A Tree Lover Turned DIY Tree Planter | LEAF | Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests

Adam Buchholz’s deep love for trees spans back to his childhood, just like his love for hockey! Now, this Urban Forest Champion is nurturing his passions one DIY project at a time, from planting a tree to building a backyard ice rink!

Last year, our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tree Planting Program, saw a rise in popularity. With its virtual consultation and contactless delivery, this program was perfect for those looking for home improvement projects! That’s why I’m so excited to share with you Adam’s story. This Toronto property owner planted a paper birch in his front yard through our DIY Tree Planting Program and brought his whole family in the process! His sons helped dig, plant and care for Walter, the tree.

Adam is a great storyteller, sharing his passions with a mix of fun humour, pop culture references and unabashed enthusiasm. I hope you enjoy learning about his experience, just as must as I did…

First things first, how did you first become interested in the urban forest?

Weeping willow by a lake(© 1998 Adam Buchholz)

My answer would need to start with a deep affection for trees rooted in many amazing experiences I've shared with trees. I'll share two quick stories. The first involves a majestic willow tree that stands on the shoreline of my family cottage on Snake Island in Lake Simcoe. It features prominently on our property and each time you arrive at our cottage, you step off the dock and stroll underneath its wispy branches, which really give you a sense that you've been transported to another place. My second involves a day trip to the redwood forest in California. Walking amongst the 300-foot beauties filled me with a sense of awe that I've never experienced.

Wait! - There's a third! A birch tree in the front yard of one of my childhood homes. Another beauty that I can still picture to this day.

All of these trees have inspired me, and I am proud to live in a city such as Toronto that has invested and committed to the growth and maintenance of an urban forest.

Now, moving on to planting on your property. How did you find out about LEAF?

Tree in the front yard of a house(© 2018 Adam Bulcholz)

I happened upon LEAF while doing some online research into options to plant a tree in our front yard. LEAF's staff were really helpful and did way more than just drop a tree off. I received support and advice on the right kind of tree for our soil and where to plant it through the virtual consultation with the arborist. And, it made a big difference. In the end, we planted a paper birch and it was a family effort. My two sons helped me clear an area, dig the hole and plant our tree.

OK, now I'm starting to sound like a sentimental tree nerd, aren't I?

Can you please share an interesting story or memorable moment from your experience with your new tree?

Well, again, I'm going to sound super nerdy, but here goes...

So, in the winter, I've set up a backyard rink for several years now. The inspiration for that is, of course, partially thanks to Walter Gretzky, who famously built a rink for young Wayne each winter in Brantford, Ontario. If you've ever built a backyard rink, you know that you end up fussing over it quite a bit and talking about it a lot, and it can drive your family a bit nuts.

Well, that's what I ended up doing with our birch tree, too! I'd water it all the time and check it out and tell my wife and kids about it. I realized, 'Oh man, I'm doing it again. I'm Walter in the front yard in the summer now, too!' So, for fun, I started calling our tree Walter. My family made fun of me for it, but now we all call the tree Walter. It kind of stuck!

What message would you like to share with others to encourage them to become involved?

Trees are so vital to the health of a city or any community, really. There's the science behind it, of course – the oxygen they provide, a home for wildlife and the soil erosion their root systems help prevent. But, there are also all the intangible benefits to our wellness, too. For me, a stroll through a street lined with mature trees or a long walk in one of Toronto's ravines, is like picking up a big line of coins in Super Mario Brothers. I can feel myself racking up credits and extra lives that keep me going!

If you're interested in getting involved, I would recommend reaching out and starting a conversation with one of the people at LEAF. You don't need to go all-in with a huge oak, either. If you’re being held back by the idea of having an Ent from Lord of the Rings that's going to take over your yard, you can be rest assured there are many other options. The LEAF arborist helped me find the perfect tree for me and my property and they’ll help you, too!

Are you inspired by Adam’s story to participate in our subsidized Do-It-Yourself Tree Planting Program? Visit our Homeowners page to learn more about the program and submit your application to book an appointment with one of our certified arborists. Have your virtual consultation now and we’ll deliver your tree(s) this spring.

Daniela Serodio is the Marketing and Communications Manager at LEAF.

LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Town of Ajax, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Township of Scugog, the City of Pickering, the City of Oshawa, the Town of Whitby, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Ontario Power Generation.

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