Tree Planting

A tree orchard
Discover the Town’s efforts in planting, and replacing trees to support a greener community.

Street Tree Planting

Whitby’s tree planting program aims to expand and sustain the urban forest by planting new and replacement trees along streets, in parks, and on public lands. Each site is carefully assessed for suitability, ensuring space and conditions for long-term growth.

Species diversity is prioritized to build a resilient urban forest that supports local biodiversity and can better withstand insects, diseases, and invasive species.

Request a Tree

If you find a boulevard location that could benefit from a tree, you can request one by contacting us.

A Town Forestry representative will inspect the site to determine if it qualifies for planting.

If the location meets our requirements, your request will be added to the next available planting schedule.
If the site does not qualify and the boulevard is adjacent to your property, we’ll leave a notice explaining why. Not all locations are suitable for planting due to site limitations, which may include limited space, underground utilities, obstructions such as streetlights, hydro wires, or signage.

Planting Timelines

Tree planting occurs twice a year, during the following seasons:

Spring: April to June

Fall: October to late November

Watering Program

To help young trees thrive, the Town attaches watering bags to newly planted trees as part of our two-year watering program, running from June to October (weather permitting).

Watering bags are removed for the winter and reinstalled in spring.
After two years, the bags are permanently removed as the tree becomes more established.

How Can You Help?

You can make a big difference in keeping our street trees healthy and strong. A little care, like watering during hot, dry spells and keeping the area around the tree free of rocks, stones, or other hard materials can go a long way.

Do ✅	Don't ❌
Water when needed: Fill the water bag once a week during hot, dry spells in summer helps the tree thrive	Try not to overwater - too much water can lead to root rot.
For trees older than three years (without water bags): water slowly as needed from spring through fall using approximately 20 litres of water, 2–3 feet away from the base around the tree. Avoid getting the trunk or leaves wet.	Avoid Sprinklers: Sprinkler systems often spray water onto leaves and bark, which can encourage mold and disease. Always water at the soil level.
Mulch with care: Replenish mulch levels (no more than 10 cm deep) to help retain moisture, provide nutrients, and prevent weed growth.	Skip the "volcano mulch": Keep mulch in a donut shape around the tree, not against the stem
Keep the base clear: Keep the area around the tree free of materials	Avoid digging or placing materials around the base of the tree: Bricks, stones, or hard materials can compact the soil and damage roots, making it harder for the tree to grow. Additionally, digging around the base to plant vegetation can also injure the tree's roots.
Have questions? Contact the Town if you have concerns about a street tree's health.	Leave maintenance to us: Please don't prune, fertilize, or remove stakes.

Commemorative Tree and Bench Program

The Town of Whitby offers a Commemorative Tree and Bench Dedication Program, providing a meaningful way to honour someone special.

Residents can dedicate a tree or bench in one of Whitby’s parks, creating a lasting tribute that enhances the beauty of our community and offers peaceful spaces for families and friends to gather, remember, and enjoy nature.

Discover how you can commemorate a loved one.

Planting a Tree on Your Property

Thinking about adding a tree to your yard?

Planting a tree helps expand Whitby’s urban canopy and contributes to a healthier environment. Choosing the right tree is important, and native species are often the best choice because they’re naturally adapted to our local climate and soil, making them more resilient and beneficial to wildlife. Explore resources like the Ontario Tree Atlas to find native species suited to your site.

Before selecting a tree, consider:

Available space: Will the tree have enough room to grow?
Soil conditions: Is the soil type suitable, and does it drain well?
Sunlight exposure: Does the site receive full sun, partial shade, or full shade?
Proximity to utilities: Are there underground services (e.g., gas, water, sewer) or overhead wires nearby that you need to keep enough distance from?

For expert advice:

Consult an ISA-certified arborist
Take advantage of programs like LEAF below, which offers guidance and support for tree planting

Planting with LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests)

Whitby partners with LEAF, a non-profit organization that offers subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for residents and businesses across Durham Region. In addition to trees, LEAF provides native shrubs and garden kits to further enhance your yard. For more details or to sign up, visit LEAF’s website.

Program Options

Full-Service Backyard Planting Program

For about 50% of the full cost (the rest subsidized by the Town and Durham Region), you’ll receive:

An on-site consultation with a certified arborist
A 5 to 8-foot tree (2 to 4 feet for evergreens)
Tree delivery and full planting service
Mulch and planting/care guide

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Option

Prefer planting yourself? LEAF also offers a DIY option:

Includes a virtual consultation
A 5 to 8-foot tree (2 to 4 feet for evergreens)
Tree delivery (property owner plants)
Mulch and planting/care guide

Maintenance and Care Tips for Trees Planted on Private Property

With these practices, you'll help your tree establish strong roots and thrive in Whitby's Urban Landscape.

Watering Guidelines for Young trees

Young trees need deep, consistent watering during their first few years to develop a strong root system. As they grow, they will require less frequent watering.

Best practices:

Use a slow trickle with a hose for about 45 minutes, or slowly pour five buckets of water around the tree.
Water 2–3 feet away from the base to encourage wide root growth.
Water in the evening to reduce evaporation.

Watering Schedule for a Young Tree (2-Inch Trunk Diameter)

Timeline	Frequency & Amount
Weeks 3–12 (First 3 Months)	Water 2–3 times per week, 20–30 litres (5–8 gallons) per session
After 3 Months (through summer)	Water once per week, 20–40 litres (5–10 gallons) per session

Adjust Based on Soil Type:

Sandy Soil: It drains quickly and may require more frequent watering.
Clay Soil: It retains moisture longer, so water more deeply but less often.

Important:

Regularly monitor soil moisture to avoid both under- and over-watering.
Adjust your watering schedule based on seasonal changes, heavy rainfall, or hot, dry spells.
Focus on deep, thorough watering to encourage strong root growth.

Mulching and Trunk Protection

Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, add nutrients to the soil, and prevents weeds.

Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the tree.
Keep mulch 1–2 inches away from the trunk (create a "donut" shape).
Expand the mulch ring as the tree grows to cover the root zone.

Protect the Trunk:

Avoid lawnmower and trimmer damage by maintaining a mulch ring.
Even small injuries to bark can attract pests and cause disease.

Avoid Excavation Around Trees

Avoid digging or disturbing soil around the tree’s base, this area contains fragile feeder roots that absorb water and nutrients.

Damage to these roots can stress the tree and slow its growth.

Whenever possible:

Keep planting, construction, and heavy foot traffic away from the tree’s root zone.

Pruning Tips for Young Trees

Proper pruning promotes strong structure and long-term health.

Pruning Basics:

Start Early: Begin while the tree is young to encourage a solid, balanced form.
Remove: Dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches.
Avoid: "Topping" trees (cutting off the top weakens structure and reduces tree health).
Best Timing: Late winter or early spring, before new growth.

In-depth tips on how to prune trees.

To find a certified arborist in your area, check out ISA's directory.

Resources

ISA's Tree Owner Information Guide

LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests)

Ontario Tree Atlas

Find an Arborist