BRAMPTON — The City of Brampton is inviting residents to celebrate Tree Month throughout September with a series of free activities, tree giveaways and community events aimed at strengthening the city’s urban forest and supporting its goal of planting one million trees by 2040.
Tree Month 2026 is being supported by Alectra, Loblaw Companies Limited and CN, with residents encouraged to learn more about the importance of planting, protecting and maintaining trees across the community.
A major highlight will be the Residential Tree Giveaway, offering Brampton residents an opportunity to receive a free tree for their property. Trees are limited to one per household and are available while supplies last. Pickup will take place at Norton Place Park, 170 Clark Boulevard, on Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, September 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Advance registration is required.
Residents can also take part in the Tour the Trees Bike Tour on Sunday, September 20. The free ride, organized with Brampton’s Parks and Forestry team and Bike Brampton, will introduce participants to some of the city’s significant trees and conclude with a complimentary barbecue. The event will run from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., beginning and ending at Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre, 292 Conestoga Drive.
Another hands-on opportunity will take place Saturday, September 26, when residents can join Scouts and City staff for a community tree planting event at Gore Meadows Community Centre and Library, 10150 The Gore Road. The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, will focus on planting native trees and shrubs while helping restore wildlife habitat.
National Forest Week will also be observed from September 23 to 27, with National Tree Day falling on September 23. Residents will be able to participate in activities connected with Tree Canada and the Canadian Institute of Forestry.
For those who prefer to explore independently, Brampton is offering self-guided tree walks at Dorchester Park and Conservation Drive Park. The walks use interactive maps and QR codes to help visitors identify tree species, understand their environmental importance and learn how urban forests support wildlife and healthier communities.
Children aged 12 and under can also take part in the Tree Month Colouring Contest, running from September 1 to October 2, for a chance to win a Brampton Parks prize pack.
Families can additionally enjoy a free Tree Song Story Walk at Chinguacousy Park, featuring the Canadian children’s book Tree Song by Tiffany Stone and illustrator Holly Hatam. The activity is being presented in partnership with Annick Press and Brampton Library.
Tree Month is closely connected to Brampton’s One Million Trees Program, launched in 2020 with the goal of planting one million trees across the city by 2040.
According to the City, more than 300,000 trees have already been planted over the past five years through the combined efforts of residents, businesses, community organizations and municipal partners.
Residents who plant trees on their own property are encouraged to record them through the City’s online Tree Tracker, allowing individual contributions to appear on an interactive map showing Brampton’s progress toward its one-million-tree target.
The City is also reminding homeowners and businesses that they are responsible for properly maintaining trees located on private property.
Residents can prune trees on their own property without obtaining a permit, although removing certain trees may require approval depending on their size and location. Property owners are encouraged to review Brampton’s Tree Preservation By-law and Woodlot Conservation By-law before removing trees.
Trees and other vegetation must also be maintained so branches do not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. Property owners who fail to maintain vegetation properly may face fines beginning at $350.
Residents who are uncertain about safe pruning practices are encouraged to consult a qualified arborist.
City-owned trees in parks, boulevards and other public areas are maintained by Brampton’s Urban Forestry team. Residents should not prune, remove or otherwise alter City-owned trees themselves.
Anyone unsure whether a tree belongs to the City or is privately owned can contact 311 for assistance. Residents can also use 311 to report damaged or unhealthy public trees and request services including inspections, pruning, removal and replacement.
Mayor Patrick Brown said Tree Month gives residents and families an opportunity to enjoy Brampton’s parks while learning more about the trees that contribute to the character and environmental health of the city.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, Chair of Brampton’s Community Services Section, said keeping Brampton clean, green and beautiful is a shared responsibility and encouraged residents to participate in planting activities and spend time in the city’s natural spaces.
With free trees, cycling, community planting, educational walks and family activities planned throughout September, Brampton officials are encouraging residents of all ages to get involved and help build a greener urban forest for future generations.