Planting Trees to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change
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Wherever you live in the province, trees are essential to your health and well-being.
Trees shade our homes, add beauty to our communities and countryside, and protect biodiversity by providing food and habitat for birds and animals. Trees are natural air filters - taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees protect sources of drinking water by preventing soil erosion.
Trees absorb and store greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as they grow, making them an essential tool in Ontario's fight against climate change.
We can all contribute to a healthy natural environment by planting trees. Before planting, it's important to research a variety of tree species, or talk to an expert, to find out which trees grow best in your part of the province.
Everyone Can Get Involved
Even if you don't have a backyard or garden, you can still help to fight climate change and green our province by encouraging friends and family to plant trees, or by volunteering in your community to plant trees on public lands.
Ontario's fight against climate change includes planting 50 million trees across southern Ontario by 2020. Read about the 50 Million Tree Program and find out who to contact for information on planting trees in Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources' Ontario Stewardship program is a community-based volunteer program that encourages responsible land care and sustainable resource use. More than 16,000 volunteers take part in Ontario Stewardship projects every year, including natural resource education, shoreline restoration, and forest-related activities.
• Use the Tree Atlas to learn which trees are native to Ontario and the best species to plant where you live.
• Tree Planting Tips - A bit of planning will help you plant your trees properly to ensure they thrive and survive.
Facts about Trees
• Two thirds of Ontario, an area totaling 71.1 million hectares, is covered by forests - a land
area equivalent in size to Germany, Italy and the Netherlands combined.
Our forests can absorb a staggering 425 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
And since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, that's good for our climate.
• Trees reduce air conditioning needs by up to 30 per cent by providing shade for homes
and businesses.
• Ancient cedars over 1,500 years old can be found growing on the Niagara Escarpment.
• Ontario's official tree, the eastern white pine, is the tallest tree species in eastern
North America, reaching heights greater than 30 metres.
• Black spruce is the most common tree in Ontario, making up more than 37 per cent
of the province's growing stock.
