Street Tree Planting Program

Once planting locations are determined, we prepare tailored planting plans and select tree species that align with the unique character and context of each neighborhood. We consider several functional and aesthetic factors, including:

• Street context – considering spacing, strategic siting and tree canopy density to ensure the best fit for neighbouring residents
• Street character – selecting species that enhance the character of an area by complementing existing vegetation and buildings
• Site constraints – navigating above and below ground utilities, soil volume, intersection sightlines and clearance for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles
• Environmental conditions – assessing light, moisture, drainage, pollutant exposure
• Impacts of climate change – considering species selection, disease potential, and ongoing maintenance requirements

This careful planning helps support the long-term health and sustainability of our community’s urban forest.

Street trees are planted in the late fall and winter while the trees are dormant. This timing limits disturbances and allows for an extra growing season before the challenges of summer. The combination of cooler temperatures and fall rain allows the trees to establish their roots, making them more resilient to summer stressors like extreme heat and drought.

In late spring, City staff install and regularly fill a watering bag on the new trees, which provides a slow release of water. Residents are encouraged to assist in watering the trees by filling the bag with water twice a week. Together, we can help ensure the trees’ survival through their critical first few years. 

For more tips on supporting a healthy urban forest, visit cnv.org/TreeCare. 

Trees are living assets that play a critical role in a healthy and sustainable city. The urban forest supports the community by reducing stormwater run-off, filtering air pollution, providing shade and temperature regulation (reducing the urban heat island effect), stabilizing soil, and capturing and storing carbon.

In addition to their environmental benefits, trees beautify our community, foster a connection with nature, and create a sense of place. They also promote mental and physical well-being and support urban biodiversity by providing food and shelter for wildlife.

Learn more about City initiatives aimed at protecting and growing the urban forest at cnv.org/PublicTrees.

This fall and winter, around 100 new street trees will be planted on public boulevards throughout the community. Each planting location will be marked with on-site signage for easy identification. Planting is scheduled to start in November and is expected to be completed by February 2025.

Tree species have been carefully selected to align with the unique character and context of each neighborhood, as well as for their suitability for a changing climate.  

Eight locations received new street trees in 2023.

Grand Boulevard Area – Sutherland Ave
Planting Area: 1800 Block of Sutherland Ave, east side of Sutherland and north side of E 18th St, adjacent Sutherland Secondary School property and fronting 1804 Sutherland Ave residence

Large, environmentally high-value conifers were planted where space permitted in rear boulevards and small drought tolerant showy trees in the front boulevard or where space was constrained. 

Central Lonsdale Area – 18th St
Planting Area: 200 Block of E 18th St, along north side of E 18th St, and east side of St. Georges Ave, front and rear boulevards 

A diverse selection of large trees with stunning fall colour focusing on large canopies for shade were planted where space permitted. In between these, smaller species that support pollinators and native fauna were planted.

Lower Lonsdale Area – Keith Rd
Planting Area: 200 Block of E Keith Rd, north side of Keith Rd, rear boulevard 

Large, environmentally high-value species were planted to take advantage of the wide back boulevards. A mix of stately conifers and deciduous trees with fall colour will complement the fall colour of the existing maples adjacent Victoria Park.

Lower Lonsdale Area – 3rd St
Planting Area: 122 E 3rd St, front boulevard, north side of 3rd St

Multiple species of small drought tolerant trees that are power line friendly with a rounded shape and seasonal interest were planted in this area.

Mahon Area – Larson Rd
Planting Area: Larson Rd Multi-Use-Path Capital Project: 2029, 2033 and 2117 Larson, 500 W 21st St, and Larson Park frontage

Small power line friendly trees were planted in front of residences. Fronting Larson Park, tall deciduous species with a varying hues of spectacular fall colour were planted to complement the native species in the park.

Mahon Area – Forbes Ave
Planting Area: 466/462 W 14th frontage, along Forbes Ave and W 14th St, and SW corner frontage of 465 15th St W

Large coniferous and large canopied deciduous trees with stunning fall colour and fauna were planted, supporting qualities chosen for this new development site with an oversized front boulevard.

Moodyville Area – 3rd St
Planting Area: 615 E 3rd St, south side of E 3rd St, front and rear boulevards adjacent multi-use path

Narrow conifers with architectural interest and upright deciduous trees with fall colour that match existing trees were planted in this area.

Moodyville Area – 7th St
Planting Area: 500 Block of E 7th St, between Ridgeway Ave and Moody Ave, north and south sides of street, with the majority of trees to be installed in the rear boulevard

A diverse selection of species with beautiful fall colour and pollinator and fauna supporting characteristics were planted in this area, focusing on large canopies for shade where space permitted and smaller canopies where power lines or space constraints occurred.

Four locations received new street trees in 2022.

Central Lonsdale Area
Planting Area: 100 block of 18th St between Chesterfield Ave & St. Georges Ave, 200 block W 16th St between Mahon & Chesterfield Ave on the north side, and Chesterfield Ave between 16th & 17th St on the west side

A variety of drought-tolerant deciduous trees and species with large canopies were planted in this high traffic, high density area. 

Mahon Park & Jones Ave
Planting Area: West side of Jones Ave between W 16th St & W 17th St and at W 20th St. South end of parking lot on the northeast corner of Jones Ave & W 18th St. Several locations within Mahon Park

Native conifers and highly drought-tolerant species with large canopies were selected for this area to provide shade along the Green Necklace. 

St. Georges Ave between 10th & 12th St
Planting Area: Several locations on both east and west sides of St Georges Ave. North side of E 11th St, near corner of E 11th St & St Georges Ave

Smaller trees with light, airy canopies that still provide full coverage were planted on the west side of the street to accommodate the power line, and larger varieties of the same species were selected for the east side to compliment. 

Esplanade and Low Level Rd between St. Andrews Ave & St. Patricks Ave
Planting Area: Several centre boulevard locations between E Esplanade & Low Level Rd. Embankment on north side of Low Level Rd, west of St Patricks Ave

Climate-adaptive species were planted to provide shade for Spirit Trail users and to create a buffer from traffic on Low Level Road. Where space permitted, trees with large canopies were prioritized.