SDG Counties maintains more than 985 km of roads - one of the largest road networks in Ontario.
Maintenance of the road system includes activities such as snow removal, paving, bridge repairs, and vegetation control.
The SDG Counties Roadside Tree Program strives to promote healthy roadside trees that contribute to the safety and beauty of the road network. Annually, SDG Counties plants approximately 2,000 trees along its road network.
Why plant trees?
Roadside trees are planted for several different objectives, including the creation of windbreaks, beautification of our road network, and property delineation. Roadside windbreaks serve as 'living snow fences' by reducing the likelihood of large snow drifts entering the shoulder or roadway. Planting wind breaks within the road allowance offers a long-term environmentally conscious option to improve safety in the wintertime on our roads. Tree-planting also reduces winter maintenance costs. Trees are planted entirely on municipal property, ideally spaced at least a metre from the property boundary line.
What species do we plant?
SDG Counties plants a variety of trees, depending on the objective for the planting site. Windbreaks for drifting snow are primarily planted with conifers such as Norway and White Spruce due to their shape and hardiness. The physical structure and porosity of these species means they grow in a wide range of soil conditions and create an ideal windbreak.
Below is a list of tree species commonly planted along SDG Counties roads for windbreaks or targeted beautification projects:
- Norway Spruce
- White Spruce
- Bur Oak
- Common Hackberry
- Eastern White Cedar
- Eastern White Pine
- European Larch/ Tamarack
- Red Oak
- Black Walnut
- Red Maple
- Sugar Maple
- Shrubs (Lilac, Staghorn Sumac)
2026 tree-planting locations
Roadside trees will be planted entirely within the SDG Counties' municipal right-of-way. Windbreaks will not be planted across field entrances. A planting layout will be completed by the SDG Counties Forester and landowners will be notified in advance of any suspected conflicts. In advance of any physical planting, residents may see flagging along the road indicating the planting locations. Those with concerns regarding drainage outlets into the roadside ditch, are encouraged to contact SDG Counties using the contact box below. SDG Counties is happy to meet with property owners regarding these considerations and address any questions regarding the trees being planted.
Proposed windbreak locations are areas that have already been identified by SDG Counties staff where snow drifting is more common.
LINK: Click here to see the 2026 tree planting sites.
NOTE: these locations are subject to change based on stock availability and site conditions.
Who do I contact if I want trees planted along my property?
Partner organizations such as Forests Canada have programs available for private landowners to plant trees on their property. If you are interested in planting trees on your property, please follow the attached link: https://forestscanada.ca/en/programs