Ontario Heritage Tree Program

Heritage trees are an important component of urban forestry. Their presence not only invokes an emotional response from communities, but they provide an ecological legacy of genetic material.

Trees Ontario’s, Ontario Heritage Tree Program identifies and records the location of heritage trees in the province. Heritage trees are identified and assessed based on their age, size, appearance, and most importantly their cultural and historical significance. The identification of these trees will enable Trees Ontario and community minded organizations to locate potential native seed sources of legacy trees. Collecting these seeds will ensure native stock is grown and available for future planting.

Anyone can nominate an eligible tree for Heritage Tree recognition, whether it is on your property, a friend or family member’s property, or in a public space. Help Trees Ontario recognize Heritage Trees in the province to ensure their survival and the successional planting of Legacy Trees. Stay tuned to the Heritage Trees website for more information on legacy seed collection opportunities in your community.

All qualifying trees that are nominated and/or recognized will be featured on the Trees Ontario Heritage Tree website.

The evaluation criteria used for the development of the Ontario Heritage Tree program was developed by the Ontario Urban Forest Council (www.oufc.org).