I had the chance to connect with Neil about his passion for trees and experience planting and learning with LEAF. I’m excited to share what he had to say!
How did you first become interested in the urban forest?
The Emerald Ash Borer damaged a tree in my yard. A limb from that tree fell during the ice storm in 2013, nearly landing on my home. The experience reinforced the importance of understanding the urban forest, the stresses placed on trees, and strategies to support these important natural resources.
How did you find out about LEAF and how have you been involved?
There are so many ways to engage with LEAF. The first experience I had was a tree tour in a local park. In addition to learning about different tree species, taking home two dogwood shrubs was a pleasant surprise. During the pandemic I participated in the Tree Tenders Volunteer Training program. I still refer to the tree identification and tree stress units. I can have more informed conversations with arborists with the knowledge gained from the Tree Tenders program. More recently I have volunteered at community tree planting events at the Humber Flats Ecopark in Richmond Hill.
Please share an interesting story or memorable moment from your experience with LEAF.
As a director of a townhouse condominium corporation with over 200 trees, I recognized that the community needed a way to manage succession planning for aging trees on our property. The majority of our tree stock is comprised of Norway maples (Acer platanoides) and lindens (trees in the Tilia genus).
Our main priority was to increase biodiversity, so I contacted LEAF to participate in the Multi-Unit Tree Planting Program. In 2020 we planted 6 native species on the property. With the help of LEAF staff, the consultation tailored the tree selections to our site conditions. The variety of colours and pollinator friendly species met all our requirements -- in addition to being more affordable than other sources.
I appreciate how happy LEAF staff are to share their knowledge. When I am watering the trees, I use the opportunity to engage my neighbours about tree care and share LEAF’s values. It is a win-win solution for everyone.
What does the urban forest mean to you and what message would you like to share with others to encourage them to become involved?
We all have a role to play to grow and sustain our urban forest. News and events about our changing climate can feel paralyzing. LEAF reduces barriers to engage in being part of solutions -- whether it is education, hands-on activities like tree planting, adopt-a-tree, or tree subsidy programs to make tree planting more affordable. Attending a tree tour is a great starting point. Buy a tree identification book and walk through a local park. I’m grateful to LEAF for the opportunity to learn and apply that knowledge to do my part to help the urban forest.
Are you interested in greening your residential or commercial property? With the Multi-Unit and Businesses Tree Planting Program, you’ll receive personalized advice from a certified arborist on which rights tree are best for your space! Check out our website for more information.
Meandra is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator 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 Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Trillium Foundation and GrandTrees/Canadian Trees For Life.