Grey Sauble Forestry Service
Our staff are experienced, certified and licenced to provide services that benefit you and your property.
Do you have idle land that you are not using and are not sure what to do with it? Why not plant trees? GSCA is looking to transform marginal or idle lands into beautiful forests and have planted over 4 million trees since 1984.
Our trained staff have extensive experience preparing and executing tree planting plans across our watershed.
We offer a full-service program that includes:
- Free site assessments and technical support.
- Customized tree planting plans tailored to your property and your goals and objectives.
- Cost estimates and analysis.
- Tree planting and tending services.
- Ordering and handling of the trees.
- Site preparation.
- Survival Assessments.
Our plans are developed to meet the program requirements of Forests Canada’s 50 Million Tree Program. We are also a Planting Delivery Agent (PDA). As such, we can access substantial subsidies/grants that can reduce the cost to you, the landowner, by up to 90%. To qualify for these grants, landowners must:
- Have at least 0.4 hectares (1 acre) of open land or 1200 metres for windbreaks and riparian buffer planting;
- Order a minimum of 500 trees; and
- Agree to reasonably protect the trees from damage.
There are many reasons to plant trees and maintain forests on your property, which include:
- Enhanced wildlife habitat.
- Wind, noise and visual breaks.
- Reduced erosion.
- Reduced heating and cooling costs of your home.
- Increased crop yields (through windrows).
- Tax incentive programs.
- Improved soil, water and environmental health.
- Increased recreational opportunities.
- Aesthetic beauty.
- Increased property values.
- Wood products such as firewood, lumber, maple syrup, and nuts.
Important Information: A deposit is required for all tree planting projects. The deposit is required once the Landowner Agreement is signed and will be equal to the cost of the trees planned for the project. If a project is cancelled after the agreement is signed and on or before January 23 2026, the deposit less 10% will be returned. This 10% holdback is to partially cover staff's investment in the project. If a project is cancelled after January 23 2026, the full deposit will be retained by GSCA.
Do you have a smaller tree planting project in mind?
Fill out our Stewardship Application Form. We may have funding for you!
Tree and Seedling Order Form
Our online order form makes it easy to purchase high-quality trees and seedlings to plant on your property at an affordable price.
For more information about what trees to purchase, please read the "Choosing the Right Tree" Guide.
Important Information: A 50% deposit is required at time of ordering for all tree sales. Orders cancelled on or before January 23, 2026, the deposit, less the administration fee, will be returned. Orders cancelled after January 23 2026, the deposit will not be returned. This is due to stock turn back dates set by nursery partners.
Deadline to submit order form: March 27, 2026
Annual Grey Sauble Tree Sale
When: 2026 date coming soon!
Time: 8AM - 12PM
Where: The Grey Sauble Conservation Administration Centre (237897 Inglis Falls Road, Owen Sound).
Grey Sauble Tree Sale - 2025 Species List
Don't forget to bring a bag, bucket, or wagon to transport your seedlings and trees!
The Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry (MNRF), offers a 75% reduction in property taxes for landowners with at least 4 hectares (9.88 acres) of forested land on their property. GSCA has staff who are trained and obtained their Managed Forest Plan Approver designation. We will assist you in developing and submitting a property-specific Managed Forest Plan to the MNRF for approval. The application deadline is June 30th each year.
Each plan will describe applicable legislation and laws, past activities and history, your goals and objectives for the property, a description of each unique area on the property and the planned activities over the next 10 years. Within each plan, our staff will provide expert advice to help you reach your goals and objectives. This may include:
- Planting trees in open areas to expand and grow the forest.
- Removing invasive species from the property to restore native plants and trees.
- Identifying wildlife habitat projects and monitoring.
- Creating and maintaining recreational trails.
- Managing plantations to restore mixed hardwood forests.
- Commercial timber harvests following Good Forestry Practices.
In the fifth year of the plan, the landowner is required to submit a 5-year Progress Report and Report of Activities to the MNRF. In the Progress Report, landowner will outline what they had planned to complete and updates on their progress.
Even though the program is called the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program, landowners do not have to harvest trees to qualify for the program. Many individuals choose to maintain trails, view wildlife, spend time outdoors on the property, and use their property for recreational activities. All of these are acceptable activities under the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program. If harvesting is an objective of a landowner, it must be completed in a sustainable manner that follows all laws and regulations.
For more information, visit: www.ontario.ca/page/managed-forest-tax-incentive-program