Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Private Land Planting Program helps landowners to restore and improve their properties through the planting of native trees and shrubs.
Our programs offer up to 90% funding* for eligible projects, full planting services, and the supply of native trees and shrubs, many of which are grown in our own nursery from locally collected seeds.
With more than 50 years of planting and forest management experience, our professionally trained staff provide the technical, financial, and implementation support to see your project develop from an idea into action.
Contact us today to discuss your project ideas and book your no-obligation site visit.
MORE PROGRAMS FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS:
• Learn about Forestry and Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Planning Services
• Learn about Rural Clean Water Programs
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PRIVATE LAND PLANTING PROGRAM FLYER:
“The results of planting trees through this program are a daily joy to appreciate in each season, including seeing the steady growth of the plantings and the unforeseen benefit of the increased variety of wildlife. The financial benefits from planting trees to qualify for the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program was another extra bonus!”
– Stephanie Manning, Region of Peel resident
Is Your Property Eligible?
Private properties with a minimum land size of 2 acres (0.8 ha) within TRCA’s jurisdiction are eligible for the following tree planting project types:
- Planting along stream banks or seasonally wet areas such as pond perimeters, marshes, and wetlands
- Establishing windbreaks and/or hedgerows for wildlife habitat
- Establishing new woodlots
- Connecting or expanding established woodlots
- Understory plantings in existing forest
- Restoring marginal farmland
Orders for plant materials and planting services for the spring must be received by December 1 of the preceding year.
What Programs Does TRCA Offer?
PROGRAM 1: TRCA FULL PLANTING SERVICES
Includes the following:
- Free site visit and technical support
- Customized planting plan for your property
- Funding available up to 90%, depending on municipality and scope of project
- Delivery and installation of plant stock and materials
- Experienced planting staff to complete your project efficiently and carefully, generally within one day
PROGRAM 2: PURCHASE & PLANT YOUR OWN
NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS FROM TRCA
TRCA staff will provide plant materials for you to pick up from our nursery to plant on your property.
Native Trees and Shrubs*
- Deciduous trees from $1.17 per seedling
- Coniferous from $0.95 per seedling
- 100–150 cm bare root deciduous trees from $10.00 per tree
- 25–30 cm wildlife shrubs from $5.25 per shrub
- 60–100 cm potted coniferous trees from $10.00 per tree
- Ball and burlap coniferous trees from $21.00 per tree
- Various mulch mats are available for a fee
- Rodent guards supplied for $1.00 per guard
*Prices vary according to species and size. A $15.00 shipping fee applies to all supply-only orders. Taxes are extra. Minimum orders of 30 BR trees or 75 Shrubs or combination of both or 100 seedlings are required. Some conditions apply. See program terms and conditions.
“Working with TRCA over the past 12 years, as the property has become reforested one area at a time, has been a pleasure. The trees have added year-round beauty … The wildlife has increased and the trees reduce the impact of wind and snow as well as erosion on our hills. It’s the best investment we’ve made in our property.”
– Lisa Williams, York Region resident
What Are The Benefits of Tree Planting?
- Reduce the amount of lawn to maintain and add variety to your landscape
- Protect and improve water quality in the streams and ponds on your property
- Reduce home energy costs by providing shade and shelter
- Transform open fields into forests
- Create habitat and attract a variety of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife
- Improve outdoor recreation opportunities
- Develop a sense of well-being through your contribution to the natural environment
- Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases
TRCA PRIVATE LAND PLANTING PROGRAM:
Accomplishments – 2015 to 2019
 702,697 Total trees and shrubs planted |
 381.56 Total ha planted |
 184 Projects on private land |
 46 Projects on public lands |
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Contact Us
To get more information on TRCA’s Tree Planting Services or to book your free, no-obligation site visit, please complete and submit our Information Request Form and one of our Reforestation & Stewardship Coordinators will contact you.
Forestry and Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Planning Services
Over the past 50 years, TRCA has managed more than 6,000 ha (15,000 acres) of forested lands across our jurisdiction.
This wealth of knowledge, experience, and technical expertise is available to private landowners through our Forestry Services Program.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE:
- Prepare and implement a Forest Management Plan through the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) for eligible properties
- Prepare and implement a Stewardship Plan for properties between 2-10 acres that would not qualify for MFTIP
- Manage your forest plantation to restore a mixed hardwood forest, through stand thinning, stand tending, and identification and control of invasive species
- Prepare a Sustainable Harvest Plan for hardwood forests and conifer plantations including Tree Marking by Provincially Certified Tree Markers
- Increase tree and shrub diversity and/or increase existing forest area and connectivity through TRCA’s Private Land Planting Program
Depending on where you live and the nature of the service(s) we provide, assistance may be available to cover up to 90% of the costs.
MANAGED FOREST TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) is a voluntary program that can save landowners up to 75% of property taxes on eligible portions of their property. This provincial program recognizes the importance of privately owned forests and the benefits they provide all Ontarians.
To qualify, a property must:
- Have at least 4 ha (9.88 acres) of forest; this may include newly planted areas.
- Be at least 50% Canadian owned
- Have an approved Managed Forest Plan following good forestry practices
New program applications must be submitted by June 30 to enter the program in the following calendar year. For complete program eligibility and application requirements, visit the MFTIP website.
TRCA has a wealth of experience in preparing MFTIP plans that support activities under our Tree Planting and Forestry Services programs throughout our jurisdiction.
TRCA staff can prepare and approve a Managed Forest Plan individually designed to help you achieve your own objectives for your property. Depending on your objectives, a management plan may include:
- Tree planting
- Wildlife habitat projects and monitoring
- Establishing and/or maintaining a recreational trail
- Monitoring general forest health
- Managing forest plantations to restore a mixed hardwood forest
- Commercial timber harvests following good forestry practices
Forest Management Plan Costing Matrix
| Area (acres) |
Cost w/o Additional Services |
Cost w/Additional Services* |
|---|---|---|
| 10-25 | $500 | $200 |
| 26-50 | $600 | $300 |
| 51-75 | $700 | $400 |
| 76-100 | $800 | $500 |
| 100+ | $900 | $600 |
*Additional services: Tree planting, invasive species management, stand management (thinning or tending)
Contact Us
To get more information on TRCA’s Forestry and MFTIP Planning Services or to book your free, no-obligation site visit, please complete and submit our Information Request Form and one of our Forestry Technologists will contact you.