RESIDENTIAL TREE PROGRAM
Trees on private property provide many benefits to residents, including reducing energy bills through shading from sun and protection from cool winds, reducing air and noise pollution, improving property value, and being aesthetically pleasing.
The planting and care of trees on residential properties is also an important part of maintaining and improving
Brampton's urban forest. The
One Million Trees Program identifies residential trees planting and care as an important consideration to achieving the goal of planting one million trees by 2040.
See videos and tips on tree care and planting on your property below.
Brampton Residential Tree Giveaway!
Click here for registration details. Registration begins September 1, 2023
Contact: bramptongreencity@brampton.ca
Tree Selection:
Residents can select from four tree species (Red Maple, Red Oak, Bur Oak, Blue Beech and White Spruce) and two shrubs species (Nannyberry and Serviceberry). See details of each tree species below.
Trees
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Prefers moist, well drained soil
Can grow in shade to full sun
Reaches 30 to 35 metres
Leaves turn red in fall
See
here for more information on Red Maples
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Tolerates a variety of moisture levels and soils
Prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
Reaches heights of 20 to 30 metres
Leaves can turn yellow, orange, orange brown, red or reddish brown in fall
See
here for more information on Red Oaks

Blue Beech (Carpinus caroliniana)
Can grow in full sun and full shade
Reaches 8 metres
Leaves turn yellow to orange in Fall
See
here for more information on Blue Beech

White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Tolerates a variety of moisture levels and soils
Can grow in shade to full sun
Reaches 25 metres
Evergreen tree, needles stay green through winter
See
here for more information on White Spruces
Shrubs
.png)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Tolerates a variety of moisture levels and soils except water-logged soils
Can grow in full sun to partial shade
Reaches 6-8 metres
Leaves turn bright orange in the fall
See
here for more information on Serviceberries

Nannyberry (Viburnun lentago)
Tolerates a variety of moisture levels and soils except water-logged soils
Can grow in full sun to partial shade
Reaches 6 metres
Leaves turn red in the fall
See
here for more information on Serviceberries
TREE PLANTING Guide
Provided below are some tips on planting a tree. Check out our tree brochure for more information.
- When to Plant
As a general rule, trees should be planted in the fall or early spring, because the weather conditions are milder which make it easier for plants to establish their roots.
- What to Plant
When choosing a tree to plant, choose a native species! Native species are already adapted to the local soil and weather conditions. These better adapted trees are hardier, which results in higher less maintenance, disease resistant which requires less pesticide use. Click here for a link to Ontario Tree Atlas which provides a native tree species guide.
- Where to Get a Tree
The best place to purchase a tree is your local nursey. Property owners can also request to have a free tree planted in front of their property on the public right-of-way. Click here for the Request New/Replacement Tree form.
- Where to Plant
When choosing a location to plant, consider the eventual size and needs of your tree(s). Find out the eventual size of your tree to allow for it to grow to its full height and width, and for the root system to expand outwards. The type of tree you choose should also depend on the moisture, light exposure, and soil of the sight. For example, some trees require full sun, while others do better in areas that receive some shade. You should also contact your Ontario One Call to mark underground utility locations before you conduct any digging to plant your tree.
- Digging
Before you dig, contact Ontario One Call. The first step of digging a whole to receive your tree is to understand how deep to dig. The trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) should be partially visible after planting. The width of the hole should also be 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball to allow the roots to spread out. The hole should also be a little less deep at the centre so that the water can drain toward the root tips. Click here to view a more detailed Tree Planting Instructional Diagram.
- Staking
To stake or not to stake? That is the important question. A stake is usually a piece a wood or other flexible material that is connected to a tree using another material like rope or special wire to provide the tree with support during its initial growing phases. Staking is generally not needed for young trees, but may be helpful in some situations where there are high winds. Staking should only be used when necessary as this artificial support can weaken the tree trunks and result in less developed root systems. In addition, improper staking can damage the new tree and can lead to stunted growth or death. Click here for a more detailed discussion on staking.