Hamilton recognized for fourth consecutive year as Tree City of the World

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton residents benefit from healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods as the City continues to expand and care for its urban forest, earning Tree City of the World recognition for the fourth consecutive year.

This international designation, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, recognizes Hamilton’s ongoing work to plant, protect and manage trees across the city to improve everyday living conditions for residents.

"Trees play an important role in keeping our neighbourhoods cooler, improving air quality and making Hamilton a healthier place to live,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “This recognition reflects the continued work across the city to expand and protect our urban forest in ways that benefit residents every day.”

Urban areas are experiencing rising temperatures, increased flooding risks and pressure on green space. These challenges can affect residents’ health, comfort and quality of life, particularly in built-up neighbourhoods.

Hamilton is addressing these challenges in part by growing and maintaining its urban forest. Trees help cool streets and neighbourhoods, improve air quality, absorb stormwater and reduce noise. This work supports more livable communities and helps the city adapt to a changing climate.

“This designation speaks to the consistent, long-term work underway to grow and manage Hamilton’s urban forest,” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager. “By focusing on the right trees in the right places and maintaining them over time, we are supporting more resilient neighbourhoods and improving quality of life across the city.” 

Hamilton is one of 283 cities worldwide and one of 22 in Canada to receive this recognition for meeting international standards in urban forestry management.

Residents can take part in growing Hamilton’s urban forest through City programs that make it easier to plant and care for trees in their own communities.

Tree Giveaway Program

The City’s Tree Giveaway Program helps residents expand tree cover on private property by offering two free native trees or shrubs per household. Since launching in 2021, the program has distributed more than 23,000 trees. This year, approximately 5,000 trees will be available at no cost.

Program Details

Residents are encouraged to pre-register and pick up a free tree or shrub:

Mohawk College – Parking Lot P7
Dates and times:

• April 30 & May 1, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• May 2, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Register for Mohawk College Pick up

Bayfront Park - Parking Lot
Dates and times: 

• May 7, 8 & 9, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• May 9, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Register Bayfront Park Pick up

Community Tree Planting Program

Residents can also join the Community Tree Planting Program, which offers opportunities to participate in planting events across the city. These events are open to all ages and abilities and provide a hands-on way to support greener neighbourhoods.

Hamilton’s work is guided by its Urban Forest Strategy, which focuses on expanding tree canopy, protecting existing trees, setting clear policies and involving the community. These efforts support cleaner air, cooler streets and a more sustainable city for all residents.

Quick Facts

• Hamilton’s Urban Forest Strategy includes a goal to reach 40 per cent tree canopy coverage by 2050
• Hamilton’s urban forest is part of the Carolinian forest region, one of the most biologically diverse areas in Canada
• Hamilton’s urban forest includes both public and private trees, with an estimated six million trees across the city
• Hamilton has approximately 150,000 street trees and more than 60,000 trees in maintained parks
• In 2025, approximately 20,000 trees were planted across Hamilton
• The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and caring for trees. Since 1972, it has helped plant more than 500 million trees in over 60 countries.

Additional Resources

• Web page: Tree Giveaway Program
• Web page: Community Tree Planting
• Web page: Urban Forest Strategy
• Website: Arbor Day Foundation