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HRM pilot project initiative is giving away 1,000 trees to residents

Photo of 6 trees, the background is of a clear blue sky and it's a sunny day out.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is giving away a wide variety of 1,000 trees to residents as part of their pilot project initiative. Photo courtesy of the HRM's website.
Sara Gouda - CKDU - Halifax • NS | 03-10-2022
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The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) launched a pilot project to give away 1,000 trees at two events this week.

Their first tree giveaway took place this Saturday, Oct.1, in the north end at the MacIntosh Depot on Bayne Street. The event was a success, according to the municipality, as residents took home 500 trees within the first hour.

Photo of a woman smiling, standing behind a white background. She is wearing a black shirt.

Laura Wright is a public affairs advisor with the Halifax Regional Municipality. Photo contributed.

 

"We had an excellent turnout at our event last Saturday, we gave away 500 trees in just one hour and I understand that there were some major lineups. So we're thrilled to see that type of enthusiasm. We're hoping to see it again this Saturday at our event in Cherrybrook," said HRM public affairs advisor Laura Wright.

Wright said the variety of tree options includes red oak, red maple, yellow birch, sugar maple, as well as a limited number of apple and pear trees.

"The trees come in a variety of sizes, but they can fit in most vehicles and can also be taken on transit. Those who are interested in participating will be given an informational brochure that gives them some pointers on how to care for and plant their tree to give it the best chance of survival."

There are a number of environmental benefits and health benefits to having a healthy urban canopy: Wright said having trees would help with filtering air pollution, reducing stormwater runoff, removing atmospheric carbon, providing habitat for migratory birds and other animals, as well as having improvement for physical and psychological well-being.

So far this year, the Halifax Regional Municipality has planted over 3,000 trees in the city.

Wright says this event is an opportunity to help Halifax rebuild its urban core after Hurricane Fiona uprooted many trees.

"As you know, we lost a number of trees, sadly, due to the impacts of hurricane Fiona so the timing of this event is perfect. It gives residents an opportunity to perhaps replant or replenish a tree that they lost as a result of the hurricane," said Wright.

The next tree giveaway event is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 26 Cherry Brook Rd., where the remaining 500 trees will be available for residents.

 

Listen to the full interview below:

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