Tree Orders

The County of Wellington is distributing over 160,000 trees this year. The County, along with its partner Conservation Authorities, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry promote the planting of trees and care of forests in Wellington County. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Trees must be planted in Wellington County within one of the seven member municipalities. 

Note: The City of Guelph is a separate single tier municipality.

  • Trees may not be used for resale.

Seedlings are distributed free to residents of Wellington County, local environmental groups, service clubs, schools and Wellington's local municipalities. If you would like to support the programme you can make a tax deductible charitable donation. These funds will go towards the educational component of the Green Legacy Programme. 

Submit a Tree Order Request - October 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the County of Wellington has cancelled all upcoming Green Legacy Municipal Tree Day events. The Green Legacy will alternatively be offering a contact-free home delivery service of tree orders across the County.

All home deliveries will be contact-free and will have no delivery charge. County staff will begin deliveries the week of April 13, and residents will be notified prior to the delivery of their order. 

The minimum order will remain at 10 trees (1 bundle) however, larger orders of 50-100+ trees are strongly encouraged. Trees are available on a first come, first serve basis. 


Online Tree Order Form  Hardcopy PDF Order Form 

UPDATES:

April 30, 2020 - All tree species are currently out of stock. Subscribe to this page for updates! If availability changes, it will be posted on this page.

April 22, 2020 - A variety of trees have been added back to the list of available species.

April 9, 2020 - A variety of hardwood species will be added to the list of available species.  Total inventory quanities for each species may be less than 300.  Please consider others when requesting. 

March 12, 2020 - Norway spruce has been added to the list of available species.

March 10, 2020 - White spruce is our last available species to order. Subscribe to this page for updates!  If availability changes, it will be posted on this page.   

January 13, 2020 - In order to process the increasing number of orders being received, we will NOT be accepting orders after April 15th, 2020. 

Dec 18, 2019 - Only 5 species remain available on our order form.  White Cedar, White Pine, Red Pine, White Spruce and Norway Spruce.  We started the ordering season with Dogwoods, Elm, Hickory, Maples, Oaks, Buckeye, Redbud, Sumac and Walnuts.  If you're still looking for hardwoods, some will be available at your local Municipal Tree Day and remember to click "Subscribe to this Page" to receive notifications when we update this page. 

Oct 4, 2019 - Please keep in mind the availability of trees can change daily as we receive orders.  Also, the diversity of species we grow, and how much, is affected by nature and the production of seeds.  To propagate our new tree seedlings, we start them from seeds.  When nature does not cooperate, please understand that we are doing our best to grow what we can and see that it is appropriately distributed to all of the Programme participants. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Programme Questions
 
Q: I live in the City of Guelph; can I obtain trees though the Green Legacy Programme?

The Green Legacy Programme services the taxpayers ofthe County of Wellington. The City of Guelph is a separate single tier municipality and therefore residents are not eligible to order trees.

However, if individuals or organizations outside of Wellington County would like to order and plant trees within Wellington County, they are allowed, as long as they provide a valid address for the planting site and proof of permission from the landowner.
Q: If I give a donation, will I receive a tax receipt?

Yes. If you would like to support the Programme you can make a tax deductible charitable donation.

These funds will go towards the educational component of the Green Legacy Programme.
Trees and Ordering Related Questions
 
Q: What is the difference between a Municipal Tree Day and submitting a Tree Order Request?

Municipal Tree Days are an opportunity for Wellington County residents to pick up seedlings locally, at no cost, to plant in their community. Municipal Tree Days occur at seven locations throughout Wellington County.  5,000 trees are available to each municipality. These seedlings are available first come, first serve.  Arrive early for best species selection.

When you submit a Tree Order Request directly to The Green Legacy Programme, seedlings are reserved specifically for you and your order is prepared separately from the 5,000 seedlings going to Municipal Tree Days. Typically, there is a larger variety of species to choose from when you place a request, however, there may be a different selection of species available at a Municipal Tree Day.
Q: When is the best time to submit a Tree Order Request?
Tree Order Requests open annually on October 1st. We suggest booking early for the best selection. We do NOT accept orders after April 30th
Q: Why are there different species available each year?
The diversity of species we grow, and how much, is affected by nature and the production of seeds. To propagate our new tree seedlings, we start them from seeds. When nature does not cooperate, please understand that we are doing our best to grow what we can and see that it is appropriately distributed to all oftheProgramme participants.
Q: How big are the seedlings that are distributed?
Seedlings average 15-40cm. Their height varies greatly depending on the species. There can also be a variety of sizes within each bundle.
Q: Are there any rules for where I can plant my trees?
Trees must be planted in Wellington County. Provided they are on your own property, you are free to plant the trees wherever you like. Keep in mind that some places are generally inappropriate to plant; i.e. on septic beds or under power lines.
Q: Does The Green Legacy Programme offer assistance with planting?
Orders of 500+ trees have the option of asking for planting assistance. The Green Legacy Programme may be able to pair you with a local school group to help get all those trees in the ground. These orders may also be eligible for upgrades to potted stock. Let us know on your tree request form if you areinterested.
Q: What can I do if I place a Tree Order Request and do notreceive all the trees I wanted?

You are automatically placed on a waiting list for all of the seedlings that are unavailable to meet your request. If there are unclaimed trees at the end of our distribution, you will be notified if we can offeranyofthose seedlings to fulfill your original request.

The Green Legacy Programme offers free seedlings annually. You can always place another request next year, or try visiting your local municipality on Municipal Tree Day. Each municipality receives 5,000 trees to distribute, first come first served, to residents.
 Q: What are much mats?
Mulch mats are woven coconut fibremats that are placed on the ground at the base of the seedling. They offer protection against completion (like grasses) and help to retain moisture in the soil. They are 45 cm square and available to order for $1 eachplus tax. All sales are final.
Q: What are rodent guards?
Rodent guards are protective pieces of plastic designed to wraparound the trunk of a tree (usually a deciduous species). They offer protection against rodents (like voles) that eat tree bark. They are available to order for $1 eachplus tax. All sales are final.
Q: How do I plant and take care of my trees?
You can download our “Planting and Care Instructions” also found in our “Useful Tree Links” section.

Planting Help

Orders of 500+ trees have the option of asking for planting assistance. The Green Legacy Programme may be able to pair you with a local school group to help get all those trees in the ground. These orders may also be eligible for upgrades to potted stock. Let us know on your tree request form if you're interested.  

 

Do You Need Some Tree Advice?

The Ontario Tree Atlas can help.

Just click on the map at the above website and the Tree Atlas will help you:

  • Identify native Ontario tree species using pictures of bark, fruit, cones, leaves and needles
  • Learn which species grow best in your area, including tips on when and how to plant a tree
  • Understand what types of soil and sun exposure will help a tree thrive

Other Useful Tree Links:

 

 

 

© 2020 County of Wellington, 74 Woolwich St. Guelph, Ontario N1H 3T9, T 519.837.2600, TF 1.800.663.0750, F 519.837.1909