Meeting Markham's urban forest target 'critical': Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Residents can help meet city’s 30% tree cover target through LEAF's subsidized backyard planting program

Yorkregion.com
November 8, 2019
Heidi Riedner

The City of Markham has set a 30 per cent urban canopy benchmark to help become a net-zero community by 2050, and planting trees is "critical" in reaching that target, says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

Part of that plan was the recent unveiling of the Markham 225 Forest, which will increase and enhance Markham’s urban canopy for future generations, while improving air quality and preserving the environment, Scarpitti said during its official dedication at Milne Dam Conversation Park on Oct. 26, attended by Premier Doug Ford.

The initiative -- named in commemoration of the city’s 225th anniversary -- added 225 Bur Oak trees to the more than 400,000 trees planted to date under the mayor’s Trees for Tomorrow program started in 2007.

Since 1989, volunteers have helped restore more than 180 acres of fragile watershed land, protecting creeks and streams in the Rouge Valley, Scarpitti said. “Together, we are adding to our urban canopy and creating a healthier, greener world.”

Development, climate change, ice storms and invasive species are some of the major threats to trees, which provide critical natural functions including providing shade, mitigating the amount of water flow during downpours and absorbing pollutants from the air.

The city’s urban forest, however, is more than just its ravines and remaining natural areas, according to the nonprofit group LEAF, which stands for Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests.

It also includes the trees and plants growing along streets and in backyards that contribute to a forest diverse in both species and age supporting a wildlife population.

“By planting a tree and adding to our urban canopy, Markham residents are significantly contributing to creating a healthier, greener world now and for future generations,” Scarpitti said, adding residential properties make up the largest area of land that can contribute to the city’s urban canopy after farm lands.

“Trees are essential as we work together to fight climate change, while keeping Markham beautiful."

Residents, business owners and places of worship can do their part and save up to $400 per tree when they plant through LEAF's subsidized backyard planting program in partnership with the city and York Region.

Pat Durst, who first became aware of LEAF about eight years ago, is an enthusiastic supporter of all aspects of the program -- from the consultation with an arborist it provides to the significantly discounted prices for trees.

“It was also very appealing that they would do the planting for me because, at the time, I was a 65-year-old woman,” she said.

“I can't say enough about them," she added. "They come out. They talk to you, they figure out the best tree and spot to put it, plant it for you and tell you how to look after it. They even come around about six months or a year later and check on it to see that everything is going well. I don’t think you can do any better than that.”

Each property owner can qualify for up to five trees per property.

The two dogwood bushes, Kentucky coffee and Hackberry trees added to Durst’s pie-shaped property, as well as the Basswood tree added under LEAF’s Emerald Ash borer replacement rebate program, not only provide personal enjoyment for Durst, but also contribute to her sense of doing her small part toward keeping as much of the natural environment green.

"You see all the farmland being taken over by huge subdivisions as you move north of 16th Avenue and Major Mackenzie and going east, as well, so I think it is very important for us to plant trees, both as a community and on our own properties," said Durst, who lives close to the Ninth Line.

"For me, having the green cover is practical for privacy, they’re beautiful, they provide shade and I’m able to live in my house without air conditioning in the summer, which reduces my energy costs, because of the shade they provide."

She also gets a kick out of watching all the small animals that use her backyard oasis as a mini habitat.

“They use it like a forest.”

A biodiverse urban forest provides essential habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife, and is more resilient to pests and diseases, said Janet McKay, LEAF's executive director.

"Planting trees and shrubs not only helps our environment, but also provides shade and privacy while increasing property value," McKay added.

Through LEAF's backyard tree planting program, Markham residents will pay approximately $50 to $100 per tree on select species. Multi-unit and/or commercial properties may also qualify for the discount.

Contact LEAF at yourleaf.org or call 1-866-453-6504.