Trees and Yards

If you are considering a bench donation, here a few things you need to know:

• Decide on the park you would be interested in having the bench located in. Most parks or trails can be accommodated, but there are some exceptions. The park location you choose can have a direct impact on the type, colour, and style of bench. Call the Parks Department at 905-372-8641 to help answer any questions you regarding the process have or go to the Bench Donation Application Form.
• Once the form has been filled out and submitted, contact the Parks Department at 905-372-8641 or parks@cobourg.ca so that a site visit can be arranged with Parks Staff.
• The commemorative plaque for the bench is on a 2x5 inch plate and will be confirmed and approved before ordering.
• You will be asked about payment options and timing (cash or cheque only). 

• White cast metal standard bench: $3,000 - only available along the waterfront.
• Black cast metal standard bench: $3,000 - available in Upper Victoria and in most Parks. 
• Specialty bench size* add: $300 - *if the size is different then standard for the location selected.
• Concrete with reclaimed wood: $1,700
• Metal post and wood style: $1,700
• Existing bench with no plaque (any type): $800
• Specialty Bench not listed here (contact Parks Office)

• The cost includes the bench, plaque installation, care and maintenance and concrete base (where required).
• Installation can occur when weather conditions are favorable. Please note that it can take several months for a bench to be ordered and delivered or built.
• Once it has been received, Parks Staff will contact you about the installation.
• On occasion there may be need to relocate the bench for any number of reasons. If this happens, all cost will be incurred by the Town and all efforts will be made to contact donor of the new location.

• Decide on the park you would be interested in having the donated tree planted in. Most parks can be accommodated, but there are a few exceptions. The park location you choose can have a direct impact on the type of species you select. Call the Forestry Section at 905-372-8641 x 4369 to help answer any questions you have regarding the process or go to the Tree Donation Application Form. 
• Once you have an idea, contact the Forestry Department at 905-372-8641 x 4369 so that a site visit can be arranged with Forestry Staff.
• Wording for the plaque be confirmed and approved before ordering. Plaque size is 4” x 8” cast bronze. Lead time for plaques are 8 to 10 weeks.
• You will be asked about payment options and timing (cash or cheque).
• Trees planted on municipal land become the property of the Town of Cobourg. These trees are then subject to regular maintenance by the Town.

Type One

• Single Tree Donation: $450 (no plaque)
• Bronze Cast Plaque: $275 (All orders are confirmed and approved with donor before ordering. This is the standard amount; price may increase depending on size)

Type Two

• Green Planting Project: The Forestry section regularly has volunteer planting initiatives in the spring. Donations under this section will go to the next available project. Donor’s name can be associated to the project on the Town website. Contact the Forestry Section for more information. 905-372-8641 x 4369 or email trees@cobourg.ca.

Type Three

• Event Level Projects: If a corporation or an organization has an idea for a large planting project in an existing park or vacant town land, the Town would like to work with you. Contact the Forestry Section for more information. 905-372-8641 x 4369 or email trees@cobourg.ca.

All Parks are available to have Type One tree donations with the following exceptions:

• Victoria Park – No individual dedications.
• Peace Park – Limited space available.
• Arboretum on Elgin Street West – Not available 

All Type Two and Type Three locations are based on the specific project.

You will need to select a species for your donation. Please consider the location when you select. We encourage native trees that will mature and have a large canopy. Municipal staff are happy to help you select a tree that suits the desired location. A complete list of trees may be obtained from the Parks and Forestry Department of the Town of Cobourg. 

• All trees shall be No. 1 grade, nursery-grown stock of a grade quality conforming to the horticultural standards and grown under proper cultural practices as adopted by the Canadian Nursery Trades Association.
• Trees shall be sound, healthy, and well-branched, free of disease and insects, and shall possess all the characteristics of the specified species.
• Trees shall be a minimum 50-millimetre caliper. (Depending on the species a tree this size will be 3 to 15 metres.)

The tree will be planted by the Parks and Forestry Department. Assistance and/or participation of the donor can be arranged depending on location and time. Contact Staff to make arrangements.

(Please note that at this time Staff will arrange to have the tree planted without participation from the donor due to COVID-19.)