Tree Trust

Reep Green Solutions brought Tree Trust to the Waterloo Region to preserve our urban forest canopy through the care of mature, legacy trees.

The Legacy of Mature Trees

Mature trees give us so much. They offer deep shade on hot days, shelter for wildlife, cleaner air, and a sense of place that only time can create. While planting young trees is vital for our future, the benefits of mature trees – like carbon storage, stormwater control, and community wellbeing – are simply unmatched. On average, one legacy tree offers the same ecological value as 250 saplings!

But even the strongest trees sometimes need a little help as they age, especially in urban environments. Without care, they can decline or be lost too soon. That’s where Tree Trust comes in. We support the care of legacy trees in the region, provided by ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborists that are specialized in caring for mature trees. Care includes pruning, removing deadwood, and clearing nearby invasive plants, so these trees can thrive for years to come. We also plant young succession trees nearby, ensuring a living legacy that grows with each generation.

Tree Trust Trees Across the Waterloo Region

Since becoming a Tree Trust chapter in 2022, we have cared for 13 mature trees. Together, these trees intercept more than 180,000 liters of stormwater each year and store nearly 60 tons of carbon! We have also planted 23 succession trees, which are expected to provide similar benefits over their lifetimes. Additionally, we’ve run 3 successful ‘Tree of the Year’ campaigns to raise awareness about the amazing mature trees across the Waterloo Region. With your support, we aim to continue this vital work and conserve even more trees.

To learn more about the trees we have cared for so far, explore the map below:

Support Legacy Trees in our Community

Be the Hero of the Tree Trust Story!

Your donation directly fuels the expansion of our Tree Trust program. Every dollar helps us care for beloved legacy trees, plant the next generation, and educate our community about the power of urban forests. Together, we’re building healthier, greener neighborhoods, one tree at a time.

Be sure to select ‘Tree Trust- Waterloo Region’ from the dropdown provided.

2025 Tree of the Year

Reep Green Solutions, Tree Trust, and the Echo Foundation brought together this year’s Tree of the Year competition! This initiative celebrates the remarkable contributions of mature trees in our community, recognizing their ecological, historical, and cultural significance.

Each year, our advisory panel selects nominees from a list of mature trees submitted by community members or those previously cared for through Tree Trust. Residents across the Region of Waterloo can then vote for the tree they would like to see crowned Tree of the Year.

The winner for the 2025 Tree of Year is the CAMBRIDGE COFFEETREE! This remarkable tree is a sight to be seen amongst neighbours, solidifying it’s place as a true landmark in Cambridge. Kentucky Coffeetrees are a rare find and a piece of history at roughly 100 years old and 30 metres tall. Thank you to everyone who voted in this year’s competition.

Past Competitions

Since 2023, Reep Green Solutions and Tree Trust have used the Tree of the Year campaign to recognize some of the amazing mature trees in the Waterloo Region. To learn more about past years’ nominees and winners, check out the profiles and links below!

2024 Winner: Goliath the Bur Oak

Goliath is a symbol of natural beauty and resilience, inspiring us to connect with and appreciate the green spaces around us. Estimated to be around 280 years old, Goliath the bur oak stands along the Bur Oak Trail in Woolwich, a scenic two-kilometer path developed by Dennis Martin, who exemplifies the values of the Tree Trust program. Read more about Goliath and the other 2024 nominees here.

2023 Winner: Waterloo Public Library Bur Oak

Nestled in Waterloo’s only Heritage Conservation District, the bur oak outside of the Waterloo Public Library on Albert Street is loved by neighbours and library visitors alike. This tree is 80ft tall, approximately 120-130 years old, and was once part of Waterloo’s original Civic Centre. You can read more about its historic and community importance here, and about the other 2023 finalists here.

Tree Trust Plantings & Events

Meet our Tree Trust Arborist

Phil Guenter of Baum Professional Tree Care.