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Free Trees and Shrubs for TCHC Communities

GREENING YOUR COMMUNITY

Trees planted on Toronto Community Housing Corporation properties

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 which began in 2018, you can read more here.

people with their shrub deliveries

In addition to their environmental benefits, planting and caring for native trees and shrubs has a positive impact on communities. Past participants couldn’t agree more:

"A key benefit to me is that this project was able to bring the community together through the tree care parties that were held, which got tenants out and engaging with each other while caring for the trees!" – Program participant

"Over the years you have beautiful weeping willows and other trees that were damaged and broken by storms. People were very happy to see new trees being planted in those spaces. Generates more interest in the property from tenants. Motivates community members to get involved" – 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

What You Get

Trees planted on Toronto Community Housing Corporation properties

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 with watering equipment  needed to care for your trees  (e.g. hose, watering can). See “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 workshops, tree tours and presentations.

FOR SHRUB REQUESTS

  • Free Shrubs. Shrubs can be planted in or along fence lines of community gardens and in garden beds alongside buildings. The following types of shrubs are available (click on the links for photos and information)
  • 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.
  • Support from LEAF. LEAF staff will follow up with you to ensure there are no problems taking care of your shrubs.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Tree planted on a Toronto Community Housing Corporation property

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 Training

WHEN: LEAF will organize training to take place after the trees have been planted.

WHAT: The focus of the training is hands-on tree care.

WHERE: The training will be on-site.

Shrub Planting/Care Training

WHEN: 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”.

 

Tree planted on a Toronto Community Housing Corporation property

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 and skills 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:

  1. Water your trees and/or shrubs one to two times per week from May to October.
  2. Replenish the mulch at the base of your trees and/or shrubs as it decomposes. 
  3. Protect your trees and/or shrubs from lawn mower and other physical damage.
  4. Avoid using chemical fertilizers or pesticides - these can cause harm.

COUNT ME IN

Person standing next to shrub

Before submitting your request, please review the next steps below.

Tree Requests

  1. Complete the online application (end of the page)
  2. Work with LEAF to engage the community in reviewing the tree planting locations and species
  3. The trees are planted by contractors
  4. Attend a free training workshop (see “Your Commitment” above)
  5. Care for your trees weekly with support from LEAF for two years after planting
  6. Receive an honourarium for your commitment once one year of care has passed

Shrub Requests

  1. Complete the online application (end of the page)
  2. Attend a free training workshop (see "Your Commitment" above)
  3. Receive the shrub delivery
  4. Plant your shrubs
  5. Care for your shrubs weekly

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:

  • 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.
  • 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 the 2024 program are closed, but click here if you are interested in participating in 2025.

Interested in Trees and Shrubs

Request Trees and Shrubs

Tree and Shrub Request deadline is Friday, April 19th at 11:59 p.m.

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