Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program
Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program
The Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program offers property owners within the City of Kingston an opportunity to purchase trees for a discounted rate to plant on their private property. Acting on the City’s strategic priorities to demonstrate leadership on climate action and to foster healthy citizens and vibrant spaces, the program encourages the community to help grow and preserve Kingston’s tree canopy.
Eleven different species of trees are available to order at a cost of $20 per tree. Trees are limited to three per property and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Review the tree descriptions below to find the right tree for your property, or visit the Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program FAQ page for more details.
LeafKingston is available to help those who may need assistance selecting, planting and or delivering. They have experience working with the City’s Neighbourhood Tree Planting program and can help you select and plant the right type of tree. For more information please email LeafKingston.
Note: Please only purchase trees for properties that you own within Kingston, and not for family or friends with properties within the city. Trees can be purchased through PerfectMind, the City’s online portal, or in person at the INVISTA Centre (1350 Gardiner’s Rd.) or Artillery Park (382 Bagot St.) only during the sale period.
Right tree, right place
Once you’ve chosen the right tree for your property, you need to plant it in the right place. There are many things to consider when planting your tree including the public right-of-way, overhead wires, underground infrastructure, and existing trees on your property.
Click for a larger view
Planting your tree
Now that you’ve purchased your tree and picked the ideal place on your property, it’s time to plant! When planting your tree, follow these five easy steps:
- Start by digging a shallow hole as deep as the ‘root ball’ and three times as wide. The root ball, a mixture of roots and soil, is found at the base of a tree.
- Remove the tree from its container and separate the roots by hand, loosening up the root ball. Ensure the ‘trunk flare’, where the trunk transitions into roots, is partially visible.
- Place the tree in the hole and straighten as necessary before filling with soil and firmly packing down.
- Water the soil around the tree to further pack it down, about 1/3 of the volume of the tree’s container.
- For extra protection, add a small layer of mulch around the tree. Avoid fertilizing for two years while the roots establish and water frequently during dry spells.
Choosing the right tree
Eleven different species of trees are available to purchase in 2024. Trees vary in size, shape, colour and care. Review the tree descriptions below to find the right tree for your property.
Autumn Blaze Maple
Acer freemanii
Tree shape: average height of 15 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 10 metres.
Foliage: deciduous tree; leaves turn a brilliant bright red colour in the fall.
Growing: requires full sun exposure, adaptable to varying soil types.
Fun facts: this fast-growing tree provides excellent shade for an open space.
Colorado Blue Spruce
Picea pungens ‘glauca’
Tree shape: average height of 10-15 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 7-10 metres.
Foliage: coniferous tree; dense needle foliage with a silvery blue colour.
Growing: prefers full sun exposure, adaptable to varying soil types.
Fun facts: provides excellent wind coverage and stands out in urban settings. This tree can be seen during the holidays in Springer Market Square.
RedBud
Cercis canadensis
Tree shape: average height of 10 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 12 metres.
Foliage: deciduous tree; unique heart shaped green leaves, vibrant pink spring blossoms in the spring.
Growing: prefers full sun exposure, will tolerate part shade, thrives in loam to clay loam soils
Fun facts: great landscape tree, flowers early in the spring before leaf out; leaves, flowers and seeds are edible.
Cortland Apple
Malus domestica
Tree shape: mature heights of 2 to 4 m, tight crown at juvenile age, pruning to encourage umbrella shape to support the weight of the fruit as the tree matures.
Foliage: deciduous tree; deep green leaves throughout the summer, turning a yellowish brown in the fall.
Growing: requires full sun exposure, adaptable to varying soil types.
Fun facts: a cross between the Ben Davis and McIntosh apple, medium to large fruit, crisp sweet flavour; slow to oxidise making it great for salads, fruit trays and peeled and sliced on its own.
McIntosh Apple
Malus domestica “McIntosh”
Tree shape: average height 2-5 metres at maturity, crown spread averaging 5 metres
Foliage: deciduous tree; green leaves turning bright yellow in the fall, with white flowers in the spring
Growing: full sun exposure, grows best on a well drained site
Fun facts: known as Canada’s national apple, first discovered in Southern Ontario in the early 19th century
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Tree shape: average height of 20-30 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 10-15 metres.
Foliage: deciduous tree; deep forest green leaves throughout the summer, transitioning to a deep red and brown in the fall.
Growing: prefers full sun, tolerates moderate shade, adaptable to varying soil types and moisture levels.
Fun facts: one of the largest tree species found in the Kingston area, some of which are best seen today around Lake Ontario Park. The majestic tree is tolerant of most urban conditions and provides excellent shade with some sun mixture.
Serviceberry
Amelanchier Canadensis
Tree shape: average height of 5 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 5 metres.
Foliage: deciduous tree; white flowers in the spring, turning deep greenish purple in the summer, followed by a brilliant transition to deep red in the fall.
Growing: prefers full to partial sun, adaptable to varying soil types.
Fun facts: an icon for garden lovers, the Serviceberry is an extremely low maintenance tree and fits well into landscape designs.
Sugar Maple
Acer Saccarhum
Tree shape: height of up to 35 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 10-15 metres.
Foliage: deciduous tree; deep yellowish-green leaves during summer months, turning a vibrant red, orange, or yellow in the fall.
Growing: prefers full sun exposure and deep rich soils.
Fun facts: best known for the delicious maple syrup its sap produces, the Sugar Maple has become an icon in Canadian culture.
White Birch
Betula papyrifera
Tree shape: average height of 10 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 5-10 metres.
Foliage: deciduous tree; vibrant green leaves throughout the summer, turning a bright yellow in the fall.
Growing: requires full sun exposure, adaptable to varying soil types.
Fun facts: most recognizable for the beautiful white peeling bark that denotes the tree year-round.
White Pine
Pinus strobus
Tree shape: average height of 20 metres at maturity, average crown spread of less than 5 metres.
Foliage: coniferous tree; long dark green needles, soft to the touch, and emit a lovely fragrance.
Growing: shade tolerant during early growth, prefers sandy soils, but may be adaptable to varying soil types.
Fun facts: this iconic Canadian species was made famous by artist Tom Thompson, who portrayed the White Pine in many of his renowned paintings.
White Spruce
Picea glauca
Tree shape: average height of 10-15 metres at maturity, average crown spread of 5 metres.
Foliage: coniferous tree; dark green needles with dense branching.
Growing: shade tolerant, adaptable to varying soil types, sensitive to frost damage during early growth.
Fun facts: an icon of the Canadian north, this hearty tree can grow nearly anywhere. It can be grouped to act as a wind break or privacy screen, and its dense branching offers a great hideout for different types of wildlife including birds, squirrels, and chipmunks.