Celebrating five years of tree planting in TCHC communities

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and Toronto Community Housing are celebrating five years of empowering tenants to plant native trees and shrubs across a number of our communities.

The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative began as a pilot project in 2018, and is celebrating this milestone by expanding the amount of free native trees and shrubs offered to all tenants at TCHC properties.

This program is offered by TCHC in partnership with LEAF and the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Branch. The goal is to increase tree canopy in TCHC communities and bring together tenants who are passionate about conservation.

"LEAF brings the knowledge of trees to caring tenants who love to garden. The landscaping around my community by volunteer seniors and the help of LEAF we have a showpiece here at Bathurst."

— Anita Dressler, Tree Care Team member

Beyond tree planting

LEAF has a way of connecting with tenants who truly enjoy planting long-lasting seeds in their communities, not only when it comes to trees and shrubs, but also in the building of relationships with neighbours and families.

The project is tenant-driven and connects other tenants with the necessary tools to improve their community’s green space. This is a community-building project that tenants take ownership of and pride in maintaining.

The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative runs throughout the year. Interested tenants can request trees and shrubs through an online application form. If the application is approved, shrubs are delivered in the spring for tenants to plant, and trees are planted in-kind by the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Branch in the fall.

The project aims to plant 90 trees and 250 shrubs this year. So far, nearly 300 trees and 700 shrubs have already been planted in over 50 TCHC communities since the partnership began.

Apart from adding beauty to the sites, these trees and shrubs provide a host of environmental and social benefits. Trees provide increased oxygen, relief from the summer heat, shelter to birds and animals and reduce stress.

Do you want to add more green to your community? Applications will open again next spring.

Visit yourleaf.org/tch-green or call 416-413-9244 for more information and to learn how you can apply next year.