Carleton Place launches subsidized Bare Root Tree Planting Program to boost urban canopy

This spring, the Town of Carleton Place is encouraging residents to help grow its urban forest through the return of its annual Bare Root Tree Planting Program, offering subsidized trees to enhance the local tree canopy.

In a release issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, town officials shared that that they are selling a limited number of trees at a subsidized rate of $25 each for eligible local residents, with a limit of two trees per household.

The trees measure approximately five to eight feet in height with a trunk thickness of about 25 millimetres must be planted within municipal boundaries, according to the release.

Residents interested in participating must purchase their trees through the town’s online ordering system, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to the town, because these these trees are subsidized, anyone who purchases a tree must attend (or must have previously attended) an online educational webinar. These webinars are to ensure teach planting techniques to ensure successful long-term tree health. The webinar is scheduled for April 29 at 7 p.m., followed by an in-person demonstration at the Carleton Place Arena parking lot on May 2 at 9 a.m.

A variety of tree species will be available for purchase, including larger trees like Autumn Blaze, Maple Sugar, Maple Red Oak, Hackberry, and Honey Locust. They will also be selling smaller trees like Serviceberry, Showy Mountain Ash, McIntosh Apple, Cortland Apple, Eastern Redbud, and Pin Cherry.

Residents are being encouraged to carefully consider planting locations before making a selection and planting on their property, specifically taking into account the size of the trees once they reach maturation.

The town is also reminding participants to request utility locates through Ontario One Call before they begin planting, as is required to ensure safe planting.

Pickup details will be announced through the town’s communication channels once the trees are ready, with residents required to collect their orders before May 31.