Chatham-Kent Urban Reforestation Project
Chatham-Kent Urban Reforestation Project aims to plant trees in neighbourhoods across the Municipality to increase our green infrastructure and promote cleaner air, reduce stormwater runoff and improve the tree canopy.
Properties where Municipal trees have been removed on or adjacent to the property have been selected for our urban reforestation project. The trees will be planted in areas with wide boulevards that can accommodate their growth size within the municipal right of way. The Municipality will care for and maintain the trees with an increased level of service during the establishment period and continue with regular maintenance as required.
Trees improve air quality, minimize noise and dust, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance the urban landscape. Trees also benefit individual property owners by providing privacy and shade, reducing heating and cooling costs, and increasing property values.
Chatham-Kent’s Public Works department maintains the trees along roadways within the right-of-way. The priority for tree work is to ensure safety along the right-of-way as well as maintain a healthy tree network to beautify our community. Trees periodically need to be removed, as part of regular maintenance or because of damage caused by conditions like windstorms or disease outbreaks.
FAQ's
1. What if I don’t want a tree to be planted here?
Our Council has identified tree restoration as a priority for Chatham-Kent as such we are compelled to re-plant trees that have been previously removed on the municipal right-of-way. Because this is a Council initiative the Municipality will not be removing or relocating planted trees on our boulevards. Trees provide many environmental and social benefits in alignment with the municipality’s Urban Reforestation Project. Trees are critical public infrastructure and planting trees is a key component of growing our urban forest and replacing lost canopy.
2. Who maintains the tree?
With an increased level of service, the Municipality will care for and maintain the trees during the establishment period and continue with regular maintenance as required.
3. Am I able to request the species of tree I receive?
No, to maintain a healthy urban forest, the municipality plants a variety of species to ensure tree diversity and resiliency. This species list is adapted on an ongoing basis.
4. Can I pick the location of the tree?
Right-of-way spaces are ideal locations for trees, providing many environmental and social benefits, such as reducing heat effects, improving stormwater management and providing enjoyable outdoor spaces for recreational use. Although trees may compete for the same space as power lines, properly pruned and managed trees pose little risk to power infrastructure. We have reviewed the location for the tree to ensure there was no underground utilities to would interfere with the growth of the tree.
5. What if I or someone I know wants to request a tree?
If someone you know is looking to receive a municipal tree, please contact 311 and you will be considered for future tree planting projects.
6. Do I have to be home during the planting process?
As this work is being completed outside, we do not require anyone to be home during the planting or maintenance process.