Why the city hopes you grab an affordable tree

While Kelowna continues to see explosive growth and development, the City also wants to make sure the urban forest keeps pace.

As of today, the NeighbourWood program returns for its 13th year, offering a total of 600 subsidized trees to those property owners who want to do their part.

“There’s only so much city land that we can plant trees on and maintain. So, we really need the citizens of Kelowna to be engaged and contributing in that way,” Tara Bergeson, Urban Forester for the City of Kelowna, told Kelowna10. “And this is a really great way to do that.”

The benefit to a homeowner, Bergeson added, is extra real-estate value and improving esthetic value. She also said the shade and wind protection can help save on air conditioning costs in the summer and heating in the winter.

The city offers new species of trees each year along with bringing back popular varieties. This is, in part, to create greater biodiversity and strengthen the ecosystem, as well as to just offer new inventory to residents.

This season’s stock includes the American Hackberry, Galaxy Magnolia, Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac, Maidenhair Gingko, Northern Herald Redbud, and the Redpointe Maple.

The saplings are chosen with several factors in mind; like, how well they attract birds, shelter wildlife, offer different sizes for residents, as well adapt to ever changing conditions.

“We have a few that we think will do well in the face of climate change,” Bergeson said. “And so, will be able to adapt to our climate in the coming years.”

Last year the trees sold out in 36 hours. Sales start today and the anticipation is expected to be just as high this year.

Each tree costs $50 plus tax and there’s a limit of one per household.

To order, residents can go online to kelowna.ca/neighbourwoods. After making an online recreation account, people can view and make a purchase.

There’s also the option to call 250-469-8800.

The NeighbourWoods pick-up event will take place on Saturday, September 24. Residents can pick-up their tree from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Mission Recreation Park Arboretum at 4105 Gordon Drive