Urban Tree Planting Program (Re-Leaf Niagara)

Re-leaf Niagara is an urban, community program aimed to increase the urban canopy of our cities. Our own native nursery trees are matched with community mentors and tree recipients who provide the sites for planting.

In 2016 Land Care Niagara was awarded a three year Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The goal of this grant awarded was/ is to increase the community’s urban canopy through education and engagement, using trees from our very own Re-Leaf Nursery. Encouraging people to support a healthy and sustainable environment, this initiative is helping people participate in ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts, and has an impact on the lives of community members.

Locations where trees have been planted thanks to partner groups and organizations are:

• • • 3 Areas along Walker’s Creek (2016,2017, 2018)
    • Rotary Park, St.Catharines (2017)
    • Various Niagara Falls Schools (2017,2018, 2019)
    • Niagara Falls Arbor Day tree planting events (2016, 2017, 2018)
    • Beamsville Lions Memorial Forest (2017)

Each year Land Care Niagara Provides trees for the City of Niagara Fall’s Schools in Bloom project which gives schools across the city the opportunity to participate in rewarding activities to landscape their schoolyard areas and learn about the importance of plants and trees.

Trees are also donated to the Niagara Envirothon North America’s largest high school environmental education competition. The donation of a tree for their school grounds commends them on their environmental awareness and encourages them to help create a sustainable community.

Are you considering planting a tree in your yard?

Here are some planting tips to keep in mind to successfully grow a tree.

1. Consider the full height and width of the tree when full grown while choosing the location. You should also consider if there will be enough sunlight or shade, depending on the species chosen.
2. Dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times as wide as the rootball of the tree.
3. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole to allow the roots to spread more easily into the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill the hole using existing soil and be sure to break up the soil. Check that the root collar or base of the tree trunk is above ground height.
5. Lightly step around the base of the tree to get rid of any air pockets in the soil.
6. Give the newly planted tree a good soaking right away. Continue to water once a week after planting and 2 to 3 times a week in drought or extreme heat conditions.
7. Mulch the tree with a 2 to 4 inch thick layer of mulch. Be sure not to create a volcano with the mulch mounded up the truck of the tree. You want to aim for a donut shape around the tree to keep the water in and avoid washing your mulch away.