City of Markham helps residents plant trees for less with the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program

MARKHAM, ON — May 3, 2023 — For the fifth year in a row, Markham residents looking to make their property greener can benefit from a City of Markham partnership with the Regional Municipality of York that offers discounted trees through LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests).

Courtesy of the City of Markham, the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program offers a selection of more than 30 native tree species to residential, multi-unit and commercial property owners for a subsidized price, plus professional arborist advice to help choose the right trees. Care instructions to help newly planted trees flourish are also provided.

“With Spring officially upon us, the City of Markham is proud to once again partner with York Region to offer the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting program to residents,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Sustainability is at the forefront of all of our minds and this is a wonderful opportunity for residents to not only make their property greener but also to help green Markham by increasing our tree canopy, along with all of the additional benefits trees bring to the environment. I encourage residents to participate in this program.”

Endorsed by Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative, Markham property owners now pay only $100 for deciduous trees and $50 for evergreen trees, from a select species list. There is a limit of five trees per property per year (space permitting) and availability is first come, first served. Learn more at yourleaf.org or call 416.413.9244.

"I highly recommend this program to help increase the number of trees in our cities. I received excellent on-site advice from a professional arborist about type and location for desired tree. The delivery and planting of the tree were extremely smooth. Staff were always friendly and knowledgeable," says Nabil, a City of Markham resident.

“Planting trees makes our urban communities healthier and more resilient by improving air quality, managing stormwater runoff, providing habitat for wildlife and increasing people’s physical and mental well-being,” says Janet McKay, Executive Director at LEAF. “LEAF is excited to work alongside the City of Markham to offer Markham residents high-quality native tree-planting services at affordable prices so that everyone can enjoy a greener community.”