Growing green: Oakville expected to add nearly 60,000 new trees and shrubs to its canopy this year

Annual planting efforts aim for 40 per cent urban canopy coverage by 2057

Oakville’s annual tree-planting program helps take major steps towards a greener and healthier future for the community. In spring 2025, the Town’s Parks and Open Space staff planted more than 14,000 trees and 2,000 shrubs, with plans to add another 38,000 trees and 4,400 shrubs this fall.

Tree planting happens every spring and fall, when the weather is optimal to give new trees and shrubs the best chance to thrive. Start dates are variable to reduce exposure to stress, such as from droughts and extreme temperatures. Staff plant trees along streets, in parks, and throughout local woodlots. In natural areas, like woodlots, only species native to Southwestern Ontario are planted to support biodiversity. For streets and parks, native and non-invasive species are carefully chosen by trained staff, taking into consideration above and below ground restrictions, structural vulnerability, and maintenance levels, among other factors. This helps with the resilience and long-term growth of the urban forest canopy and ensuring diversity of plant life to reduce impacts from pests and diseases.

These efforts are part of the Town’s Urban Forest Studies and Management Plan (UFSMP) that guides Oakville’s progress toward achieving 40 per cent urban forest canopy coverage by 2057. According to the 2020 UFSMP, the Town’s current canopy covers 30 per cent of the community. Plant life can be impacted by invasive species and urban stressors, such as infrastructure projects, as well as air and light pollution – that is why annual tree-planting is an essential part of the UFSMP, to replenish Oakville’s urban forest.

To support the urban canopy, the Town performs regular inspections and monitoring to identify invasive insects, plants and diseases that could pose major risks to it, such as spongy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, and oak wilt. In addition, the Woodland Regeneration Program helps restore native species and ensure they thrive – building resilience in the local woodlots. Learn more about invasive species and how the Town responds to them on the Tree Diseases, Pests and Invasive Plants web page.

Residents can also help grow Oakville’s urban forest canopy by planting trees on their property. For advice on tree species selection, planting tips, and pest management, connect with Parks and Open Space staff by contacting ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca. More information is also available on the Tree Planting web page.

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“Every tree we plant brings us closer to Oakville’s goal of a 40 per cent tree canopy cover. Our trees clean the air, provide shade, and make our neighbourhoods healthier, more vibrant, and welcoming – qualities that attract visitors and residents to our town. As your mayor, I am committed to protecting and expanding our urban forest for generations to come.” 
– Mayor Rob Burton