Vancouverites invited to 'adopt' street trees to help them grow
In an effort to help young trees thrive, Vancouver residents are being invited to “adopt” a local street tree and water it during the dry summer months.
“It’s no secret that Vancouverites including myself are passionate about their trees,” said Vancouver park board commissioner Tom Digby at the launch of the Adopt a Tree program on Monday.
“Every tree in Vancouver is critical to our wellbeing and the wildlife that we share with our city,” he continued. “Trees clean the air that we breathe, they capture carbon, they provide habitat, they filter pollutants from the rain and they absorb heavy rainfall throughout the city, they keep neighbourhoods cooler.”
The City of Vancouver is hoping to increase its urban tree canopy to 30 per cent coverage by 2050, so it's enlisting residents to make sure the new trees being planted are being taken care of.
Digby said Vancouver is home to more than 160,000 street trees, and the city plants about 2,000 more every year.
“Young trees that are established are crucial to the health and longevity of our urban forest,” said Don Morrison, the park board’s supervisor of urban forestry.
He added that crews do water street trees during the summer, but extra watering will help. Moreover, he said that over-watering the trees is not a concern.
“Any moisture for trees in their first couple of years is essential because their root mass is really so fine,” he explained, as opposed to more mature trees that can better withstand drought periods.
People who want to adopt a tree can choose one from this map. All were planted within the last three years, and therefore require more attention.
Participants are asked to water their tree between June and September during dry spells, when it hasn’t rained for at least four days. The park board recommends two methods: using a watering bag or a bucket with holes in the bottom. A video demonstration on how to water your tree is available online.
“Taking care of trees is easy,” Morrison said. “The best time to water is in the morning or evening so water doesn’t evaporate too quickly in the heat of the day.”
Tree adoptees can sign up online or in person at Brittania Community Centre on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Hillcrest Aquatic Centre on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Killarney Community Centre on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Watering bags will be provided while supplies last.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian health regulators ban this common food additive. Here's what you need to know
In a move to safeguard public heath, Health Canada has officially banned the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) as a food additive. Here's what you need to know.
Criminal trial for 'Freedom Convoy' organizers Lich and Barber to end after one year
Today is expected to mark the end of the criminal trial for two prominent organizers of the 'Freedom Convoy' protest, more than one year after the proceedings began.
Canadian woman dies after being caught in a sudden snowstorm in Italy's Dolomite mountains
A 56-year-old Canadian woman died after being caught in a sudden snowstorm in Italy’s Dolomite mountains and her companion was being treated for severe hypothermia, Italy’s Alpine Rescue Corps said Friday.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
Canada to donate up to 200,000 vaccine doses to combat mpox outbreaks in Africa
The Canadian government says it will donate up to 200,000 vaccine doses to fight the mpox outbreak in Congo and other African countries.
Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat dies after being hit by car in B.C.
Stephen Peat, the former Washington Capitals enforcer who fought concussion issues and was homeless at times after leaving hockey, has died from injuries sustained late last month when he was struck by a car while crossing a street. He was 44.
Passenger ordered to pay more than US$5,000 in fuel costs after flight diverted due to bad behaviour
A problematic airline passenger has been hit with an unusual form of punishment – he has to pay back the airline for the cost of fuel.
Landlord tried to convert 1-bedroom units into multiple rooms, Metro Vancouver tenants say
It was the loud construction and series of Amazon packages that tipped off a group of tenants living at a rental building in New Westminster, B.C.
Realtor fined by B.C. regulator after property photos digitally altered
A British Columbia Realtor has been fined thousands of dollars after a property listing was found to contain photos that were digitally altered to hide peeling paint and show furnishings that did not exist.