Kingston’s Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program continues for 2022
As of March 1, 2022, trees will be available once again for purchase as part of Kingston’s Neighborhood Tree Planting Program. Up to 10 different species of trees are available to order, ranging from $10 to $17. This year, trees will be on sale from March 1 to April 1, and again from July 4 to August 4, or until sold out. This project has been ongoing since 2019 and will hopefully continue to ‘grow’ from there.
Since 2020, over 1,000 trees have been planted, with the hope and goal of doubling Kingston’s tree canopy by 2025. Greening projects will help to improve and enhance green spaces, preserve wetlands, and boost tree canopy, according to the City of Kingston.
Kingston citizens get involved by planting trees on their private property to take climate action. The Neighborhood Tree Planting Program gives landowners in the City of Kingston the opportunity to buy trees at a discounted rate for planting on their land. These trees are compatible with the Kingston climate, since they are native and hybrid-native species to the area.
According to Public Works Operations Coordinator for the City of Kingston, Deanna Ridgley, “Property owners who do not have a vehicle to pick their trees up may contact LeafKingston at [email protected] for assistance. LeafKingston is a great resource for those who need assistance in planting their own tree.”
If residents have questions about the Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program itself or general questions about tree care, they are welcome to inquire at the City of Kingston service request page, Ridgley explained.
To make sure that these trees are actually being planted in Kingston, the city has set up a program to track the planting. Ridgley explained that, “When purchasing a tree, property owners are consenting that they own property within the City and are required to submit the location where the tree will be planted in order to purchase.” This allows the City to keep records of which trees species have been planted throughout Kingston, as well as where and when those trees were planted.
‘Right tree, right place’
Go to the City of Kingston Tree Planting Program page for the best tips on how to plant your tree. With a few easy steps, you can make a difference while also getting more involved in Kingston’s climate action — one of the Strategic Priorities of the 2019-2022 City Council Strategic Plan.