Tree Rebate Program

The City of Duncan is committed to expanding our urban forest. Trees are essential to community wellbeing, enhancing the beauty of our urban landscape, cleaning air, offering shade for people, buildings, and public spaces, and providing habitat for urban wildlife and pollinators.

One way the City is supporting expanding the urban forest is through a Tree Rebate Program to support the planting of new trees on private property within the City of Duncan. Please check here to see if you live in the City of Duncan. 

Check out the City’s preferred tree list for ideas, and learn more about native tree species below before you apply!

General Tree Rebate Program

The General Tree Rebate Program supports the planting of trees on private property within the City of Duncan. All property owners in the City of Duncan (or tenants with the property owner’s permission) may apply for a rebate of up to $100 per property, per year, to plant one tree on their property.

Program Information

• The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are exhausted.
• Any non-invasive tree that can attain a mature height of 4.5 m (15 feet) is eligible for a rebate. Please see the list of the City’s preferred trees. Please see BC’s List of Invasive Tree Species.
• Trees must be planted entirely on private property. Trees may not be planted on City boulevards, right-of-ways or any other public location.
• Rebates will not be issued for the tax portion of the purchase.
• Replacement or substitute trees required under the Tree Protection Bylaw and trees required through a Development Permit application do not qualify for a rebate.
• If you participate in the General Rebate Program, you are not eligible to be considered for the Strategic Rebate Stream.

What do I need to apply?

• Completed Tree Rebate Program Application form 
• Authorization of Agent form (if applicant is not the property owner)
• Copy of receipt for tree purchase
• Photo of planted tree

How to Apply 

Step 1– Confirm that your address is within the City of Duncan. Do I live in the City of Duncan?

Step 2– Choose your tree. First, take a look at the City’s preferred tree list. If you want to a plant a tree that is not on the list, please check that the species is not invasive and can reach 4.5 m (15 ft) tall at maturity.  

Step 3– Purchase your tree. Keep your receipt, rebates will be issued up to $100 based on the cost of the tree before taxes. A tree that costs $119.00 before tax is eligible for a $100.00 rebate, a tree that costs $80.00 before tax is eligible for an $80 rebate. 

Step 4– Plant your tree. Ensure the tree is planted entirely on your property, and take a photo of the planted tree with the tree tag visible. Ensure you check your planting spot for any conflicts with services before you dig. 

Step 5– Apply for the rebate. Fill out the application form and submit it with the receipt and photo to City Hall in person during business hours 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., by email to planning@duncan.ca, or by mail: Attention City Planner, 200 Craig Street, Duncan B.C. V9L 1W3.

Step 6– Staff review. Staff will review the application for eligibility. Staff may stop by your property to ensure the tree has been planted.

Step 7– Staff decision. If approved, you can choose if a rebate cheque be mailed to your address, or available at City Hall for pickup. 

More Links

• Do I live in the City of Duncan?
• City’s Preferred Trees List
• Province of BC – Invasive Tree Species
• Province of BC – Grow Me Instead Guide

Questions?

If you have questions regarding the General Tree Rebate Program, please contact the City’s Planning and Sustainability Department at planning@duncan.ca or 250-746-6126.

Information About Native Tree and Plant Species

Native plants and tree species are traditionally found in a specific region and have not been recently introduced through horticultural activity. They’ve adapted to their climate and hardiness zone over thousands of years, making them relatively maintenance-free once established. These plants are vital for local ecosystems and, when utilized by homeowners, can create a beautiful, low-maintenance wildlife habitat.

Native Tree Species for Sun Tolerant- Dry Conditions:

Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii), Choke cherry (Prunus virginiana), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ssp. Menziesii), Garry oak (Quercus garryana), Grand fir (Abies grandis), Pacific dogwood (Cornus nutallii), Shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) 

Native Tree Species for Sun Tolerant- Wet Conditions:

Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Bitter cherry (Prunusemarginata, Black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera subs: trichocarpa, Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii), Pacific crabapple (Malusfusca), Pacific dogwood (Cornusnutallii), Western red cedar (Thuja pilcata), Yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis).

Native Tree Species for Sun Tolerant- Wet Rocky Conditions:

Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ssp. Menziesii), Garry oak (Quercus garryana).

Native Tree Species for Shade Tolerant- Dry Conditions:

Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ssp. Menziesii), Douglas maple (Acer glabrum), Vine maple (Acer circinatum),  Western yew (Taxus brevifolia). 

Native Tree Species for Shade Tolerant- Wet Conditions:

Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Bitter cherry (Prunusemarginata), Pacific crabapple (Malusfusca), Pacific dogwood (Cornus nutallii), Paper birch (Betula papyrifera), Red alder (Alnus rubra), Vine maple (Acer circinatum). 

 

Strategic Rebate Stream- Summer Application Intake for Fall Planting will Open June 2025

The Strategic Rebate Stream will have an application intake window from June 1, 2025- August 1, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by September 2025 for a fall planting window. More details regarding the application and priority locations will be available soon. 

This stream of the rebate program is intended to supported targeted planting of trees in areas that are identified as having a lower urban tree canopy cover.

Applicants could receive up to 100% of the cost of up to three (3) trees, up to $1,000 total including soil costs up to $100 of the $1,000.

Applications under this stream will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Large canopy tree from City tree list
• Large caliper size
• Adjacent to City sidewalk or boulevard
• Contained entirely on private property
• Concrete to green space ratios
• Commercial and Mixed-Use properties will be prioritized.

Applications under the strategic rebate stream are open to all properties; however properties zoned for commercial, mixed-use, and medium-high density residential will be given priority consideration. 

Questions?

If you have questions regarding the Strategic Tree Rebate Program, please contact the City’s Planning and Sustainability Department at planning@duncan.ca or 250-746-6126.