Love your yard and support pollinators this spring!

(May 15, 2017) This spring, LEAF and The Regional Municipality of York encourage all residents to love their yards and support pollinators by planting native species of trees, shrubs and perennials. The Region is working in partnership with LEAF to offer assistance to property owners at an affordable price. LEAF’s Full Service Backyard Tree Planting Program offers many species of trees that provide excellent pollinator habitat such as basswood, honey locust, serviceberry and many more.

In addition to trees, specialized shrub bundles and garden kits are available. Designed specifically to provide food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, the bundles and kits make it easy for the novice gardener! Delivered right to your door, they come with planting and care instructions, factsheets and mulch.

“Enhancing our parks, backyards and open spaces with trees and native shrubs will provide important habitat for pollinators including the endangered Monarch Butterfly,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Trees are also an investment in our green infrastructure and provide many community benefits now and for future generations.”

Pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem. According to the United Nation’s Convention on Biological Diversity, pollinators are crucial to the survival of 90 per cent of wild plants and 30 per cent of the world’s crops.

“Planting a variety of native trees and shrubs that flower at different times is one of the best things we can do to support pollinators,” said Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF. “We make it easy and that’s what people love most about our program. We come right to you . . . in your own yard!”

LEAF helps ensure that trees planted have the best possible chance to thrive by providing residents with:

  • 30-minute backyard consultation with a LEAF arborist to choose appropriate species and locations
  • 5 to 8-foot tall native tree (2 to 4 foot evergreens)
  • Full planting service
  • Printed tree care guide
  • follow up tree care advice by email/phone

Supplies are limited so residents are encouraged to place their orders early.

In addition to supporting pollinators, trees and other plants provide many benefits to residents, including reduced energy costs, increased property value, privacy, removal of harmful pollutants from the air and reduced storm water runoff. Native trees and shrubs have the added bonus of being beautiful and low maintenance.

To learn more visit york.ca/forestry or call 1-888-453-6504

Interviews available upon request.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Janet McKay
Executive Director
LEAF
Office: 416-413-9244 ext.17
Cell: 647-883-5777
janet[at]yourleaf.org

 

Masrine Guthrie-Peart
Corporate Communications
The Regional Municipality of York
Office: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77272
Cell: 905-251-6416
Masrine.Guthrie-Peart[at]your.ca

 

York Region’s Greening Strategy encourages and supports stewardship and environmental enhancement on private land to protect and enhance natural heritage for present and future generations.

 

LEAF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest and engages citizens in urban forest stewardship through planting, education, and training. Learn more at www.yourleaf.org

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