Tree Power program nears 1,000 trees planted in Stratford over five years

The Festival Hydro Tree Power program returns for its fifth year with online sales of 10 species of native trees available for purchase online beginning March 2 at 9 a.m.

When Stratford residents pick up their trees this spring through the Festival Hydro Tree Power program, the city will be edging closer to a significant environmental milestone – nearly 1,000 new trees planted in just five years.

Launched in 2021, the partnership between the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Festival Hydro is now in its fifth year. According to UTRCA communications and marketing specialist Emily Chandler, the program has consistently sold close to its annual allotment of trees.

“In Stratford, we’re usually around 150-200 trees each year,” Chandler said. “So quick math – five times 200 – we’re just under a thousand trees. When you think of the City of Stratford having added 1,000 trees, that’s pretty huge.”

Tree sales for the 2026 program open Monday, March 2 at 9 a.m. through the UTRCA’s online shop at https://shop.thamesriver.on.ca/product/festival-hydro-stratford-tree-power/, with pickup scheduled for Saturday, April 18. Trees are $30 each.

This year, 10 native species are available for locals to plant in their yards: American Sycamore, Basswood, Bur Oak, Hackberry, Paper Birch, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Tulip, White Spruce and White Pine.

Chandler said the program has evolved slightly over the years to include more evergreen options, which have proven popular.

“We have some that are always favourites like tulip trees and sugar maples, but the white spruce and white pine seem to sell out right away,” she said. “Some people plant those for privacy along a fence line, and they also offer different habitat benefits and different growth rates.”

While the program was initially created with energy efficiency in mind – strategically planted trees can reduce heating and cooling costs for homeowners – the environmental benefits extend well beyond that.

“There’s really no downside to planting a tree,” Chandler said. “You create habitat for wildlife, help reduce soil erosion and flooding, improve air quality and add aesthetic beauty to your yard.”

She noted trees can play a key role in stormwater management, helping absorb rainfall and reduce runoff that can otherwise damage infrastructure or contribute to localized flooding.

Festival Hydro has supported the program from the outset and continues to sponsor it annually.

“As we work to achieve the goals of Festival Hydro’s latest strategic plan, we remain committed to building a more sustainable and resilient energy future,” said Jeff Graham, president and CEO of Festival Hydro, in a press release. “Supporting the UTRCA’s Tree Power Program in 2026 reflects our focus on practical environmental action that delivers real benefits for our community. Tree planting reduces carbon, improves air quality and strengthens the neighbourhoods we serve.”

Beyond financial support, Festival Hydro staff also volunteer on tree-pickup day each year.

“They show up rain or shine,” Chandler said. “The volunteers are excited, the residents picking up their trees are excited – it’s just a really positive day.”

With close to 1,000 trees planted through the program since 2021, Stratford’s urban canopy is steadily growing one yard at a time.