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Port Colborne is branching out its urban forest expansion efforts as hundreds of trees are set to be planted on City boulevards and properties over the coming weeks.
Starting this fall and continuing until the end of 2025, the City will be planting nearly 1,600 new trees to preserve and grow the urban tree canopy.
One of the goals of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan is to increase the tree canopy to 40 per cent by 2040, with the current canopy at 32 per cent.
Tree growth is beneficial for many reasons, including providing cleaner air, serving as a barrier against heat and decreasing storm water runoff.
Door hangers with information about the new trees will be delivered to homes near to where the new trees will be planted. No direct care for the trees is required, but residents are asked to avoid the stakes and watering bags that come with the trees, as well as to use caution when mowing lawns nearby. Residents can also water the trees if they choose and contact the City’s Customer Service team if a tree needs additional care.
Approved by Council in 2024, the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan also aims to:
- Protect existing public trees and encourage the retention of private trees.
- Increase the canopy cover over 10 years, to help mitigate climate change, through tree protection, planting, and maintenance.
- Increase tree planting with native species to enhance biodiversity and connectivity.
- Ensure the creation of beautiful treed and healthy places for people to enjoy.
- Enable the urban forest to help increase the education and awareness opportunities.
- Use more trees to improve economic opportunities and tourism through greater canopy.
- Manage the risk that trees pose to an acceptable level for residents and visitors.
Further information can be found on portcolborne.ca/environment
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