Markham supports residents in planting trees through LEAF program

Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests offers deeply discounted trees to Markham residents

Yorkregion.com
March 19, 2021
Scarlett Liu

Spring is upon us, have you figured out how to groom your backyard?

Markham residents who are thinking about Spring planting now can benefit from a partnership -- between the City of Markham partnership and the Regional Municipality of York -- that offers deeply discounted trees through Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF).

There are two options with LEAF: the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tree Planting or full-services planting.

The DIY Program offers customers a virtual consultation with an arborist and contactless delivery of the tree so they can plant it themselves.

Endorsed by Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative, the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program offers native trees to residential, multi-unit and commercial property owners for a subsidized price.

Through the program, a certified LEAF arborist will consult with the customer, either in-person with a physically distanced visit or through a virtual consultation, to help them select the best species and most suitable planting location.

“The program supports our environmental and sustainability objectives and allows for the enhancement of our tree canopy that offers wonderful benefits to our community. I encourage residents to participate in this exciting program," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

March is an ideal time to choose and order trees so they are ready for when the soil warms up. It is also the perfect time for residents to upgrade their gardens by planting a tree.

After planting, LEAF will provide followup tree care advice, either by phone or online, so trees can stay healthy and thrive.

“We make native tree planting easy, fun and accessible to all property owners,” said Janet McKay, executive director of LEAF.

A few years back, Markham resident David Wannop lost a lot of ash trees on his property due to the emerald ash borer, and he’d like to replace them.

“In the last two years, I have planted 10 trees using LEAF’s DIY program. The arborist helped me pick out the right trees for my property and the trees were delivered right to my door. I came home from work, and there they were. It was seamless!”

Thanks to the partnership, Markham property owners pay only $50 (plus HST) for each evergreen tree and $100 (plus HST) for each deciduous tree chosen from a select species list. The fee also includes tree delivery and, if the resident chooses, full-service tree planting.

Learn more or book an arborist at www.yourleaf.org or 1-888-453-6504.