(January 23, 2017) The Town of Newmarket is partnering with non-profit organization LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and The Regional Municipality of York to offer a pilot program where extra subsidies will be provided to residents who plant a tree in their backyard.
Starting today, the Town will cover an additional $100 towards the purchase price of one tree for up to 40 Newmarket residents that participate in LEAF’s full service Backyard Tree Planting Program (properties must meet LEAF’s space and access requirements). The program has been supported by York Region and available to Newmarket residents since 2010. But this year, as part of a special pilot project supported by the Town, 40 lucky Newmarket residents will get added discount and will pay only $50-$100 (depending on species chosen). The full value of the full service program is $300-$400 per tree. That means savings of up to $350!
LEAF’s full service Backyard Tree Planting Program ensures new trees have the best possible chance to thrive by providing residents with:
● 30-minute site consultation with a LEAF arborist to choose appropriate species and location
● 5 to 8 foot tall native tree (2 to 4 foot evergreens)
● Full planting service
● Tree care guide
● Follow-up tree care advice by email/phone
Neighbourhood trees provide many benefits to our community, including providing stormwater management services.
On average, a tree reduces a property's stormwater runoff by 720 litres. Beyond stormwater management benefits, trees also remove pollutants from the air, reduce residents' energy and water usage and beautify our community.
Every tree planted through LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program will contribute to Newmarket’s urban forest while providing many environmental and health benefits. This partnership has the potential to help our community plant more trees in 2017 and divert 29,000 litres from our stormwater management system.
For more information on LEAF’s full service Backyard Tree Planting Program visit www.yourleaf.org or call 1-888-453-6504. Please note that the extra rebate does not apply to LEAF’s Do-It-Yourself Program.
Interviews available upon request.
LEAF CONTACTS:
Janet McKay
Executive Director
416-413-9244 x17 (office) 647-883-5777 (cell)
janet [at] yourleaf.org
Jillaine Yee
Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
416-413-9244 x14 (office) 416-818-2344 (cell)
jillaine [at] yourleaf.org
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
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.
The Town of Newmarket is located in southern Ontario and is home to more than 85,000 residents. Newmarket has consistently been named one of the Best Places to Live in Canada by MoneySense Magazine and has garnered an international reputation for being one of the country’s most desirable towns to live and work in. Newmarket is also widely considered a progressive place with a reputation for environmental sustainability, collaboration, creativity and for innovation, particularly in its environmental projects.