New Backyard Tree Planting Program Aims to Enhance Whitby’s Urban Forest

Residents can spruce up their backyard by planting native trees on their property with the help of a new Backyard Tree Planting Program.

The Town’s new program – offered in partnership with the Region of Durham, neighbouring municipalities and LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) – will help Whitby become a greener community by subsidizing up to 50 per cent the cost for residents to plant native trees or shrubs on their property.

Planting trees can have many environmental, health and economic benefits for our community, including increasing property values and reducing energy costs – making them an ideal, long-term investment for homeowners.

With full-service and do-it-yourself options available – the program includes a personal consultation with a certified arborist, a selection of over 50 native trees and shrubs and delivery or planting. Experts will also work together with residents to select the right trees and planting locations to ensure the long-term survival of the tree on their property.

For more information about the program and details on how to sign up, visit whitby.ca/leaf or call 1.888.453.6504.

Quick Facts:

• The Town maintains approximately 50,000 trees and manages trees and other vegetation in Whitby forests and greenspaces.
• Earlier this year, Whitby was recognized as a Tree City of the World – highlighting the Town’s dedication to ensure its urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and celebrated.
• The Town’s Bee City and Mayor’s Monarch Pledge commitments promote, diversify, create and enhance tree and plant habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In 2019, Council declared climate change an emergency to acknowledge the significant threat climate change poses to the well-being of the community and the immediate need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.