WATCH: Why these West Kelowna trees are about more than just shade

Trees provide more to communities than simply removing carbon dioxide from the air.

They help conserve water, and reduce runoff, provide shade, and are a habitat for thousands of species.

All that, alongside expanding West Kelowna’s tree canopy, is behind the Urban Re-Leaf Program.

Residents can purchase four different types of trees at cost: Matador Maple, Shademaster Honeylocust, Ming Cherry, and Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac (which as of Thursday, has sold out).

The city increased its supply to 500 from 200 last year due to demand.

Parks and Fleet Manager, Stacey Harding, told Kelowna10, the program is one that residents really get behind.

“We have always encouraged the residents and ourselves as a city to increase our overall tree canopy here at the city,” he said. “Trees are very important for us, especially right now with the carbon issue in the atmosphere and if we can do our little piece to help reduce carbon, that’s great.”

Harding said the city is always looking at other ways to go green. He said the city has adopted emissions programs to move away from gas-powered machines for things like weed eaters, some cars and lawnmowers.

“There are many other areas other than trees and parks the city is trying to leave a lighter footprint on the environment,” he said.

Later in the spring, the City of West Kelowna will plant trees along the Highway 97 Couplet in Westbank Centre near the southern gateway to the city, and at Darroch and Rotary Trails parks. It comes thanks to a $4,750 grant under the BC Hydro Community Re-Greening Program.

The city is also teaming up with Grade 7 students to plant 550 seedlings in May at Mule Deer Park, which was damaged during the 2009 Glenrosa wildfire.

Trees can be purchased online before April 3.

Pick-up will take place Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Mount Boucherie Recreation Complex.