Caledon bringing back tree seedling program this year

January 18, 2024 · 0 Comments

Over 199,000 trees added to Caledon from program so far, Town hopes to break 200,000 mark

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Caledon is once again running its tree seedling program in 2024.

The program allows Caledon residents, businesses and schools to place online orders for potted trees and shrubs, bundled seedlings, and mulch mats. The Town is able to pass along savings to residents as it can purchase these items in bulk.

In a January 15 media release, Town Communications Staff explained there’s a number of reasons the Town runs the tree seedling program.

“The tree seedling program isn’t just an affordable way to enhance green space on your property — it also reduces the impacts of climate change, improves air quality and helps maintain Caledon’s green, rural charm,” they said.

Town staff said since its tree seedling program was implemented, over 199,000 trees have been added to Caledon’s tree canopy. With its 2024 program, the Town is hoping to cross the 200,000 tree milestone.

In a statement, Caledon Mayor Annette Groves said it’s amazing that the milestone of 200,000 trees added is on the horizon.

“The tree seedling program has supported Caledon’s climate change initiatives since 2002,” said Groves. “Participating in this program means you’re not just improving your landscaping — you’re playing a role in keeping our town green for generations to come.”

There are many different kinds of plants available to purchase from the Town, all of them native to Ontario.

For potted trees, there’s red oak, silver maple, sugar maple, red maple, red/silver cross maple, white birch, tamarack, and American basswood.

For potted shrubs, there’s ninebark, staghorn sumac, American hazelnut, smooth serviceberry, hackberry, nannyberry, and red raspberry.

The following bundled bare-root seedlings are available: white pine, white spruce, and white cedar.

The Town is also selling coconut fibre mulch mats, and all purchases are on a first-come first-served basis.

Residents interested in participating in the tree seedling program by making a purchase can visit caledon.ca/seedlings and place an order by May 6.

This year’s pickup date for any purchases made is May 25, and the Town will be releasing more details about pickup day closer to the date.

Those who live on a large property may benefit from the Town’s partnerships with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), who each have tree programs for large landowners.

More information about these programs can be found on the TRCA and CVC websites respectively.