St. Catharines Offers Free Trees for Urban Growth

The City of St. Catharines, Ont., is giving away around 1,000 trees to residents for free.

The city started a program called Spring Free Tree Giveaway so that residents can “help grow our urban forest,” according to development horticultural technician Mike Kraft.

“Planting a tree is a simple action that can have a lasting impact,” he said.

Residents of St. Catharines will be able to pick up a tree on April 25 at Lancaster Park from 8 to 11 a. m.

Those wanting to stop by for their free tree will need to register beforehand and choose which type of tree they’d like. The options include tulip tree, red oak, chokecherry, and eastern white pine.

The city mentioned that there’s a limited number of trees available and registration will close once all trees have been claimed. Proof of residency will be required.

Hamilton Also Offering Free Trees

St. Catharines stated in the release that it aims to boost the canopy covering the streets from the current 22.4 percent to 25 percent by 2030.

“Protecting, preserving and enhancing the tree canopy, also known as the urban forest, is a key environmental stewardship priority in the city’s Strategic Plan,” the city noted on its website Monday.

Hamilton has its own giveaway program for trees and shrubs as well. Residents who sign up can pick up a tree from Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus parking lot P7 from April 30 to May 2 or at Bayfront Park’s main parking lot from May 7 to May 9.

Trees available in Hamilton include Kentucky coffee tree, sugar maple, red maple, tulip tree, eastern white pine, and blue beech.

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