You’re Invited: Tree Planting Events in Ontario April 28, May 5 & May 9, 2012

Did you know that trees provide health, economic and environmental benefits to you and your neighbourhood?

Trees in Toronto, Ontario, Canada:

  • can store 2.6 tons of carbon (pollution) per acre of trees annually,
    • and concomitantly gives enough oxygen daily for 18 people
  • provide relief for city residents by softening the harsh texture of concrete buildings and landscape
  • offer privacy screens
  • provide protection from the sun’s UV rays
  • provide natural habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife
  • help prevent soil erosion
    • also, help prevent flooding
  • provide tree canopy so that air temperatures are lowered considerably in streets and parking lots
    • City areas without tree cover are known as “heat islands” which can cause cities to be five to nine degrees warmer than surrounding areas.
  • boost the City’s image and can help attract residents, tourists and investors
  • can increase the value of homes significantly
  • deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides of a house can reduce air conditioning needs substantially
  • evergreens planted on the north side of a house act as windbreaks, lowering winter heating costs by up to 10 per cent
  • for every 5 per cent of tree cover area added to a community, storm water run-off is reduced by approximately 2 per cent
  • in 50 years, one tree can:
    • generate $30,000 in oxygen,
    • recycle $35,000 of water,
    • and eliminate pollutants that would otherwise cost $60,000 to remove from the air

Thus, trees “with their health, economic and environmental benefits are the lifelines of our city.”

You are invited to the following great tree planting events in Ontario, Canada:

Trees Across Toronto

Trees Acress Toronto
Trees Acress Toronto

Trees Across Toronto is:

  • the city’s native tree and shrub planting program that responds directly to the tree canopy goal and is a major step forward in reclaiming some of our underdeveloped and “un-treed” lands.
  • Toronto’s signature tree planting event that takes place each year on the last Saturday in April.

Volunteer with Trees Across Toronto, Every Tree Counts!

To prepare for this great Trees Across Toronto event, please click here to watch a video teaching proper tree planting technique.

Thanks to your help:

  • Since the inception of the program, the planting program has received over $1.5 million in cash and in-kind support.
  • Over 400,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted across the city since the beginning of the program.
  • Last year alone over 4,000 volunteers planted approximately 19,000 trees and shrubs.

Spring Tree Planting Weekend

“Pull on your gardening gloves, dig out your shovel and bring your community spirit.”

On Saturday, May 5, 2012, CAA South Central Ontario and Trees Ontario will host the Annual Community Planting Event created to bring families, friends and neighbourhoods together to plant seedlings for a beautiful future of shade, fresh air and a greener environment.

“By planting just one tree, you can help make a greener future for all of Ontario.”

The ½ day event will take place from 10:00am – 12:00pm in 8 locations across South Central Ontario.

2012 Tree Planting Locations on Saturday, 5 May:

All you need to bring is a shovel, gardening gloves and your community spirit.

CAA and Trees Ontario will supply the rest – the trees, forestry specialists, mulch and snacks FREE.

Plant a Tree at the Toronto Zoo on Wednesday May 9, 2012; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m noon:

Can’t make it to any of these locations? Join them on Wednesday May 9, 2012 for tree planting at the Toronto Zoo – spots are limited and on a first come, first serve basis.

Please click here to register, for contact info and details on the Spring Tree Planting Weekend.

Get a FREE Tree!

Toronto’s Urban Forestry Services plants trees on City owned street allowances fronting residential properties for FREE.

Periodically, Urban Forestry Services will canvass neighbourhoods for tree planting opportunities.

To order your FREE tree, please click here to download the residential street tree planting brochure or call 311.

Interested in a tree for your backyard?

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a local non-profit group dedicated to improving Toronto’s urban forest.

They offer Toronto residents subsidized backyard tree planting.

The service includes on-site advice on appropriate species and planting location, a 1.2 to 1.8m tall native tree, and the planting service.  Native shrubs are also available.

Please note that Urban Forestry Services is currently NOT accepting requests for the planting of any type of Ash tree due to the threat of invasion by an insect pest known as the ‘Emerald Ash Borer’ (EAB).

Please click here to contact LEAF for info about planting trees and shrubs programs or call at 416-413-9244.

Happy Tree Planting!

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

MEDIA ADVISORY

April 25, 2012

Residents to dig in and plant at Trees Across Toronto

Councillor Norm Kelly (Ward 40 Scarborough Agincourt), Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee, and about a thousand volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs in Toronto’s Milliken Park on Saturday.

Date: Saturday, April 28
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Milliken Park, 5555 Steeles Ave. E. (at McCowan Road)

Trees Across Toronto is the City of Toronto’s annual tree and shrub planting event.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/engagement/tat/.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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