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Urban Re-Leaf Program

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Thank you for being green and supporting Urban Re-Leaf 2022!

We’ve sold more trees than ever! Residents are helping to make the Westside greener, buying more than 400 new trees this year!

2022 was the third year of Urban Re-Leaf, our residential planting program, which we created to encourage property owners to  increase the green canopy throughout our community and help curb climate change.

Tree sales are now closed for 2022, check back next spring to secure your tree in 2023!

New tree owners can read below for planting instructions or watch our video.



 

Photo by Darren Hull

Why did we start the Urban Re-Leaf Program? 

Trees provide a myriad of benefits to our community and our planet.

Most importantly, they create the very air we breathe and act as filters, working to keep it clean. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which in turn cools the earth. In fact, a mature canopy tree absorbs enough carbon dioxide, at a rate of about 21.6 kilograms per year, and releases enough oxygen to sustain two human beings.  

Other benefits of expanding the West Kelowna tree canopy include:

  • Conserving water and reducing runoff through absorption of rainfall and storm water 
  • Conserving energy by providing shade
  • Creating economic and tourism benefits through attractive tree cover and landscaping
  • Providing habitat for thousands of species

Available 2022 Tree Options

 Matador™ maple - Sales closed for 2022 

The Matador™ maple is a large, stunning shade tree featuring an upright form and symmetrical branching. This tree is ideal for larger yards as it needs room to grow. A bright green summer foliage is complemented by dark red fall leaves.

More about this tree:

  • Water needs: Moderate
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Height: 40 to 45 feet
  • Spread: 20 to 40 feet
Shademaster® honey locust  - Sales closed for 2022 

The Shademaster® honey locust is a large landscaping showpiece that is often referred to as the perfect lawn tree as it grows into a beautiful round shape. This tree is ideal for larger yards as it needs room to grow. Throughout the summer, you will find green leaves on this tree followed by golden-yellow leaves in the fall.

More about this tree:

  • Water needs: Moderate
  • Light needs: Full sun, partial shade
  • Height: 50 to 75 feet
  • Spread: 25 to 40 feet
 Ming cherry  - Sales closed for 2022 

Ideal for smaller yards, the Ming cherry tree is a bird's best friend. This tree is known for its clusters of small, white flowers in the late spring that turn into small black fruit, This tree grows into a round, upright shape.

More about this tree:

  • Water needs: Moderate
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Height: 5 to 10 feet
  • Spread: 5 to 10 feet
 Ivory silk Japanese lilac  - Sales closed for 2022 

Perfect for small to medium size yards, the ivory silk Japanese lilac is a flowering eye-catcher, which has an upright compact oval shape with cherry like bark. Large clusters of creamy white flowers bloom in early summer. This tree is useful as a small specimen tree or as a large multi-stemmed shrub.

More about this tree:

  • Water needs: Moderate
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Height: 20 to 30 feet
  • Spread: 10 to 20 feet

Urban Re-Leaf questions and answers

Where can I purchase a tree? 

Tree sales are now closed for 2022, check back next spring to secure your tree in 2023!

How much is a tree? 
Each tree was $65, plus taxes, in 2022. Check back next spring for 2023 pricing.
Who is eligible to buy a tree through the program? 
All Greater Westside residents (West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area) are eligible to purchase a tree.
How many trees can I purchase? 
Tree purchases are limited to two per property. 
How do I get my tree after purchase?

Collection Day was Saturday, April 9, 2022 – thank you for everyone who came out and grabbed their tree!

If you missed pickup day and would still like to collect your tree, please call the City of West Kelowna Parks Department at 778-797-8849 to arrange pickup.  

 Can I cancel my tree order after purchase?
No, tree orders cannot be cancelled or refunded once processed.
What trees are available this year?

Tree sales are now closed for 2022 but four species were available:

  • Matador™ maple 

  • Shademaster® honey locust
  • Ming cherry
  • Ivory silk Japanese lilac 

For more information on each tree click here. 

How large are the trees when they are picked up?

Tree sizes will vary. The trees are large and planted in a 10-gallon pot so expect to pick-up a tree that is approximately six to 12 feet tall. 

You can view the tree descriptions above to see how large each tree will become once fully grown.

 Can I get a refund if my tree dies? 

All trees will be verified healthy upon delivery, but aftercare and maintenance are the sole responsibility of the tree purchasers. 

No refunds or replacements are provided for dead trees.

A tree planting guide will be provided when you purchase the tree and demonstrations will be available during pickup.

 How to plant your tree

Step by step guide to planting your new tree

  1.  Locate all underground utilities prior to digging. Remember to call or click before you dig!
  2. At least three business days before digging, click on bc1c.ca or call BC 1 Call at 1-800-474-6886. BC 1 Call will notify all member companies that have buried utilities in your dig area.
  3. Once digging in the area is determined to be safe, dig a hole that is the depth of the root ball and 2-3 times the width of the root ball.
    • Note: Identify the trunk flare. The trunk flare is where the trunk expands at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted.
    • If the tree is planted too deep, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen.
  4. Cut away the burlap/twine from the root ball.
  5. Place the root ball in the centre of the hole on top of the undisturbed soil.
  6. Fill in the hole with backfill and cover the entire disturbed area with 2-3 inches of mulch. 
    • Fill the remainder of the hole, firmly packing the soil to eliminate air pockets that may dry out roots.
    • Further reduce air pockets by watering periodically while backfilling.
    • Avoid fertilization at the time of planting.
  7. Stake the tree, if necessary. 
    • Studies have shown that trees establish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting.
  8. Water. 
    • Keep the soil moist, but not water-logged.
  9. Check out the long-term care instructions above for your type of tree.

 

 

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