Tree Planting

Plant a tree near your home

Is there a street near your home that could use a tree? Street trees are available by request on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• There will be no charge to the homeowner (supply and planting will be provided by the City).
• The program applies only to homes with street frontage (the space between your property line and the roadway).
• The property owner must water the tree for the first three years of its life. Care instructions will be provided.
• Trees will be a minimum size of 50 millimeters diameter, or two to three metres in height.

Tree planting criteria

The criteria below will be used to assess potential planting sites:

• Is there enough space? (Other trees or obstacles must be a minimum of 6 metres away)
• Are there overhead or underground utilities?
• Does the soil quality appear to be acceptable for tree growth?
• Are there any conflicting uses on the planting site?
• Has the request been made by the property owner or the person who pays taxes on the property?
• Is there a conflict with traffic safety requirements or City maintenance such as snow removal?

Request a tree

Requests are received and placed in the next available planting season pending budget approval. For more information, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.

Residents planting trees on City-owned boulevard
Residents may plant their own tree on the City-owned boulevard in front of their house. The following criteria must be met:

• The location must be approved by City staff
• The tree species must be selected in accordance with the City’s list of approved tree species found in Section three of the Tree Planting Provisions document (PDF)
• The resident is responsible for co-ordination, planting and all associated costs
• The normal 12-month warrantee on the tree must be signed over to the City
• Maintenance to the tree after it is planted is managed by the City

For more information on this process, download the Application Package (PDF).

Planting provisions (PDF) provide detailed information about tree planting and mulching requirements.

Planting trees on private property
The City does not plant trees on private property. For information and assistance with private tree plantings, visit the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Urban Forests (LEAF), a third-party backyard planting program.

Commemorative Tree Program

This program is available to families, groups or individuals who wish to have a tree planted in a City park in remembrance of or to commemorate a loved one who has passed away. To plant a commemorative tree, read about the tree and bench dedication program.