Tree Commission Information

For tree questions or concerns, please contact:

Dick Drake, City of Canton Arborist
phone: 330.438.6902
email:

Or contact the Tree Commission

Learn about the City's Living Tree Program to honor a loved one's memory.

Street Tree Selections [PDF]

Tree City U.S.A.

Tree City USA is a national program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Communities achieve "Tree City USA" status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management:

• establishment of a tree board or commission
• adopting a tree ordinance
• spending at least $2 per capita on urban forest management
• holding an annual Arbor Day celebration

The City of Canton achieved Tree City USA status in 2015 and 2016!

Regulations for Tree Contractors

Contractors performing tree cutting, removal, treating, or pruning work on any tree located within Canton city limits on public and private property are required to be approved by the City of Canton Arborist and licensed by the City.

• Press Release (6/14/2014)
• Tree Contractor License Application [PDF] (print, fill out, and bring in)
• Tree Contractors Licensed by the City of Canton [PDF] (updated on changes)

Celebrating Our City’s Trees

History of Arbor Day [PDF]

Arbor Day 2020

2020 ARBOR DAY - CITYWIDE POSTER CONTEST!

The Tree Commission of Canton, Ohio invites kindergarten through second grade classes across the City to participate in its 2020 Arbor Day poster contest, which gives students the opportunity to use their creativity while learning about the importance of trees. All students in grades K-2 including Special Education in the City of Canton are eligible to enter their school’s poster contest. Each school may submit three posters per grade: K, 1, 2, and Special Education to the City of Canton Tree Commission 2020 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Maximum of 12 posters/school. Please click HERE for additional details about this contest!

Arbor Day 2019
On Friday, April 26th we celebrated our sixth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. We had a rather chilly and rainy day, yet over 50 people came out to help us celebrate trees, listen to live music performed by Josee McGee, share good conversation over yummy refreshments, and take home free tree seedlings. We were especially pleased to host students from Worley Elementary School, who brightened up the event with their enthusiasm and appreciation for trees. Once again we held our annual photo contest with cash prizes thanks to our photo contest sponsor, Standard Printing Company. This year’s photo contest theme was ‘Harmony of Trees’ and garnered 24 lovely entries. The photos were showcased during the Arbor Day celebration and those in attendance voted for their favorites. The photos were then displayed at the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography during the May 3rd First Friday event in downtown Canton, where the winners were announced by Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei and their cash prizes awarded.

City of Canton Arbor Day 2019 program [PDF]
Mayoral Proclamation 2019 [PDF]
Arbor Day 2019 photos 

Arbor Day 2018
On Friday, April 27^th we celebrated our fifth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. Over 90 attended the event, celebrated trees and all they do for us, listened to live music performed by Michael George, ate refreshments, and took home free tree seedlings. We were able to feature our annual photo contest with cash prizes in conjunction with the event, thanks to a generous donation from Standard Printing Company. The photo contest theme was ‘Tree-Mend-Us' and garnered 40 entries. The photos were showcased during the Arbor Day celebration and those in attendance were able to vote for their favorites. The photos were then displayed at the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography the following Friday evening at the May 4^th First Friday event in downtown Canton, where the winners were announced and given cash prizes.

City of Canton Arbor Day 2018 Program [PDF]
Mayoral Proclamation [PDF]
Arbor Day 2018 photos

Arbor Day 2017
On Friday, April 28, 2017 the City of Canton held its fourth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. Thanks to a grant from ArtsinStark we featured the photo contest again with the theme this year of “Celebrating Trees” and cash prizes for the winners. Over 175 people attended the event, voted for their favorite photos while listening to local artist Michael George perform, toured the garden center grounds learning about tree benefits, and made tree crafts and learned about trees from OSUE Stark County Master Gardener Volunteers. Once again we provided refreshments and offered free tree seedlings.

City of Canton Arbor Day 2017 Program [PDF]
Mayoral Proclamation [PDF]
Arbor Day 2017 photos

Arbor Day 2016
On Friday, April 29, 2016 the City of Canton held its third annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. New this year was the addition of a photography contest with the theme "Trees are Artists Too." Our goal was to raise awareness of trees by showcasing their beauty as well as the talents of City residents. We displayed over 60 photo entries on Arbor Day and asked the public to vote for their favorites. A grant from ArtsinStark enabled us to offer cash prizes to the winners. Over 70 people attended the event, heard live music performed by Brian Henke, made tree crafts, received information about trees and their benefits, and took home a free tree seedling for their yard. The program also included a ceremonial tree planting and refreshments.

City of Canton Arbor Day 2016 Program [PDF]
Mayoral Proclamation [PDF]
Arbor Day 2016 photos

Arbor Day 2015
On Friday, April 24, 2015 the City of Canton held its second annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. This year's event included a ceremonial tree planting to honor Andy Mitchell, friend and former AEP representative on the Tree Commission, who passed away suddenly last year. Andy's family, co-workers, and fellow members of the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department attended the event. The program also included crafts for kids, tree care information, and refreshments.

City of Canton Arbor Day 2015 Program [PDF]
Mayoral Proclamation [PDF]
Arbor Day 2015 photos

Arbor Day 2014
On Saturday, May 3, 2014 the City of Canton observed its first annual Arbor Day Celebration at Nimisilla Park. The event included tree and flower plantings, tree seedling giveaways, tree crafts, hayrides, and refreshments. This annual event brings community members together to recognize and celebrate our trees.

City of Canton Arbor Day 2014 Program [PDF]
Mayoral Proclamation [PDF]
Arbor Day 2014 photos

Benefits of Urban Trees

Trees of Strength

Proper Tree Planting and Maintenance

Tree Standards and Specification Guide [PDF]

Street Tree Selections [PDF]