Current Tree Planting Programs
The City provides a variety of programs and projects for tree planting along residential streets, in parks, greenspaces and forested areas. Descriptions of the City's current tree planted programs are listed below. For more information on the programs, please click on the program heading or contact us at urbantree@ottawa.ca.
The Trees in Trust program works with homeowners to find suitable locations for street trees on the City-owned street frontage (right-of-way). The street frontage of a home is the space between the property line and the roadway or sidewalk. The City supplies and plants the tree at no charge to the homeowner. Trees planted through the Trees in Trust program are a minimum size of 2 to 3 meters in height (50 mm caliper). Homeowners must pledge to assist with the proper tree care (watering) for the first three years of after planting. There is a limit of one tree per single fronting household or two trees per corner lot and the proposed planting location must meet the Trees in Trust program criteria. To participate in the Trees in Trust Program, the homeowner must make a request by calling 3-1-1 or online at Ottawa.ca/311.
The Commemorative Tree Program assists families or groups who wish to have a tree planted in a City park in remembrance or to commemorate a loved one who has passed away. With the purchase of a Commemorative Tree there is an opportunity to install a plaque at the base of the tree in memory of the individual who passed away. City staff will assist with the park selection and meet the family or group on site to choose a location and tree type. The cost of a Commemorative Tree is $400 (plus HST) and includes planting of a 2 to 3 meters in height (50 mm caliper), watering for a three-year period, the installation of the plaque, and receipt for a charitable donation. The plaque is arranged by the family or group through a monument company of their choice and is not included in the cost of the Commemorative Tree.
Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program
Tree planting projects on school property within the City of Ottawa are eligible to apply for the Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program. Applications will be accepted from Student or Parent Councils, environmental/garden clubs, or other groups/ individuals that can demonstrate a commitment to the tree planting project in partnership with the school. In addition to project coordination, applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform tree maintenance activities for the successful establishment of the trees. The maximum grant funding level per applicant in any one year is $10,000. Grants may be awarded in funds (up to $500 per tree) or in trees supplied and planted by the City. No matching funds are required. The deadline for application is June 1 for projects to be implemented the following spring.
The Green Acres Rural Reforestation program is delivered in partnership with the Conservation Authorities with a goal to transforms empty, idle fields into thriving forested areas. The program begins with providing landowners with advice and assistance to create a planting plan for their property. The landowners must be rural property owners within City of Ottawa boundaries, have a minimum of 0.4 hectares (1 acre) of suitable land and must agree to cover the subsidized cost of the tree seedlings, site preparation, planting and tending and agree to reasonably protect the plantation. The funding is provided to a maximum of 50% on a cost shared basis.
The City of Ottawa is committed to planting trees to enhance our existing city parks, facilities, and streets. Ongoing requests are received from community groups and residents for additional tree planting in these areas. City staff will work to evaluate locations and implement tree planting as City resources permit. Project development will include opportunities for input from the public and other city departments, utility clearance checks, appropriate species selection, and an implementation plan for the planting and maintenance of the trees.
Community Volunteer Tree Planting Projects
A community volunteer tree planting project plants small trees in City parks or greenspace with the assistance of community groups who volunteer their time at a planting event. These can be reforestation projects, where trees are being replaced in a forested area, or afforestation projects, where trees are being planted in a greenspace where there were none before. City staff will work with community groups to identify good planting locations, secure required approvals, order and supply the tree stock, provide tree planting guidance on the planting day, and coordinate other logistics for the event. The community group contributes volunteer time to plant a mix of native potted trees, typically 50cm to 100cm tall.
Reforestation/Afforestation Projects
City-owned forested areas may be damaged from storm events or the impact of pests/diseases. Planting operations are sometimes required to ensure successful regrowth in these forested areas. Operations may also include the removal and treatment of invasive plants and other competing species. This helps naturally growing and planted native trees to grow. These large-scale reforestation projects first began in response to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation and projects are now typically in response to extreme weather events (tornadoes, derecho, ice storms). Afforestation projects involve planting trees to create a new forest. These large-scale projects provide opportunities to increase forest cover.
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