I had the chance to connect with Chris about his experience with LEAF and his decision to help grow the urban forest. I’m excited to share what he had to say!
How did you first become interested in the urban forest?
While real estate is my vocation, I am a lifetime environmentalist. Luckily, I’ve found lots of opportunities to combine the two and advocate for the various benefits that the urban forest provides.
A more recent example, is a study that I did in 2014 to highlight the benefits that tree-lined streets provide for property value. We examined 4 neighbourhoods in the City of Toronto with and without trees. We found that the value of property on tree-lined streets was 8.5 to 19% more – so people were paying more to live on a tree-lined street! One of the unexpected additional findings was that houses on tree lined streets also sold less often. This study was particularly interesting as someone working in real estate, because people often have certain criteria for their house, but a tree-lined street is rarely part of it.
How did you find out about LEAF and how have you been involved? 
I was introduced to LEAF by some environmentalist friends and knew I wanted to get involved. It was early in my real estate career, and I saw a great opportunity to promote the urban forest and the value of tree-lined streets through my listing flyers. I was using the front to promote the listing and, since the paper was already being printed on, I used the back to promote urban tree planting. I reached out to LEAF about the opportunity and asked if they could provide some content. Soon I was promoting the City of Toronto’s program for front yard trees and the LEAF program for backyard trees.
After a couple years, LEAF reached out asking if I’d like to get more involved as a board member – I did that for 10 years, 3 of which I served as president. I also completed the Tree Tenders Volunteer Training, attended various events, engaged at festivals, and of course, planted on my property.
Please share an interesting story or memorable moment from your experience with LEAF.
I’ve lived in my house for over 20 years and have an extensive variety of LEAF species. In fact, I worked with LEAF to create a mini forest-garden beside my house, which is integrated with the neighbouring parkette. This required some negotiating with a former City of Toronto Councillor… But it was worth it! Once approved, LEAF sent out Wendy – a former LEAF arborist – who developed a site plan for various native trees, shrubs and perennials. We specifically selected species that were bird, animal and butterfly attractors to integrate with the more aesthetic-oriented plantings I’d inherited with the house. I was excited to get my hands dirty and took advantage of LEAF’s DIY program to plant everything myself!
Now, I have what could be a Learning-Garden-level of species diversity in my yard – from silver maple (Acer saccharinum) to northern wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides) – and everything is accessible from the parkette! I’ve also placed LEAF label throughout, so people can see and learn about these amazing native species.
What does the urban forest mean to you and what message would you like to share with others to encourage them to become involved?
For me, in the urban context, where so much of the landscape is paved, trees are integral. Not only are they an individual’s opportunity to connect with nature, but they also provide shade, improve air quality, enhance our physical and psychological health and more. Our quality of life and the urban forest are very deeply connected, and this has become even more pronounced during the pandemic.
LEAF offers a great vehicle for sharing the values of urban forestry, especially with people who may be less interested in being actively involved! In my view, giving the gift of LEAF service is a great way to grow an understanding and valuation and engagement with urban forestry.
Are you interested in helping grow the urban forest by adding native trees and shrubs to your property? By participating in the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program you receive personalized help from a certified arborist to pick the right tree for you and your property all at a subsidized rate! For more information on tree planting, visit our Homeowners page. Looking to gift a LEAF service? Check out our gift certificates!
Meandra is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at LEAF.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby, Ontario Power Generation and Ontario Trillium Foundation.