Eligibility Requirements for City-Wide Tree Distribution stream

To participate in the Tree Distribution stream, the following conditions apply:

  • The planting address must be an Ottawa residential property
  • Trees may not be used to meet a planting condition of a development, tree removal permit, or other legal requirement
  • Residents who participated in 2025 are eligible to participate again in 2026. Residents may participate once per year and receive one tree per year per planting address.

Participants must:

  • Be the property owner or have permission from the property owner to plant a tree on the property
  • Have a suitable planting site on their property, which:
    • has at least 3m x 3m of soft ground space
    • is at least 4.5m from buildings and foundations
    • is at least 1.5m from hard surfaces (like paved areas or decks)
    • is at least 4.5m from other trees
  • Use information provided to select the best tree species for their planting site (shade, surrounding area, etc.)
  • Contact Ontario One Call to get public buried cables, pipes, and wires located before digging
  • Identify any privately buried cables/wires/lines or utilities that you or previous property owners may have installed (e.g. backyard lighting, irrigation systems or pool lines)
  • Pick up their tree at the specified Tree Distribution Event
  • Plant the tree at the approved planting address in a timely manner
  • Follow the planting guidelines provided to plant their own trees
  • Agree to follow instructions provided for proper tree care and maintenance
  • Agree to follow-up communications and provide basic information on tree health and survival.

Please note that trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We will do our best to provide your chosen tree species. Availability is dependent on tree stock, health, and other factors beyond our control, and a substitute species may be offered if there are any issues with the original tree species ordered. You will be notified if the tree you ordered is not available and an alternative is being offered.

You can feel confident knowing your tree has been inspected for health and vigor. Plant Your Place! is not responsible for the health, survival, or ongoing care of the tree after it has been provided to the participant. Please refer to the instructions provided for how to properly plant and care for your tree.

Watering is crucial to ensuring its healthy growth and establishment. The Plant Your Place! program will not be able to provide a replacement guarantee for the tree.