Guide and template: Create a tree planting plan for your community

Have you considered expanding the tree canopy in your community? Do you have a tree planting project in mind but are unsure where to start or what to consider? GMF has created a guide and a template to support you in making a planting plan. The detailed guide and the planting plan template will help you define your objectives, collect data on your current canopy’s status, select a planting site, choose tree species and much more.

A well-thought-out planting plan will help your community to minimize maintenance costs, avoid replanting costs and maximize the longevity of the trees and the benefits they provide.

Start your planting plan journey by reading the guide and tracking your findings in the template. 

Part 1: Read the guide and collect information

The guide Creating a tree planting plan for your community shares best practices, research, and examples related to each element of a complete planting plan. The guide includes important considerations for:

• Site selection
• Site analysis
• Soil and site preparation techniques
• Species selection
• Stock selection
• Planting design
• Planting techniques

Each of these are explained in depth, covering the multiple considerations and details required for a strong planting plan. A checklist at the end of each section will help you track the most important information to gather.   

Download the guide 

Part 2: Fill the template to start your plan 

This template will guide you through the process of creating a plan for your tree planting project. This includes:

• Maximizing impact: Ensure that you have considered important factors such as choosing the right species and location and building maintenance strategies to ensure your trees thrive and bring long-term benefits to your community.
• Setting clear goals and objectives: Define measurable outcomes for your tree planting project.

Use the questions in each section as a reference for the information you will need to ensure a comprehensive, well-thought-out plan.

Download the template

Who are these resources for?

Municipal staff: They provide a strategic framework to help municipal staff and departments such as planning, public works and parks and recreation align their tree planting project with broader community development goals.

Project partners: They provide project partners working with municipalities with clear guidelines to align their efforts with municipalities’ goals and help them create a strong plan.

These resources were created in partnership by Tree Canada and FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.