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Request a Vaughan street tree or backyard planting support
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Vaughan supplies and plants eligible street trees free of charge. The property owner must water the new tree for its first three years.
Key information
Vaughan supplies and plants eligible street trees free of charge. The property owner must water the new tree for its first three years.
On this page
Street-tree eligibility and site review
The city program applies to homes with street frontage, on the land between the property line and roadway. A property owner or the person paying taxes on the property must request it. Supply and planting are free, on a first-come basis and subject to the next available planting season and budget approval.
The city checks space, soil, overhead and underground utilities, conflicting uses, traffic safety and snow-removal needs. Other trees and obstacles must be at least six metres away. A request does not promise a tree at an unsuitable location.
Sources: Tree Planting
Tree size and the owner’s care commitment
The city says supplied trees are at least 50 millimetres in diameter or two to three metres tall. It provides care instructions, and the owner must water for three years. Keep that commitment in mind when requesting a tree for an address you may not occupy throughout the establishment period.
Contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca for the request. The page does not give a guaranteed planting date or promise that an applicant may select any species.
Sources: Tree Planting
Backyards and commemorative trees use other programs
Ordinary city planting does not cover private property. The LEAF backyard pilot offers a 30-minute site consultation, a deciduous or evergreen tree, delivery, planting, mulch, care guidance and continuing advice. The homeowner pays a subsidized cost, with city and regional support, and registration is first come, first served.
For a memorial or other dedication in a park, use the separate Tree and Bench Dedication program. Those paid dedications have their own location approvals, installation timing and guarantee; they are not the free street-tree request.
Sources: Tree Planting
How to start
- Step 1
Decide whether the location is street frontage, a private yard or a park dedication.
- Step 2
Check the matching program’s space, cost and care requirements.
- Step 3
Request through Service Vaughan or register for the appropriate separate program.
Sources: Tree Planting
Choose the right tree program
| Location or purpose | Program | Cost and commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Street frontage | City street-tree request | Free supply and planting; owner waters three years |
| Private backyard | LEAF pilot | Homeowner-paid subsidized price; registration required |
| Park dedication | Tree and Bench Dedication | Paid dedication and city-approved location |
Sources: Tree Planting
Questions and answers
Are eligible street trees free?
Yes. The city provides the tree and planting at no charge.
Source: Tree Planting
Where can the street tree be planted?
Eligible street frontage between the property line and road, subject to city site review.
Source: Tree Planting
How far away must obstacles be?
Other trees and obstacles must be at least six metres away under the published site criteria.
Source: Tree Planting
Is planting guaranteed this season?
No. Requests go to the next available season pending budget approval and site suitability.
Source: Tree Planting
How large is the supplied tree?
The city states at least 50 millimetres in diameter or two to three metres tall.
Source: Tree Planting
Does the city plant free trees in my backyard?
No. Private planting is a separate LEAF program.
Source: Tree Planting
What does the LEAF pilot include?
Consultation, a tree, delivery, planting, mulch, care guidance and advice, with a homeowner-paid subsidized cost.
Source: Tree Planting
Official links
Sources: Tree Planting