is to plant trees in locations where they will have the best chance of surviving, reaching maturity and thriving for years to come! As such, we have stringent space requirements. The minimum space we require to plant a tree through the Backyard Tree Planting Program is 10 feet by 10 feet of soft ground space for small growing trees and 15 feet by 15 feet of soft ground space for medium to large growing trees.
Trees require space below ground for root development and above ground for canopy development. Buildings, decks and paving can interfere with a tree’s ability to absorb nutrients and water. Cramped spaces, compacted soil, overhead wires and competition with other plants can stress them further, leaving them susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, our focus is to help you select the appropriate species for your property based on available space. For more information, check out our detailed spacing requirements here!
When is the best time to apply to the Backyard Tree Planting Program?
The sooner you fill out an application, the better! While we only plant/deliver in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), we accept Full Service and DIY applications year-round.
Once we receive your application, we will contact you as soon as we can with any questions we have and/or to book your consultation. Full Service consultations begin in early spring (as soon as the weather permits) and continue until the winter weather begins. DIY consultations take place year-round, so the sooner you apply, the sooner we can book you in!
Looking to plant with us? Visit our Homeowners page to get started on your application now!
Meandra is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at LEAF.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Trillium Foundation and GrandTrees/Canadian Trees For Life.