(March 20, 2019) The Regional Municipality of York together with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) is rolling out a new rebate program to help landowners replace their ash trees killed by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB is an invasive insect that can kill a healthy ash tree in less than two years. In York Region, it is expected that over two million ash trees will be killed by EAB.
This spring, York Region is working with LEAF to deliver a backyard tree planting program which offers native trees and shrubs to landowners at a subsidized cost. Landowners who are replacing lost ash trees will qualify for an additional $100 per tree rebate when they participate in the LEAF full-service backyard tree planting program (limit of two rebates per property, restrictions apply).
LEAF’s full-service program includes a 30-minute yard consultation session and the sharing of vital information on tree care.
“Our arborists guide property owners through all of the steps necessary to get the right trees planted in the right places,” says Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF. “We also deliver and plant the trees, making it easy and fun for participants.”
York Region recognizes the environmental and financial impact of EAB. Treating or removing trees is an additional expense for landowners. The Region is offering this subsidized tree planting program and the additional rebate to help residents cope with the effects of EAB. In addition, an EAB advisory services program is available for landowners who have ash trees in their woodlot. More information about EAB tools and services can be found on york.ca/eab
Trees provide significant economic, social, environmental and public health benefits. Residents and landowners are urged to plant, protect and care for trees and forests so they continue to contribute to healthy communities here in York Region. Visit yourleaf.org/eab-rebate to take advantage of this rebate today!
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns, and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with over 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices
MEDIA CONTACTS:
LEAF:
Janet McKay, Executive Director, LEAF
Phone: 416-413-9244, Cell: 647-883-5777
Email: janet@yourleaf.org
The Regional Municipality of York:
Masrine Guthrie-Peart, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77272 or Cell: 905-251-6416
Email: masrine.guthrie-peart@york.ca