50 Million Tree Program

The 50 Million Tree Program is a pledge from the Ontario government to plant 50 million trees across the province by 2025. The program is administered by Forests Ontario and provides landowners with significant financial and practical assistance to plant trees on their property. We hope you will join the over 4,000 landowners who have planted trees on their property through this program and have experienced the incredible benefits of increased property values, reduced utility costs, and more productive use of land that come with planting trees.

The 50 Million Tree Program ensures that costs and labour on the part of landowners are minimal with subsidies that typically cover 90% of the costs of tree establishment.

A local Forests Ontario partner – a representative from a conservation authority, stewardship council, or forestry consultant – will assess your land to determine the appropriate species for planting, grow stock, and prepare the planting site. Partners also provide follow-up care and monitoring to ensure the ongoing health of your forest.

To be eligible, landowners must agree to and have properties that meet the following conditions:

• A productive plantable area at least one hectare in size (2.5 acres)
• Ensure land is open or mostly open and has not been a woodland as defined by the Forestry Act since 1989
• Sign 15-year agreement to maintain trees and employ good forestry practices
• Assume some additional costs for implementing the plan and maintaining trees

Planting trees on private property benefits both landowners and local communities. Forest cover on private property significantly reduces utility costs by providing greater shade for properties during the summer and windbreaks during the winter. Trees reduce the risk of erosion and, when they surround agricultural land, can protect crops from wind damage. Trees enhance the natural beauty of properties and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

If you are interested in the program or wish to learn more, simply fill out the landowner’s application form at forestsontario.ca or contact us via phone 1-877-646-1193.

Planting trees on your land will create a greener and healthier future for Ontario. Your forests support wildlife habitat, filter pollutants from our air and water, and help offset the effects of climate change. We thank you for your time and look forward to the opportunity to plant with you.