March 21ST, 2023 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto ON - Multi-unit and business property owners in The City of Toronto, The Regional Municipality of York and participating municipalities in Durham Region looking to plant native trees and shrubs this spring can take advantage of a subsidized planting program offered by the non-profit organization, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests).
LEAF specializes in offering property owners expert advice and planting services to ensure trees are given the best conditions for long-term success! They plant native species such as oaks, maples and more, which are well-suited to our climatic conditions, typically require less maintenance than non-native species and provide essential habitat for pollinators. Planting trees on private property is an important action that will help grow the urban forest and make communities more sustainable in the future.
With support from participating municipalities in The City of Toronto, York Region and Durham Region, LEAF offers native trees at the subsidized price of only $160 to $230 per tree. Included in this price is a 30-minute virtual consultation and a 45-minute on-site consultation with a LEAF arborist. During the consultations, the arborist will assess the light and soil conditions of the property and select species and locations suited to the available space to prevent future conflicts with nearby infrastructure such as overhead wires or underground utilities.
The price also includes full planting service by LEAF’s expert staff, mulch and a planting and care guide. Native deciduous trees are 5 to 8 feet tall and native evergreen trees are 2 to 4 feet tall at the time of planting. LEAF offers a selection of over 30 native tree species. Native shrubs are also available as part of the program.
Property types that qualify for the program are businesses, apartment complexes, high rise condo buildings, townhouses, assisted-living centres, religious centres, private schools, co-op properties, campgrounds, and even cemeteries. As long as the property meets the minimum space requirements, LEAF can help choose the right trees for the right spaces!
Additional discounts are available to property owners in The City of Ajax, The City of Markham and The Town of Newmarket.
To apply to the Multi-Unit & Business Planting Program, visit https://www.yourleaf.org/multi-units-businesses or call 416-413-9244.
Quotes:
“Trees are essential to creating healthy and pleasant urban communities that are resilient in the face of rising summer temperatures. From summer cooling and stormwater management to increased property value and improved wellbeing for residents, the trees we plant today play a vital role in improving our local environment. We’re excited to offer easy and affordable options for native tree planting to multi-unit and business properties so that they can help create a greener community that we all enjoy.”
- Janet McKay, Executive Director, LEAF
“Trees are critical to tackling climate change and building resilience. By working together with LEAF and our partners, residents and businesses can help grow the urban forest across Toronto, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the many benefits that trees provide, especially in the most vulnerable communities for a changing climate.”
- Amory Ngan, Urban Forestry Coordinator, City of Toronto
“York Regional Council is committed to sustaining our natural environment and enhancing our green space. Together with LEAF and our municipal partners, we are making meaningful progress to broaden canopy and woodland cover, critical to the health and resilience of our communities and natural environment. Planting trees, shrubs and pollinator plants help ensure a sustainable environment for future generations. York Region’s Greening Strategy continues to protect and preserve important green spaces, enhance and rehabilitate natural features and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
- Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York
“We are thrilled with our continued partnership with LEAF, and the results speak for themselves. There is a huge demand for native trees and shrubs in Durham Region, and with spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to get planting. I encourage multi-unit and business property owners to take advantage of this partnership and help enhance our local greenspace.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Durham Region
MEDIA CONTACTS:
LEAF:
Justin Lewis – Marketing and Communications Lead
416-413-9244
justin@yourleaf.org
TORONTO:
Media@toronto.ca
YORK REGION:
Melissa Pinto – Corporate Communications Advisor
437-997-6821
melissa.pinto@york.ca
DURHAM REGION:
Liam Hatch – Communications Coordinator
liam.hatch@durham.ca