Tree Programs

Environmental Action Memorial Fund

Picture of garden

A Living Legacy established since 2008. This donor program aims to help implement greening initiatives throughout the City of Niagara Falls. Plan a gift that helps to create a healthy environment. The City will issue letters for income tax purposes for donations $25 and greater. Niagara Falls Funeral Homes will accept donations to the fund by request. Donations are now being accepted online. You can also make a donation in person at the Fairview Cemetery, MacBain Community Centre and the Gale Centre. The City will accept cheque and cash donations. For more information on how you can make a donation or on where funds are allocated to, please call the Recreation & Culture Department at 905-356-7521 ext. 3330 or send us an email.

Complimentary Street Tree Program.

NOTE: This program is now open for the 2024 season.

For the past several years, the Environmental Action Committee has been fortunate to partner with generous supporters including Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. to enhance the urban forest canopy and deliver a great program to the community. The Street Tree Program enables the Committee to plant roughly 20 to 30 trees in city boulevards, medians, trails and parks. Residents of Niagara Falls are encouraged to apply for this program if they are without a tree along their boulevard and that they meet the below eligibility requirement. Trees are free of charge and will be planted in the late fall annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

Your boulevard is currently without a tree.
You are the owner of the property requesting the tree.
You have not made pre-arrangements with the City of Niagara Falls regarding a previous or existing tree on your boulevard.
You have never had a street tree and are not calling for a replacement tree.
You have not previously participated in the program.
You do not live in a subdivision that is less than five (5) years old.

If your boulevard tree was recently cut down, you will not qualify for the program. Instead, please inquire about a replacement tree at the Municipal Service Centre by calling 905-356-1355.

To request a free street tree, please ensure you meet the above requirements, then contact Jeff Guarasci, Community Development Coordinator.

Phone: 905-356-7521 ext. 3341.

Tree Planting and Pollinator Garden installations

Limited volunteer opportunities will be available to participate in future community tree and pollinator plantings in 2024. Volunteer opportunities will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once opportunities are listed below, the public is encouraged to register for these events, by email or call Jeff Guarasci, Community Development Coordinator, City of Niagara Falls at 905-356-7521 ext. 3341 during regular business hours (Mon to Fri - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).

Arbor Week Tree Planting - Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - Preakness Park Niagara Falls. Planting 35 native trees with students from Westlane Secondary School and residents who live in the surrounding area. UPDATE: Volunteer opportunities are full.
TD Tree Days - Planting of 400 native trees and shrubs (1 gallon to 3 gallon in size). Date and time TBD - fall or 2024. Volunteer opportunities will be posted once details are confirmed.
OPG Tree Planting - Wednesday, October 2 between 10am and 2pm - Planting of 50 native trees along the Millennium Recreational Trail with staff from OPG. Private planting event.

Want to learn how to plant trees?

The following information can be found on Tree Canada's website

Pre-planting Logistics

Before you get started, consider these factors to make sure you’re planting the right tree in the right place:

Plan ahead with the future in mind.

Tree Selection: Would a coniferous or deciduous tree work better for your goals? Think about what the tree will look like at maturity. Do you need something that can withstand drought, or is your soil moist? Is the soil sandy, clay, or loam? Learn how to identify the conditions you wish to plant your tree in. A tree’s shape, height, size and its function in your landscape will determine the best tree to plant in a particular location.
Species: Tree Canada encourages planting native species appropriate to your local climate, light, soil and moisture conditions. Consult verified resources online or someone at a nursery or garden centre about native species in your region.
Nearby Infrastructure: Before digging, request underground utility locates to check for buried cables. Call your municipality for assistance. Avoid planting trees close to overhead utility lines, overhanging buildings or other mature trees. Trees should not be planted within 2 metres of sidewalks, light posts or buildings.

When to plant to maximize tree growth.

The best time to plant trees is typically in the fall or spring. However, your area’s environmental conditions are far more important than the month on your calendar. Soil temperatures and water availability are the main factors that indicate if it’s a good time to plant trees.

Soil temperature should be consistently at, or above, 10 degrees Celsius to ensure root development and nutrient storage, both of which are important after transplant. The weeks right before leaves emerge in the spring, and after leaves have fallen in the fall, are a great time to plant trees as the soil is warm and trees focus their energy on growing roots instead of leaves.
Water availability is critical year-round and often determines whether young trees can heal from transplant shock and fully establish themselves in their new location. Whether it’s through natural precipitation or manual watering, trees will grow more easily when they have a consistent water supply in the first few years after planting.

Transporting and storing your tree properly

Transport: Protect your tree well during transport by padding the trunk and branches gently with burlap and tying loose ends with soft rope or twine.
Storage: Plant your tree as soon as possible after delivery. If planting is not possible right away, store the tree in a cool, shaded area and water as needed to keep the roots and soil moist.

Planting Steps

Follow these steps to minimize stress to your trees, prepare the planting spot and plant your tree with care:

Step 1: Dig a hole

The hole should be two to three times wider than the container.
Don’t dig too deep. Planting depth is very important and can often lead to premature tree death if incorrect.
When placed in the hole, the tree’s root collar (i.e., where the roots join the main stem or trunk) should be flush with or slightly above ground level.

Step 2: Plant the tree

For trees in containers, gently slide the root ball out of the pot and into the hole.
Root balls should be loosened to discourage girdling. You can also roughen the sides and bottom of the hole to promote root penetration.
For burlapped trees, place the root ball in the hole and gently cut away the wire basket and burlap.
Plant the tree so that its root collar is flush with or slightly higher than ground level and the tree is vertical.

Step 3: Secure the tree

Fill the hole in and around the root ball with the soil that was removed.
Do not return any grass or sod to the hole.
Gently pack the soil around the root ball until the hole is two-thirds full to remove air pockets.
Fill the remaining space with water to settle the soil and allow the hole to drain.
Finish filling the hole with soil and apply 5 cm of soil in a circle around the root area to direct water towards the roots.

Tree Maintenance

Mulch helps to reduce the growth of weeds and grass, retain water in the soil, minimize temperature fluctuations, and provide a slow release of nutrients. Apply 5-10 cm of mulch in a circle around the root area, ensuring it doesn’t touch or crowd the trunk.
Watering helps keep the soil moist and healthy. Water trees immediately after planting and then on a weekly basis, depending on rainfall. Keep an eye on the weather and monitor for signs of drought stress on your tree.
Staking trees is not necessary unless they are exposed to high winds or if the soil is shallow. If you do choose to install stakes, be sure to remove them after one year so the trees can strengthen on their own.
Pruning improves branch spacing and promotes a strong structure for your tree. Remove dead, damaged or rubbing branches at planting, or when the tree is dormant in late fall or early spring.
Avoid adding fertilizer unless soil tests indicate a need for specific minerals and nutrients.