It’s National Forest Week!

The City of Vaughan is celebrating National Forest Week from Sept. 20 to 26, recognizing how forests contribute to a greener, healthier and more vibrant community for everyone. 

There are many ways the City preserves and protects our trees:  

Tree Protection By-law: The Tree Protection By-law 177-2025 (PDF) regulates the planting, maintenance and removal of trees on public and private property. Under the by-law, an offence may include the destruction of a tree or injuring a tree without a permit, failing to protect a tree that is identified for protection in the permit conditions, or failing to comply with an order. 

Green Guardians: Join City-led or community-driven events and activities to promote environmental stewardship and help keep Vaughan safe, clean and beautiful. As a community member, non-profit or business, you can volunteer for a community tree planting, or participate in the City’s Corporate Tree Planting program to help improve the environment, give back to the community, get active, socialize and build employee engagement. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/GreenGuardians.   

Planting new trees: We are committed to planting trees to enhance parks, facilities and streets across Vaughan. We take a proactive approach to identify tree planting opportunities citywide. You can either request the City to plant a tree near your home or get approval to plant your own tree on a City-owned boulevard at vaughan.ca/trees. 

Backyard Tree Planting program: In partnership with non-profit organization, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), you can help grow Vaughan’s tree canopy and bring more trees to our neighbourhoods – starting right in your backyard! Through LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting program, you can access expert advice and planting services at a subsidized cost to ensure your future trees thrive for years to come. This program is available to all Vaughan residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required. 

Tree pruning and inspections: An important part of our commitment to protecting our forests includes maintaining the city’s urban tree canopy. Through the Council-endorsed Tree Maintenance Strategy (PDF), every City-owned street tree will be pruned at seven-year intervals. The strategy includes increased tree inspections and prioritizes quality services by managing and improving the urban forest and increasing canopy cover – an important element of green infrastructure and the overall health of the Vaughan community and its ecosystem. 

Tree removal permits and protection: Preserving and protecting healthy trees will help us achieve our commitment to maintain and enhance the urban forest and the environment. The Tree Protection Protocol (PDF) implements procedures to maintain and enhance our tree canopy through the development approval process. 

Tree City of the World: We have been recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation for four consecutive years. This designation acknowledges Vaughan as a green city, dedicated to fostering a sustainable and healthy environment. This program recognizes municipalities committed to ensuring urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed and celebrated. 

For more information about our urban forest and City initiatives to preserve and protect our trees, visit vaughan.ca/forestry. 

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.