Here’s how some Hamilton homeowners can get a free tree

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News | Politics |

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Published February 12, 2020 at 5:28 pm

Hamilton homeowners looking for a little shelter from the sun can take advantage of a program the city is offering for free.

Hamilton homeowners looking for a little shelter from the sun can take advantage of a program the city is offering for free.

The City of Hamilton offers a program known as the Street Tree Planting Program, in which homeowners can apply to have trees planted in the City-owned road allowance of their property.

The city has approximately 40 choices of native and non-native trees.

Planting a variety of trees reduces the loss of tree canopy due to disease and insect damage and increases the sustainability of our Urban Forest, the city’s website says.

For qualified properties, the city’s Forestry Investigator conducts a site inspection to assist in selecting a tree species that is site appropriate.

There is currently a suspension of Maple Tree planting, the website says, in an effort to help build diversity in the tree canopy so that it can better withstand pathogens.

The trees are planted through the spring and into the fall and they’re maintained by city staff but cared for by the homeowner.

On Wednesday (Feb. 12), the General Manager of Planning and Economic Development for the city, Jason Thorne,  encouraged residents to consider a free tree for their property in a tweet.

The city touts the many advantages of a robust urban canopy on their website. Benefits to the environment and the appearance of one’s neighbourhood are highlighted as well as the increased habitat for local wildlife.

The Street Tree Planting program follows these guidelines:

  • If you live on a standard lot, you can have one tree planted on the road allowance on your property.
  • If you live on a corner lot, you can have up to three trees planted.
  • Trees will not be planted in any boulevard locations where the width of grass area is less than 1.75 metres.

For more information or to apply for the program, check out the City’s website.

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