In an effort to expand Toronto's urban forest, the city launched a community-led tree planting strategy that hopes to plant on private land and reach its goal of a 40 percent tree canopy cover. The initiative includes four specific grants including the 'Backyard Tree Planting Program' that lets interested citizens apply for a stewardship grant to have a tree planted in their backyard or front yards at a reduced cost.
The second grant is the 'Greening Partnership Grant' that supports tree planting on publically-accessible spaces like hospitals, colleges, universities, or schools. The third grant is the 'Community Planting and Stewardship Grant' that plants trees on private land by non-profit organizations. Lastly, the fourth grant, the 'Neighbourhood Tree Giveaway Program' supports community-led tree planting with financial and technical support.
Toronto-Based Tree Planting Strategies
The City of Toronto Launched a Tree Planting Grant
Trend Themes
1. Community-led Tree Planting - Opportunity for businesses to form partnerships with local communities and provide resources for tree planting initiatives.
2. Public Spaces Tree Planting - Chance for businesses in the landscaping or horticulture industry to offer their services for planting and maintaining trees in public areas.
3. Private Land Tree Planting - Opportunity for businesses to collaborate with non-profit organizations and provide funding or resources for tree planting projects on private land.
Industry Implications
1. Landscaping - Disruptive innovation opportunity for landscaping companies to develop eco-friendly tree planting techniques and offer services for community-led initiatives.
2. Horticulture - Opportunity for horticulture businesses to develop specialized tree species suitable for urban environments and offer their expertise in tree planting projects.
3. Non-profit - Chance for non-profit organizations to partner with businesses in various industries to secure funding and resources for tree planting programs on private land.