Urban Re-Leaf Program

2023 Urban Re-Leaf is now closed!

Thank you for being green and supporting our Urban Re-Leaf program! Tree sales are now closed for 2023.

Westside residents are helping to curb climate change by purchasing more than 200 new trees this year. 2023 was the fourth year of Urban Re-Leaf, our residential planting program, which we created to encourage property owners to increase the green canopy throughout our community.

Tree pick-up information

Pick-up is Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Mount Boucherie Recreation Complex at 2760 Cameron Road.

Bring proof of purchase, which will also indicate to staff the type of tree purchased.
Staff will load trees; however, once loaded, motorists must pull forward to a separate area to secure their load.
Bring rope, straps, marker ribbon and any other supplies you need to safely secure and flag your load before leaving.

Since staff will load trees, they ask purchasers to bring pick-up trucks or trailers, if possible. Trees vary in height from six to 12 feet, in pots of up to 10 gallons. It may not be possible to load trees in car trunks or inside storage areas within a vehicle.

Please review How to plant your tree below.

Why do we offer Urban Re-Leaf?

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

They create the very air we breathe and act as filters, working to keep it clean.
They remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which in turn cools the earth.
- Did you know? A mature tree absorbs enough carbon dioxide, at a rate of about 21.6 kilograms per year, and releases enough oxygen to sustain two people.

Other benefits of expanding our community’s 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.

In addition to working with residents on the Urban Re-Leaf program, the City also continues to plant new trees annually and care for thousands of existing trees in parks, boulevards and other public lands.

Available 2023 Tree Options

Ivory silk Japanese lilac

The popular ivory silk Japanese lilac is an eye-catcher that is perfect for small to medium size yards. Large creamy white flower clusters bloom in early summer. This tree has an upright compact oval shape and cherry tree-like bark. When properly trimmed, the ivory silk lilac can also be kept as a small specimen tree or a large multi-stemmed shrub:

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

Tree may not be exactly as shown.

Maidenhair (ginkgo biloba)

Some consider the maidenhair to be among the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees. Its bright green, fan-shaped leaves turn a spectacular yellow in fall. The tree also has higher urban tolerances to such conditions as heat, air pollution, salt, and confined spaces. It establishes easily:

Water needs: Moderate
Light needs: Full sun, partial shade
Height: 25 to 50 feet
Spread: 25 to 35 feet

Tree may not be exactly as shown.

Sienna Glen^TM maple

The Sienna Glen^TM is an excellent alternative to the more common Autumn Blaze® maple with stronger wood and denser branching. Its uniform pyramidal shape, better overall form and strong central leader make it a great option. Its a stunner in autumn as its dark green foliage turns from vibrant yellow-orange to burgundy. This tree can withstand tougher sites and requires low maintenance:

Water needs: Moderate
Light needs: Full sun
Height: 40 to 50 feet
Spread: 35 to 40 feet

Tree may not be exactly as shown.

Tulip

This large, fast-growing tree, has aromatic stems and bright green leaves that resemble tulips and turn golden yellow in fall. The greenish-yellow flowers are carried high in the tree:

Water needs: Moderate
Light needs: Full sun
Height: 70 to 90 feet
Spread: 40 feet

Tree may not be exactly as shown.

Urban Re-Leaf questions and answers

Where can I purchase a tree?

From Monday, March 6, 2023 through Wednesday April 5, 2023, trees can be purchased online. You must create an account on Active Network to purchase a tree. Follow the online tree purchasing instructions.

If you do not wish to create an online account, trees can be purchased in person, using cheque or cash, at the Recreation and Culture Portable, at 2760 Cameron Road, during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How much is a tree?

Trees are being sold at cost for $70 plus taxes in 2023.

Who can buy a tree through the program?

All Greater Westside residents (West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area) are welcome to purchase a tree.

How many trees can I purchase?

Tree purchases are limited to two per property. Stock is limited.

How do I get my tree after purchase?

Pick-up is Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Mount Boucherie Recreation Complex at 2760 Cameron Road.

Bring proof of purchase, which will also indicate for staff the type of tree purchased.

Staff will load trees; however, once loaded, motorists must pull forward to a separate area to secure their load. Bring rope, straps, marker ribbon and any other supplies you need to safely secure and flag your load before leaving.

Can I cancel my tree order after purchase?

No, tree orders cannot be cancelled or refunded once processed.

What trees are available this year?

Four species are available:

Ivory silk Japanese lilac
Maidenhair
Sienna Glen^TM maple
Tulip

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.

View tree descriptions above to see how large each tree will be, 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 purchaser.

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

Guide to planting your new tree

Locate all underground utilities prior to digging.
- 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.
Once the area is determined safe for digging, prepare a hole that is the depth of the root ball and two to three times the width of the root ball.

Note: Identify the trunk flare – the area 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.

Cut away the burlap/twine from the root ball.
Place the root ball in the centre of the hole on top of the undisturbed soil.
Backfill the hole with soil and cover the entire disturbed area with two to three 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.

Stake the tree, if necessary.
- Studies show that trees establish more quickly and develop a stronger trunk and root system if not staked at planting.
Water.
- Keep the soil moist, but not water-logged.
Check out the long-term care instructions above for your type of tree.