Forests Canada Planting Program FAQ

We are proud to support several different types of planting projects to meet the diverse needs and objectives of property owners and managers. The following types of planting projects are eligible, and may be combined on your land to achieve the minimum requirement:

• Afforestation: Planting trees on land without any previous tree cover (e.g., abandoned/marginal land) to increase forest cover, enhance connectivity with adjacent woodlots, create wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.
• Riparian Buffer: Planting trees along a watercourse, and or water features (e.g., wetland, pond, river, creek, seasonal streams, etc.) to help stabilize streambanks and shorelines, reduce soil erosion, and improve water quality.
• Windbreak: Planting trees in rows along land boundaries to provide shelter from the wind and/or snowdrift, enhance farmland productivity, and create habitat and travel corridors for birds and wildlife.
• Forest Restoration: Planting trees in the understory or open areas of an existing woodlot that has experienced stress or damage (e.g., windstorm or ice storm damage, wildfires, pests, invasive species, etc.) to improve forest health and enhance species diversity.

Landowners may be required to contribute to the cost of a planting project or provide an in-kind contribution. The cost may vary and is based on project details including the size of the planting area, species and stock type, site preparation requirements, and planting method. Funding may be available to help reduce the costs of tree planting and could cover between 50% to 90% of total project planting costs.

Step 1: Apply for the program on our website

Step 2: A member of the Forests Canada Restoration Team, or a local planting partner, will contact you regarding your application within 10-12 business days. Please note applicant follow-up may take longer in some cases due to the volume of submissions received.

Step 3: Eligible projects are referred to a local forestry professional/planting partner, who will schedule a site visit.

Step 4: If the site is eligible for planting, the planting partner will develop a preliminary plan and provide a cost estimate (if applicable) for the project.

Step 5: The planting partner and the landowner agree to the planting plan, and the landowner enters into a project agreement.

Step 6: The planting partner and landowner carry out the duties of the planting agreement (e.g., site preparation, planting, tending, planting quality, and survival assessments).

Step 7: Survival assessments are completed by the planting partner in years two and five when the tree reaches a ‘free to grow’ status and can successfully establish into a young forest.

Native and naturalized tree species are selected based on the landowner’s objectives for their property, as well as soil and site conditions. We work with nurseries across Canada to ensure high-quality stock is used for planting projects to maximize survival and long-term benefits.

Forests Canada partners with professional tree planting organizations across the country. Once an application has been approved, we will refer the project to a local planting partner in the area. Planting partners include forestry consultants, conservation authorities, stewardship groups, and other forestry professionals.

Tree planting has a multitude of benefits for your land and community. Since each planting project is unique, the goals, objectives, and benefits of each will vary:

• Planting trees sequesters significant amounts of carbon, helps clean the air we breathe and water we drink, creates habitat for many birds and wildlife, and offers mental and physical health benefits that support healthy communities.
• A windbreak planted near agricultural lands will provide a wildlife corridor, help reduce snowdrift, prevent soil erosion, and provide privacy.
• Trees planted along shorelines help protect water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and food sources.
• Forest restoration planting can improve forest health and rehabilitate your woodlot after a weather event or invasive species damage.
• Varying tax incentives that support reforestation efforts may exist in your province. Please see the links below for details regarding potential incentives for private landowners:

Ontario: The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program is a voluntary program administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources that offers landowners a property tax reduction on well-managed forest land. Find out more here.

British Columbia: Private forest owners can qualify for the Managed Forest tax rate under the Private Managed Forest Land Program guided by the Private Managed Forest Land Act.

Quebec: Rebates of up to 85% of total annual property taxes paid are provided to private forest owners through the Real Estate Tax Reimbursement Program for Certified Forest Producers, paid out as a deduction on the provincial income tax. Subsidies are available for forest management work through the Financial Assistance Program for the Development of Private Woodlots, wherein landowners become “Forest Producers”.

Prince Edward Island: Landowners can qualify for receiving financial support from the province for forest management plan development and implementing silvicultural treatments through the Forest Enhancement Program

If you are a part of a community group, environmental organization, or company interested in planting trees, learn more about our community planting events, explore our Take Root program, or contact us for more ways to get involved.

If you are interested in supporting Forests Canada with a donation or by becoming a member, please click here to find out more.

Please contact us through our website.