Plant Your Own Tree

Trees for Tomorrow Distribution

Get it, plant it, grow it.
Register today!

Receive a tree delivered right to your door. Ottawa residents are invited to register for one potted tree to plant on their property. One tree per year will be delivered on a first-come, first serve basis while quantities last. There is no charge for the tree or delivery.

New!

Registrations for 2011 will be placed on a waiting list pending 2011 budget approval. Registered residents will be contacted in early 2011 with information on the status of this program.

Types of Trees Available

A variety of species and sizes of trees will be provided based on availability from our suppliers. Trees will be in pots and will arrive with planting instructions, a rodent guard, and a small bag of compost and mulch.

Registration

Tree deliveries will occur in the Spring (May/June) and Fall (September/October); the number of trees provided each season will be based on availability. Once each season’s available trees are reserved, registrations will be held for the next available month. The online registration form indicates when your tree will be delivered. There is no fee for delivery. Please note that pick up option is no longer available.

Following registration, you will be sent a delivery notification letter in the mail in the month prior to your delivery. This letter will indicate the approximate delivery week.

A potted tree requires care following delivery. If you will not be home during the delivery period, a neighbour or friend will be required to water the tree until your return.

Trees will not be left at a vacant lot, on the sidewalk or in locations that may impede circulation or pose a hazard to the public. It is at the discretion of the delivery person to leave the tree; if for any reason, the tree cannot be delivered, a delivery notification will be left or you may be contacted to make alternate arrangements.

To receive a tree to plant on your property, register online or call 3-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I plant my tree?
Can I plant the tree on the City’s property in front of my home?
Do I need to be home when the tree is delivered?
Will the City plant my tree?
I received a tree this spring, can I receive another tree in the fall?

Where should I plant my tree?

Choose your planting location carefully. Your tree should be planted on your own property not on the City’s road allowance or in a City park. If you are uncertain of the location of your property lines, please check your property survey. Make sure you have permission from the property owner to plant the tree. Consider the mature height and spread of the tree to ensure enough space for a healthy canopy development as well as any other restrictions in your area. It is the responsibility of the recipient to obtain underground utility locates prior to planting the tree. Also, please remember to call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 for street lighting locates, which may run alongside or at the back of your property.

Can I plant the tree on the City’s property in front of my home?

No. If there is room for a tree on the City’s road allowance to plant a tree, please contact the City’s call centre at 3-1-1 to participate in the Trees in Trust program. A Forestry Inspector will assess the site for the planting of a caliper tree by Forestry Services.

Do I need to be home for when the tree is delivered?

No. The tree will be left as close to the front door as possible. If you know you will be away during the delivery period, please ask a friend or neighbour to water your tree.

Will the City plant my tree?

No. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to plant the tree.

I received a tree this spring, can I receive another tree in the fall?

No. The program is open to one tree per year not per season. If you have room for another tree on your property, please register for a tree next year.

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