I had the chance to connect with Lynn about her experience with LEAF and her decision to help grow the urban forest. I’m excited to share what she had to say!
How did you first become interested in the urban forest?
When we bought our home, we planted many small trees to help enhance our new property. In recent years, the conifers battled overcrowding, Needle Cast Fungus and Spider Mite. We lost Ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer and had two trees succumb to storm damage. Despite our best efforts, we knew we would lose more trees. We started to investigate the planting of new trees of varying species to ensure we would have an enjoyable landscape for years to come. We also knew that we needed to learn more about the urban forest and the benefits that native species can provide.
How did you find out about LEAF and how have you been involved?
When searching for a service to help replace the trees I’d lost, I learned about the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program. I found information on their website, in local news publications, and from brochures at the Library. I contacted LEAF about four years ago and have been working with them to add trees to our yard every year since! So far, we have added Elm, Serviceberry, Cedar, Oak, Tamarack, a variety of shrubs and perennials.
Please share an interesting story or memorable moment from your experience with LEAF.
Around the same time that I planted my first tree with LEAF, I also became a member of a local horticultural club. Both these activities had a strong emphasis on native plants and reinforced my respect and appreciation for the environment. I also began bird feeding with a passion! The theme in each of these activities aligns and enhances my enjoyment of the natural landscape, animals and insects. Bird feeding has become a new and enjoyable hobby for me, all starting with the LEAF program.
What does the urban forest mean to you and what message would you like to share to encourage others to become involved?
I have come to appreciate nature as being integral to our well-being. Our own yard has so much to explore. A Chokecherry shrub planted just this year has huge berries already! The Serviceberry was full of Pine Siskin birds this morning. Every week, a different perennial is in bloom, often shared as a food source for the rabbits. People remark on the variety of birds that find shelter in our trees. The urban forest changes the focus from landscaping for curb appeal to planting as part of our essential connection to nature and our responsibility as environmental stewards.
The LEAF Full-Service Backyard Tree Planting Program is an excellent way to get started. Whether you’re an experienced or novice gardener, you will not be disappointed in the expertise and quality of the trees that LEAF provides.
Are you interested in helping grow the urban forest by adding native trees, shrubs and perennials 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. To learn more about shrubs perennial and more, visit our Shrubs, Garden Kits and Paw Paws page.
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, Ontario Trillium Foundation and GrandTrees/Canadian Trees For Life.