Maple Ridge’s street and park tree initiative, and specifically the planting of 1,000 new trees, is about three-quarters of the way to being realized.
A three-year initiative, with funding from the feds, was embarked upon last fall in Maple Ridge.
According to a report issued by the city on Friday, tree planting began last October, and 750 are already in the ground in parks and along streets – primarily in west Maple Ridge, where the city says tree canopy coverage is lowest.
Much of the existing plantings have focused on 20 west side parks and residential streets, said Pardeep Purewal, the city’s senior manager of corporate communications and public engagement.
And now, with more planting intended this spring, the update was offered at the same time the city was reminding residents and business owners they can request a boulevard tree in front of their property.
“If you would like the city to consider planting a tree in the boulevard space in front of your property, please submit a request,” Purewal said.
Any online request at MapleRidge.ca/StreetTrees will be considered, each location reviewed to confirm suitability, that being available space, underground utilities, visibility, and safety, she explained.
Boulevard tree planting is part of the city’s broader Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), a 20-year plan to protect, manage, and expand Maple Ridge’s tree canopy. The plan guides where and how trees are planted, with a focus on equity, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Through the UFMP, the city is working toward a goal of 40 per cent urban tree canopy coverage by 2050 to reduce urban heat, improve air and water quality, manage stormwater, and reduce flooding, and support biodiversity and habitat.
The 1,000 Trees initiative is funded through the Government of Canada’s $2 billion Trees Program, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative. This funding supports municipal tree planting projects across Canada, including Maple Ridge.
The city is responsible for the care and maintenance of boulevard and street trees, including watering, pruning, and health monitoring, Purewal noted.
But, residents are welcome to assist by helping water a newly planted tree near their property. It is, however, not required.
To learn more about the 1,000 Trees project visit MapleRidge.ca/1000Trees.