The city of Toronto wants more trees. The city has a goal of doubling its tree canopy, from 17 to 34 percent, by the year 2050.

If you’re in Toronto on Saturday, April 25, you can help. Join Trees Across Toronto, which will host a planting day from 10 am to noon at several locations around the city, including:

Sun Valley
Centennial Park
Earl Bales Park
Humber Bay Park
McCowan District Park

They’ll provide gloves and shovels. You provide the muscle power.

If you’d rather see trees planted on your own street, the city can help there, too. Toronto’s Urban Forestry Services will plant trees on city land that fronts residential properties — for free.

What about trees in your own backyard? Contact Leaf Toronto, a non-profit organization that offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program. Their discounted prices include a backyard consultation with a certified arborist who will help choose the best tree or shrub and offer advice about where to plant it, the tree itself, and planting service.

Photo ©Carolyn B. Heller