How to Preserve the Urban Forest in Toronto

Condos and skyscrapers may be sprouting from the ground faster than we can keep up, but in the midst of all this development, what is Toronto doing to protect the city’s trees? Toronto’s ravines, boulevards, and parks are home to more than four million trees, and six million more trees reside on private property. This urban forest is not only important to the aesthetic of the city, but also carry several ecological, social, cultural, and economic benefits.

Trees work hard for the city, and Toronto is taking notice. As we move further into spring and we notice the trees coming back to life, it’s important to remember why these trees are vital to our city’s health, and what the City of Toronto and local nonprofits are doing to preserve and sustain Toronto’s urban tree canopy.

Why are trees important to the cityscape?

There is a seemingly endless list of reasons why trees are important to the city. According to the City of Toronto, trees work hard by absorbing water, cleaning the air, providing shade, reducing erosion, flooding and wind tunnels, decreasing heating and cooling costs, and increasing property values. They also beautify our neighbourhoods, providing privacy screens, protecting us from the wind, and absorbing pollutants in our water.

Many are aware of these environmental benefits of trees, however, few are aware of the social and economical benefits of sustaining a healthy urban forest.

Cities with larger urban tree canopies actually conserve energy by reducing the need for air conditioning by up to 50%. They also slow water evaporation from lawns and gardens, reducing water bills during those intense summer heatwaves. The city of Pittsburgh recently calculated that city trees provided an economic benefit that was three times greater than the cost of the trees’ annual upkeep, and the city has since developed a master-plan to extend its tree canopy. Trees have also been proven to increase property values in neighbourhoods by up to 15% and tree-lined streets see increased business traffic.

Trees also carry a number of mental and social benefits. Humans respond to nature, and studies show that patients exposed to views of trees heal faster and experience fewer complications during recovery. Tree People also reports that exposure to trees aid concentration and reduce symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, trees help create contrast with the harsh concrete and brick of the cityscape and this has profound mental effects. For example, neighbourhoods with greenspaces reported lower crime rates, reduced road rage, and increased self-esteem.

Preserving Toronto’s urban forest

Toronto has identified the protection of the city’s urban forest as a priority, and has implemented a number of programs, policies, and bylaws to help increase the city’s tree canopy coverage from 26.6% to 40% across the city. To help grow Toronto’s urban forest, the City introduced the Strategic Forest Management Plan with the goal of preserving trees within the city’s boundaries.

Toronto has also created the Get A Tree Free Program, a service that plants trees on City-owned property in front of residential, industrial and commercial properties completely free of charge. This program is run by Urban Forestry, which is responsible for the coordination and management of the forestry program within the City of Toronto. Their goal is to “sustain and enhance the urban forest through planting new trees, protection and maintenance of existing resources, and planning policy for the future.”

Urban Forestry currently maintains approximately 3.5 million trees within the city’s existing parkland system and around 600,000 trees along Toronto’s streets. The city itself has 10.2 million trees, and Urban Forestry helps maintain approximately 40% of these. Keep your eyes open for members of Urban Forestry as they canvas your neighbourhood for more tree-planting opportunities. For those interested in ordering a free tree, call 311 or visit Urban Forestry’s service request website.

Toronto is also home to LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), a non-profit group that offers subsidized backyard tree planting for any Toronto resident. In addition to a tall native tree, the group provides advice on the appropriate species for a specific site, as well as planting services. LEAF is currently raising awareness through the Great Toronto Tree Hunt, and on May 5th they hosted a Jane’s Walk, The Great Trees of Old East York, exploring oak trees dating back to the city’s earliest European settlers.

Get Involved!

For those looking to get their hands dirty (literally), there are a number of volunteer opportunities within the city. You can volunteer with Urban Forestry plantings trees and building trails. Volunteer work is not only a great way to keep Toronto beautiful and healthy, but is also a good excuse to hang out in our city’s beautiful parks and ravines this summer!