By Jeff Olsen

When you look at the future of our industry, one thing is clear: sustainability is no longer optional. Customers, municipalities and even our own employees increasingly want to see companies step up as leaders in environmental stewardship. That’s why Landscape Ontario’s Trees for Life initiative is such a timely and powerful opportunity.

Trees for Life is more than just a planting program. It’s a Canadian movement that unites members across the province to create greener, healthier communities, while also delivering real business benefits. By joining your local LO Chapter in this initiative, you’re not only helping the planet — you’re helping your business thrive.

Get involved

The best part? Getting involved is simple. Each LO Chapter has opportunities to join or lead local planting initiatives. Trees for Life has up to $10,000 in funding available for each LO Chapter. All you have to do is find a way to match it with in-kind value of product, supplies, labour or cash.  

Whether you can donate trees, equipment or your team’s time, every contribution counts. And with the program’s structure and support, you won’t be left figuring it out on your own.

Strengthen community connections

Every landscape professional knows that relationships matter. The more connected your company is to the people and organizations in your community, the more doors open for future opportunities. Participating in a local Trees for Life planting project is one of the most effective ways to make those connections.

Imagine your crew planting trees in a local park alongside city staff, school groups and neighbourhood volunteers. These are the same people who make decisions about municipal contracts, commercial properties and residential projects. When they see your company leading by example — donating time, expertise and resources — they won’t forget it.
It’s grassroots marketing at its finest: authentic, visible and memorable.

Free media coverage and publicity

Planting events are a natural magnet for local media. Reporters love positive stories about environmental initiatives, community collaboration and local businesses making a difference. 
By taking part in Trees for Life events, your company could gain free exposure in local newspapers, on radio and often in TV segments. But it doesn’t stop there. Social media amplifies every photo and video. Your brand presence grows even further. Just one tree-planting event can result in dozens of shared posts featuring your company’s logo on safety vests, banners or equipment. That’s the kind of earned coverage you simply can’t buy through traditional paid advertising.

Brand yourself as an environmental leader

Today’s consumers expect more from the businesses they support. They want to know where you stand on issues like sustainability and climate action. By aligning your company with Trees for Life, you’re not just planting trees — you're firmly planting your brand  as a steward of the environment.

Clients notice when you say: “We don’t just talk about green values — we live them. Our team planted 500 trees in our community last year through Landscape Ontario’s Trees for Life initiative.” That kind of credibility strengthens your proposals, wins trust and sets you apart from competitors who only pay lip service to sustainability.

Connect with like-minded professionals

There’s also a tremendous networking advantage. At every planting, you’ll meet fellow LO members: contractors, growers, designers and suppliers, who share your values and passion for the environment and the community. These aren’t just quick hellos; they’re opportunities to build meaningful, professional relationships.

Partnerships often emerge from these shared experiences. A grower might connect with a contractor to collaborate on future projects. A designer might discover a new supplier. By simply showing up with your shovel and gloves, you’re opening doors to business growth in ways you can’t always predict.

Engage and inspire your team

Let’s not forget your staff. Employees want to feel proud of where they work. Taking part in a Trees for Life planting event gives them a sense of purpose beyond their daily tasks. It shows your company cares about more than just profits — it cares about making a difference.

That pride translates into stronger morale, higher retention and even better recruitment. Young professionals are attracted to employers with a clear commitment to sustainability and community engagement. In a competitive labour market, that’s a real edge.

A win-win for business and the planet

At its core, Trees for Life is about leaving a legacy. The trees we plant today will outlive us, providing shade, clean air and beauty for generations. But the benefits for your business are immediate: stronger community connections, free publicity, environmental branding, new professional networks and a more engaged workforce.

That’s a rare combination — an initiative that does good while being good for business.

So, the next time your LO Chapter hosts a Trees for Life event, don’t just read about it. Show up. Bring your team. Plant a tree. You’ll be surprised how much grows from that one simple act.

For details on how you can get involved with the $10,000 Landscape Ontario Chapter Challenge, contact Kate Powell, operations manager at Trees for Life, at kate@treesforlife.ca or 249-688-3421.