The Short Answer

What is Markham's tree canopy program? Markham is working toward a 30% tree canopy coverage goal through its "Trees for Tomorrow" initiative and a new Urban Forest Management Plan. The city's urban forest already includes an estimated 3.29 million trees (about 21% ground coverage), and programs like the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program help residents add trees affordably. A robust tree canopy enhances neighbourhoods, the environment, and — research consistently shows — property values.

Markham's leafy, tree-lined streets aren't an accident — they're the result of a deliberate, long-term commitment to the city's urban forest. And for homeowners, that green canopy is worth more than just beauty. Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham, explains the city's tree strategy and why it matters for property values.

Markham's Green Commitment

Markham has made growing and protecting its urban forest a genuine priority. The centrepiece is a goal of achieving 30% tree canopy coverage across the community — a meaningful target that guides the city's tree planting, protection, and management efforts. This is pursued through the city's "Trees for Tomorrow" initiative and, more recently, a comprehensive Urban Forest Management Plan.

Markham's urban forest by the numbers: The city's urban forest is estimated at 3.29 million trees, covering about 21% of the city's ground area (Markham Forest Study 2022). Notably, an estimated 55% of Markham's trees grow on privately owned land — which is why resident participation is central to reaching the 30% canopy goal. Figures per the City of Markham; confirm current data with the City.

How Markham Grows Its Canopy

The Trees for Tomorrow initiative

Markham's flagship urban-forestry program guides the city's long-term vision of a greener community, endorsing planting programs and canopy-growth efforts across the city.

The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program

Since 2008, Markham has partnered with LEAF and York Region to help residents plant trees on their own property at a significant discount — residents pay approximately $50–100 per tree (with subsidized native species), up to five trees per property. This engages homeowners directly in growing the canopy, since most of Markham's trees are on private land.

The Urban Forest Management Plan

Markham has been developing a long-term Urban Forest Management Plan to guide tree protection, canopy targets, planting volumes, tree maintenance, and equity — a comprehensive, planned approach to the city's green future.

Tree protection by-laws

Markham's Tree Preservation By-law (2023-164) protects both city-owned and privately owned trees, helping preserve the existing canopy alongside efforts to grow it.

Why the Tree Canopy Matters for Property Values

Here's the part that matters for homeowners: a strong tree canopy isn't just environmentally valuable — it's financially valuable. Research consistently links mature trees and tree canopy to higher property values. Here's why:

Curb appeal and desirability

Tree-lined streets and mature trees are consistently associated with more attractive, desirable neighbourhoods — and buyers pay for that appeal. Mature, established tree canopy is one of the features that makes Markham's older neighbourhoods so sought-after.

Tangible benefits that buyers value

Trees provide shade and summer cooling (lower cooling costs), privacy, cleaner air, stormwater management, and natural beauty — practical benefits that make a property and neighbourhood more livable and appealing.

Neighbourhood-level value

A well-treed neighbourhood benefits every home in it. The city's canopy goal is, in effect, a long-term investment in the desirability — and value — of Markham's neighbourhoods as a whole.

Wellbeing and lifestyle

Green, treed environments are linked to better physical and mental wellbeing — part of the quality-of-life appeal that draws people to leafy communities and supports long-term demand.

What Homeowners Can Do

For Markham homeowners, the tree canopy goal is also an opportunity. Participating in programs like the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program lets you add trees to your own property affordably — enhancing your home's curb appeal and value while contributing to the community's green goals. Well-placed mature trees are a genuine asset to a property. (Just be mindful of the tree protection by-law before removing any existing trees.)

The Bottom Line

Markham's commitment to a 30% tree canopy — through Trees for Tomorrow, resident planting programs, and its Urban Forest Management Plan — is a long-term investment in the city's environment, livability, and, yes, property values. The leafy streets that make Markham's neighbourhoods so appealing are the product of exactly this kind of sustained effort. For homeowners, a healthy canopy is beauty and value growing together.

Michael John Lau, one of Markham's leading REALTORS® and a CPA/CMA, understands the features that drive Markham property values — including the mature tree canopy that makes so many of its neighbourhoods desirable. Whether you're buying into a leafy established community or enhancing your own property, let's talk about what adds lasting value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Markham's tree canopy goal?▼
Markham is working toward a 30% tree canopy coverage goal through its 'Trees for Tomorrow' initiative and a new Urban Forest Management Plan. The city's urban forest currently includes an estimated 3.29 million trees covering about 21% of the city's ground area (Markham Forest Study 2022).
Does Markham help residents plant trees?▼
Yes. Through the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program (a partnership since 2008 with LEAF and York Region), Markham residents can plant trees on their property at a discount — approximately $50–100 per tree for select native species, up to five trees per property. This helps grow the canopy, since most of Markham's trees are on private land.
Do trees increase property value?▼
Research consistently links mature trees and tree canopy to higher property values. Trees enhance curb appeal and neighbourhood desirability, and provide shade, cooling, privacy, cleaner air, and stormwater benefits that buyers value. Well-treed neighbourhoods — like many of Markham's established communities — tend to be more sought-after.

Know What Adds Lasting Value

Michael John Lau, REALTOR® CPA, CMA, understands the features that drive Markham property values — including its mature tree canopy. Buying or enhancing a home? Let's talk.

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