Urban Forestry Initiative Boulevard Tree Planting Partnership

Boulevard Tree Planting Partnership

In November 2010, Saanich Council adopted an Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) for our municipality. The UFS was developed through consultation with the public over an 18-month period, starting in April 2009. The goal of the UFS is to "Protect and Enhance the Urban Forest Canopy." In order to accomplish this goal, Saanich Parks would like to partner with the community to plant trees on the municipal frontages (boulevards) within Saanich.

Project Description:

Saanich Parks is seeking the participation of the Gorge Tillicum Community Association to partner with Saanich Parks Urban Forestry Section (Saanich) to increase the number of trees planted on the boulevards within our neighbourhoods.

How do boulevard trees benefit homeowners?

To begin with, trees act as sound-absorbers; they reduce air pollution, increase your property value and act as traffic calmers. Of greater importance, trees intercept rain and store water on their foliage and within their roots.

What is the cost of planting a boulevard tree?

Normally, Saanich charges an up-front fee of $250.00 to purchase and plant a tree on a boulevard. By partnering through this program, the homeowner receives a tree on their boulevard frontage at no cost. Saanich staff will plant, stake and mulch the tree. All they ask is that the bordering property owner water the tree during the months of May to October to ensure the tree establishes itself.

How do you get involved?

Homeowners should contact the GTCA's boulevard tree coordinators to enrol in this initiative. (See our contact information at the end of this form.) Saanich has committed to partnering with our neighbourhood association to plant boulevard trees in 2014.

Is it better if several residents on one street sign up?

This is generally preferable, since a greater number of trees will enhance the aesthetic and environmental value of a street. Funding priority will be directed to neighbourhoods with the lowest overall canopy cover.

Do residents have a choice in selecting tree species?

Saanich Parks is committed to the principle of planting the right tree in the right place. What this means is it is important when selecting a tree to have a look around to make sure that when the tree matures it will not conflict with various objects and services to the property.

What site-specific factors do I need to consider?

In selecting an appropriate tree species, homeowners and tree coordinators are asked to look at what the tree may conflict with, such as the property's residence; driveways; pathways; outbuildings; other hard objects on the subject property; underground or above-ground utilities such as sewer lines, storm drains, water lines, gas lines, power lines, telephone lines, fibre optic lines; or hard infrastructure on the boulevard such as sidewalks, bike lanes or curb and gutters. Saanich works with local nurseries to ensure they have an adequate selection of small, medium and large tree species that are readily available for this program and will suit different locations.

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• I would like to be a neighbourhood representative to coordinate planting trees on my street.
• I am interested in signing up for a boulevard tree fronting my property.

Name (please print) _____________________________________________________ Street Address _________________________________________________________ Phone Number __________________________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________

If you are interested in a tree for your property, please check the following:

• Yes, I agree to water the boulevard tree from May to October for a minimum of five years.

Resident's Signature ____________________________________________________

CONTACT US

Please email us at info@gorgetillicum.ca, or mail this form to:

Gorge Tillicum Community Association Attn: Boulevard Tree Coordinators P.O. Box 44152 Victoria, B.C. V9A 7K1

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