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ABOUT TREES
Durham Region and its five local Conservation Authorities—Central Lake Ontario, Ganaraska Region, Kawartha, Lake Simcoe Region, and Toronto and Region —have collaborated to form TREES, a new subsidized tree-planting program for private landowners willing to plant at least 2 acres with a minimum of 500 trees.
Recognizing the numerous benefits of trees, this Climate Action Initiative is a nature-based solution, with the goal of environmental management, protection and enhancement by increasing forest cover in the Region by over 30%.
Funding for this program comes from Durham Region and conservation partners.
Durham
T.R.E.E.S
T
TREE planting for future forests.
R
RESILIENT, to mitigate
the impacts of climate change.
E
ENSURE a healthy future for the surrounding community.
E
ENHANCE natural connections across our watersheds.
S
SAVING our planet, one tree at a time.
What will my forest look like?
Seedlings provided through TREES are 2-4 years old and approximately 20-30 cm tall.
When starting a forest, Conifers are typically planted first as they tend to be hardier. As they grow, they create an easier environment for other species of trees to join the forest. It takes about 50 years before a conifer-based plantation forest begins to diversify and it takes about 100 years, with good forest management, for a conifer plantation to reach its ultimate goal of a mixed coniferous-deciduous blend.
The investment that you are making today, will benefit you, but will be an even greater benefit to future generations!
What species of trees will I get?
Due to their hardiness, seedlings provided through TREES are mainly conifers. If there is no nearby seed source to add to forest diversity, some hardwood species (10%) will also be included.
Conifer species include:
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White Spruce
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Eastern White Pine
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White Cedar
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Red Pine
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Tamarack
*Non-native European Larch and Norway Spruce, are occasionally used in extremely dry sites or roadway plantings as they are tolerant of winter road salt.
Deciduous species include:
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Red Maple
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Sugar Maple
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Silver Maple
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Red Oak
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Burr Oak
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White Oak
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Hackberry
Species availability depends on seed collection and propagation success.
90%
of property in Durham Region is privately owned.
84%
of the Durham Region's landbase is Rural.
270,000
trees to be planted over the next three years.
The Program
Does my property qualify?
If you have 0.8 hectares (two acres)* or more to plant in Durham Region, we can help you establish a new forest; connect or enlarge your existing woodlot; establish a windbreak along the edge of your property; plant along stream banks or seasonally wet areas such as pond perimeters, marshes and wetlands; plant an understory in an existing forest; or planting marginal farmland.
*If you don’t qualify for this Program, contact us anyway to see what other tree-planting programs are available.
Financial incentives
Our program offers up to 85% of funding for eligible projects, full planting services, and native tree seedlings. Your property will be planted either by hand or machine, depending on the site. Tending and maintenance schedules will be provided for ensuring a successful project. With over 50 years of planting and forest management experience, our professionally trained staff will help you every step of the way: from funding assistance, to planning and planting, to tending your growing forest.
What's in it for you ?
Your new trees will:
increase your property value;
provide an opportunity to qualify for a property tax credit; increase privacy; reduce home energy costs by providing shade and shelter;
provide a beautiful view and a place for play; reduce mowing and maintenance; protect and improve water quality in the streams and
ponds on your property; transform open fields into forests; create habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife; develop a sense of well-being through your contribution to the natural environment.
How Does it Work?
If you live in Durham Region, you live within one of five jurisdictions managed by a Conservation Authority. Using the Program mapping tool (accessed by clicking the 'Dig in!' button below), enter your address in the 'Search' field to identify your Conservation Authority. Complete the online form and your Conservation Authority's Tree Planting Expert will contact you to discuss your TREES opportunity.
Funding Partner
