Loyalist Township Community Tree Initiative
Loyalist Township is excited to launch the Community Tree Initiative pilot program, a green initiative aimed at enhancing our local tree canopy and supporting the fight against climate change. This program supports the Township's goal of planting 20,000 trees over the next ten years, as outlined in our Climate Action Plan. Each tree contributes to enhancing biodiversity, creating habitats for wildlife, preventing erosion, and improving water quality.
Thanks to a $15,000 grant received through the Loyalist Township Community Grant Program*, this initiative offers residents the opportunity to purchase a tree at the discounted price of $25, plant it on their own property, and help make a difference in our community’s natural landscape. Plus, your feedback will help shape the future of this program and its continued success.
Funding for Loyalist Township’s Community Grants program is made possible through a “Community Benefit Agreement” with Windlectric Inc. and the “Community Vibrancy Fund Agreement” with Kingston Solar GP Inc.
Purchase a subsidize tree! Sales will open on March 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Only 125 trees are available. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sales will open March 26 at 12:00 p.m.
Tree Types Available
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Silver Queen - 7-gallon bucket approx. 200cm |
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The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to Ontario that can reach up to 35 metres tall. It has light green, deeply lobed leaves that turn pale yellow or brown in the fall, and shaggy, reddish-brown bark on mature trees. Thriving in moist, rich soils with full sun, it’s best planted away from urban areas due to its large size and invasive roots. Fun fact: its hollow trunks often provide shelter for birds and small animals. Size and Shape Can reach up to 35 meters tall with a trunk diameter exceeding 100 cm. Growth Rate Fast-growing, often planted for quick shade. Foliage & Fall Color Light green leaves with 5-7 lobes, turning pale yellow or brown in fall. Bark Smooth and gray on young trees, becoming shaggy and reddish-brown as it matures. Flowers & Seeds Flowers appear early in spring; produces winged seeds (samaras). Growing Conditions Thrives in moist, rich soils and prefers full sun but is slightly shade tolerant. Urban Suitability & Considerations Not ideal for city planting due to its large root system, which can damage sidewalks and clog sewer pipes. |
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Autumn Blaze® Maple - 7-gallon bucket approx. 200cm |
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The Freeman maple (Acer × freemanii) is a hybrid between red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum), combining the vibrant red fall color of the former with the hardiness and rapid growth of the latter. Reaching heights of 15 to 25 meters, its form varies from upright to broad oval, depending on the variety. This medium to fast-growing tree is well-suited for urban environments due to its tolerance of high pH soils, reducing the risk of iron chlorosis. Fun Fact: As a hybrid of red and silver maple, the Freeman maple combines the vibrant red fall color of the red maple with the fast growth and adaptability of the silver maple, making it one of the best choices for urban planting. Size and Shape Grows between 15 to 25 meters tall with a form that varies from upright to broad oval, depending on the cultivar. Growth Rate Medium to fast-growing, with some cultivars growing more rapidly than others. Foliage & Fall Color Opposite, simple, lobed leaves; known for outstanding red fall color, varying by cultivar. Bark Similar to both parent species; varies with age but generally develops ridged or scaly bark. Flowers & Seeds Green to red flowers in early spring; seedless cultivars are available. Growing Conditions Tolerates occasional wet to dry soils, adapts well to urban settings, and is more resistant to iron chlorosis than red maple. Urban Suitability & Considerations More suitable for urban environments but requires proper pruning to avoid structural weakness from rapid growth. |
| Serviceberry | 7-Gallon bucket approx. 175cm |
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Serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.), also known as juneberry or shadbush, are versatile, multi-trunked trees native to Ontario, reaching up to 12 meters in height. They feature smooth grey bark and oval or round leaves with fine-toothed edges. In spring, clusters of white flowers bloom, giving way to small red berries that ripen from early to mid-summer. Adaptable to various soil types, serviceberries thrive in moist to dry conditions and prefer partial shade to full sun. Their edible fruits are enjoyed by both wildlife and humans, making them excellent choices for landscaping and culinary uses. Notably, their fibrous root systems facilitate easy transplantation. Fun Fact: Its edible fruits can be used in baking, jams, and even wine, and they are a favorite for birds and small mammals. Size and Shape Grows up to 12 meters tall, often with multiple trunks. Growth Rate Moderate growth rate, adaptable to various conditions. Foliage & Fall Color Oval or round leaves (less than 8 cm long) with fine-toothed edges; displays vibrant fall colors. Bark Smooth grey bark that adds winter interest. Flowers & Fruit Clusters of white flowers bloom in spring; small red berries ripen from early to mid-summer. Growing Conditions Tolerates a range of soils except waterlogged sites; thrives in moist to dry conditions with partial shade to full sun. Urban Suitability & Considerations Well-suited for landscaping due to its attractive flowers, edible berries, and vibrant fall color; its fibrous root system makes it easy to transplant. |
| Tulip Tree | 7- Gallon bucket approx. 200cm |
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The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), also known as tulip poplar or tulip magnolia, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to select regions of Southern Ontario, including the south shore of Lake Huron, the north shore of Lake Erie, and the Niagara Peninsula. Reaching heights of 25 to 35 meters, it features distinctive light green leaves that turn yellow in the fall and unique tulip-shaped yellow-green and orange flowers that bloom in spring. Thriving in deep, rich, moist soils with full sun exposure, the tulip tree's wood is commercially valuable for furniture, veneer, caskets, and pulp. Notably, these trees begin flowering after 15 years and, under ideal conditions, can be long-lived. Fun Fact: Named for its tulip-like flowers, it begins blooming after 15 years and can live for many years under ideal conditions. Size and Shape Reaches 25 to 35 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 50 to 160 cm. Growth Rate Fast-growing, ideal for providing quick shade but requires ample space. Foliage & Fall Color Light green leaves (7 to 12 cm long) with four pointed lobes and a flat top; turns yellow in fall. Bark Smooth and dark green on young trees; develops brown, ridged bark as it matures. Flowers & Fruit Produces tulip-shaped yellow-green and orange flowers (5 cm long) in spring. Growing Conditions
Urban Suitability & Considerations
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| Red Oak | 7- Gallon bucket approx. 200cm |
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The red oak (Quercus rubra) is a large deciduous tree native to Ontario, reaching 20 to 30 meters tall with a trunk up to 90 cm in diameter. Its dark green leaves have pointed lobes and turn a vibrant red in fall. The bark starts smooth and dark grey, developing deep ridges with age. In spring, it produces yellow-green catkins, followed by round acorns with scaly caps. Red oaks thrive in various soils and moisture levels, preferring full sun. They provide food and shelter for wildlife, and their wood is valued for furniture and flooring. To prevent oak wilt, pruning should be done before April or after July. Fun Fact: Dead leaves often remain on the tree throughout winter. Size and Shape Reaches 20 to 30 meters tall with a trunk up to 90 cm in diameter. Growth Rate Moderate to fast-growing, requiring ample space. Foliage & Fall Color Dark green leaves (10 to 20 cm long) with pointed lobes, turning vibrant red in fall. Bark Smooth and dark grey when young, developing deep ridges with age. Flowers & Fruit
Growing Conditions
Urban Suitability & Considerations
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| White Spruce | 7- Gallon bucket approx. 70cm |
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The white spruce (Picea glauca) is a versatile evergreen conifer native to Ontario, commonly found throughout the province, especially in northern regions and along the Arctic tree line. Typically reaching heights of 24 meters, it can surpass 30 meters under ideal conditions, with trunks up to 60 centimeters in diameter. Its bluish-green needles are about 2 centimeters long, featuring a whitish, powdery layer, while the grey-brown bark has a flaky texture. The tree produces light brown cones measuring 5 to 7 centimeters in length. White spruce thrives in various soil types and moisture levels, tolerates shade, and is sensitive to frost damage when young, necessitating planting in protected areas. Its wood is valuable for pulp and lumber, and the species is also cultivated as Christmas trees. Notably, white spruce can live between 250 and 350 years, with some documented cases reaching up to 1,000 years. Fun Fact: Can live between 250 and 350 years, with some trees reaching up to 1,000 years. Size and Shape
Growth Rate Moderate to fast-growing, depending on conditions. Foliage & Fall Color Bluish-green needles, about 2 cm long, with a whitish, powdery layer. Bark Grey-brown with a flaky texture. Flowers & Fruit Produces light brown cones, 5 to 7 cm long. Growing Conditions
Urban Suitability & Considerations
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How it Works?
1) Click the online form found on this page, register and pay for the Community Tree Initiative. Be sure to fill out all the information regarding preference of tree species. Please note the form will close after 125 people have purchased trees.
2) Attend the tree pick-up event at the County Road 6 Public Works garage (date and time TBD).
3) Plant your tree following the provided planting and care instructions.
4) Care for your tree and enjoy watching it grow!
Program Benefits
- Enhances the Township's tree canopy
- Contributes to greenhouse gas emission reduction
- Promotes biodiversity
- Improves air and water quality
- Provides habitat for wildlife
- Enhances property aesthetics and value
- Fosters community engagement in environmental stewardship
| Program Implementation |
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A staff report about the Community Tree Initiative was brought to the May 28, 2024 Council meeting, and Council authorized staff to submit an application for $15,000 to the Community Grants program to fund this green initiative. This innovative program aims to enhance the Township's tree canopy and contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets while promoting environmental stewardship within the community. Looking ahead, Township staff have expressed a strong commitment to supporting Loyalist Township's environmental goals. They will provide assistance, including support for organizing distribution events and presenting program merits to Council. Their expertise will be instrumental in fostering a successful and sustainable program within the community. The Township will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this initiative and how to get involved. |
FAQ's
| How many trees are available? |
| The pilot program is limited to 125 trees, available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Who is eligible to participate? |
To qualify, you must:
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| How do I purchase a tree? |
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Sales opens on March 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and is available online only. |
| How do I know if I successfully purchased a tree? |
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You will receive a confirmation email after successfully signing up and paying. If demand exceeds supply, you will be notified and have the option to join an email list for future initiatives. |
| Can I purchase more than one tree? |
| No, each household is limited to purchasing one tree. |
| How large are the trees at the time of pick up? |
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The size will vary depending on the species, but generally:
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| What if I cannot pick up my order during the set dates? |
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If you place an order, you must be available to pick up your tree during one of the designated pick-up dates. Specific dates and times will be emailed to participants at least two weeks in advance. Failure to collect your tree during the scheduled pick-up period will result in it being redistributed to another participant. No refunds will be issued for unclaimed trees. |
| Can I cancel my order? |
| All purchases made through the Community Tree Initiative are final and cannot be canceled. |
| Can I have a refund if my tree dies? |
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No, all tree purchases through the Community Tree Initiative are final, and refunds are not available. However, we are committed to supporting participants in successfully planting and caring for their trees. Upon receiving your tree, you will be provided with detailed planting and care instructions to give it the best chance of thriving. Additionally, we will share ongoing seasonal care tips and reminders through our Community Tree Initiative Participant Email List to help ensure the long-term health of your tree. |
Additional Resources:
Please complete our Alternative Document Request Form to request any of these files in an alternative format.
Sign Up for Future Updates:
Interested in future Loyalist Township Community Tree Initiatives and Programs? Register for our email list below:
Please note: Email list registration does not guarantee you a spot in future programs.
Questions?
Questions can be directed to:
Dan Hendry
Climate Action Coordinator
dhendry@loyalist.ca
Contact Us