In the town of St-Amable, Que., it’s plant or pay up.

As of this year, the municipality located 30 kilometres northeast of Montreal is imposing an annual tax of $200 for residents who don’t have a leafy tree in their front yard, with a goal of reducing heat islands and improving biodiversity.

One public policy expert says using taxes to get people to be more green is a smart way to address environmental challenges — although not all residents agree with the town’s approach.