The City of St. Catharines is having an awesome event for residents this weekend where you can get a free tree!
This Saturday June 2 starting at 7:30 am until 1 pm, 500 free trees will be given out on a first come first served basis at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre (240 St. Paul St. W.)
The idea is that residents can help themselves to a free tree to plant on their own property. Forestry experts from the City will be available to answers questions.
Trees will be distributed in three-gallon pots and are about three-feet tall. They should easily fit inside a standard car.
Residents can chose from four different varieties which include:
American Sweetgum
Bitternut Hickory
Eastern Redbud
Tulip Tree
Also on sale will be handy rain barrels for $40 bucks. Rainwater collected in a rain barrel can be used for many activities, including watering plants (gardens, lawn) and washing your car. A great way to conserve water. Again, these will be available on a first come, first served basis. Proof of St. Catharines residency is required, and each household is limited to two rain barrels.
How do I receive my free tree?
Proof of St. Catharines’ residency is required (such as a driver’s license), and each household is limited to one tree.
To receive a free tree, residents must agree to plant and maintain the tree on private property in the City of St. Catharines, ideally in their own yards.
Free trees are for private property and should not be planted on boulevards, along streets or in City parks.
Residents who received a free tree at last year’s Free Tree Giveaways are eligible for a tree at the even on June 2.
Tree planting and care
- Before planting a tree consider its full height and width when choosing its location. It will need space to grow.
- Dig a hole that is two to three times as wide as the rootball.
- Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole to allow the roots to spread in the soil.
- Backfill the hole using existing soil. Break up the soil when filling in the hole.
- Lightly step around the base of the tree to get rid of any air pockets in the soil.
- Water you new tree. Give it a good soaking right away and then once a week after planting. Water two to three times a week in drought conditions.
- Mulch the tree with layer of mulch two to four inches thick. Do not “volcano” the mulch – keep it away from touching the trunk of the tree.
More resources
Tree Canada, the Province of Ontario’s Tree Atlas and Ontario Trees and Shrubs provides more information about planting and caring for your tree.
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