Backyard Tree Planting program to continue into its third year

The cities of Kitchener and Cambridge are lending a hand in subsidizing the Backyard Tree Planting program costs to encourage residents in considering bringing forestry into their private property. 

Working in partnership with the cities of Kitchener and Cambridge, 2021 is expected to be another year for the program in showing homeowners the importance of planting trees.

First launched in 2019, the program sees homeowners receive an in-person consultation with an arborist, as well as the delivery and full planting service.

While also working with Reep Green Solutions, the organization's arborists will take a look at your yard and ask the homeowner's preferences and needs in order to assist them in deciding the right tree for the space.

The program only uses native trees from Ontario and are used due to their opportunity to thrive in the long term. 

“Native trees require less maintenance than exotic species and provide essential habitat for wildlife,” said Chris Morrison, Reep Green Solutions’ arborist and Healthy Yard Guide in a release.

As the majority of trees are on private property in both Kitchener and Cambridge, Brian Geerts, Manager of Operations with the City of Cambridge said in a release, “approximately 80 per cent of the urban forest canopy is on private lands in the City of Cambridge, so citizens play an important part in planting and looking after our trees on their own properties.” 

Joshua Shea, Kitchener’s Manager of Forestry and Natural Area Management also noted in the release that tree planting and care on private property can have a large impact on the future success of the city's urban forest. “We’re pleased to see this program continue this year and are excited to help support our residents as they become active partners in stewarding trees.”

Following the planting of trees on private properties, homeowners will have a significant role in those first two years by watering the freshly planted tree, and Reep Green Solutions will also conduct follow-ups and provide tips to homeowners on how to keep their tree healthy.

If you are interested in joining this program, be advised that it operates on a first-come-first-served basis and is limited on the number of participants. Due to both the cities of Kitchener and Cambridge subsidizing the costs, homeowners will only have to pay between $150 to $220 per tree, depending on what variety it is. 

For more details, visit the program's website.