Subsidized tree planting program launched in Cambridge
Posted Aug 27, 2019 02:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new subsidized program will see the planting of several trees in residential areas of Cambridge.
It was launched by Reep Green Solutions in partnership with The City of Cambridge and Toronto-based company Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests.
Through this program homeowners will receive an in-person consultation with an arborist, as well as delivery and full planting service.
Patrick Gilbride, the Manager of Green Infrastructure Programs at Reep Green Solutions explained what comes with the consultation process.
“Having an arborist come into your home, look at your yard, look at soil types, look at your goals for what you want to achieve in terms of planting a tree and really match you with the right tree.”
The City of Cambridge is subsidizing the cost of the program with additional support from the Ages Foundation Fund at the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation.
Residents who are interested will be required to pay the subsidized price of approximately $150 to $220 per tree depending on the tree that is chosen.
Gilbride says the program came to life because the city realized the opportunities to plant trees are mostly on private properties.
“They realized that there is a need for the public to get involved to really make sure that the trees that are getting planted for the next generation to improve the tree canopy are really done properly, so those trees will survive and thrive into maturity.”
Gilbride says the goal the program is to encourage the growth and health of the urban forest.
“That tree is going to go on to live to 20 or 30 years to grow to that stage, and may be live to 100 years so you are really planting a tree for the next generation that is going to survive.”
Reep Green Solutions will also be hosting workshops on tree maintainence and care this fall.
