Davenport West free backyard tree project
Toronto has 64,140 ha of land and 13% of the land is green space. There are over six million trees that make up the urban forest and 80% of the trees are on private property.
Increasing the tree canopy in Davenport West
By planting large-growing trees, and teaching residents how to properly care for new and existing trees, GreenHere ensures the community benefits are maximized and accrue over the long-term. The trees planted through the Free Backyard Tree Program provide environmental benefits (improved air and water quality, reduced energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced urban heat island effect, improved sun safety, reduce stormwater runoff) to the Davenport West community and the entire City of Toronto for the next 100 years.
Program measurables include:
Outreach and site visitation – distributed 10,000 flyers, and advertised in local newspapers
Screening and site assessment – fielding calls from prospective residents to determine their interest and yard characteristics, and booking site visits to properties that met the required criteria
Tree planting and education – planting the right tree in the right location and educating homeowners on proper care for the tree
Follow-up visits and continuing tree care – yearly site visits, distribution on a bi-monthly newsletter and follow-up calls
With funding from Live Green Toronto Capital Grant GreenHere will be planting more trees for Davenport neighbours. For a site visit for our fall planting please fill out our online form.
Click Here to visit our photo page to see our trees, and happy tree owners.
A special thank you to Jack Radecki and Prospect Cemetary, Greg Rich and Jerry Belan on Bartlett Avenue, and Tony, Graciella, and Angela Alchesi on Salem Avenue.
The estimated canopy coverage of the City of Toronto is 17%. City officials earmark 35% as the desired canopy coverage for the year 2050. Given the advancing age of the existing urban forest and current policy directives, some experts in the urban forestry field believe the number has the potential to decrease before improving. To attain forestry goals and combat environmental pressures amidst worsening climate change, getting trees into the ground as soon as possible has never been so crucial to Davenport neighbourhoods, or to the City of Toronto as a whole.
