A more diverse and healthy urban tree canopy will help us take action against climate change and increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Plant a tree, make a difference.
The DNV is enhancing the urban tree canopy by giving free trees to homeowners, and plants or shrubs to people living in apartments and condos, as part of their Urban Tree Canopy Project.
Program history
The DNV invited residential property owners to participate in the inaugural Urban Tree Canopy program in 2021.
In 2022, they expanded the program so those living in apartments or condos could receive a plant or shrub for their balcony. This year’s program offers a variety of tree and shrub species: cedar, fir, dogwood, shore pine, big leaf maple, willow, Nootka rose, woolly sunflower, tall Oregon grape, and Douglas aster.
To date, District residents have received 689 trees and shrubs to plant and help grow our tree canopy.
The Urban Tree Canopy program is run in partnership with Coast Salish Plant Nursery and the Wild Bird Trust. Funds from the environmental compensation fee account were used to run the program.
Register today!
https://www.dnv.org/community-environment/urban-tree-canopy-project
To get your free plants, fill out the online linked above before Sept. 15, 2023. All plants are available while supplies last.
How the program works
If you own or rent a home in the District, you can apply to receive three trees and/or three shrubs for free, depending on your available space.
To request your free plants, fill out the online form linked above before September 15, 2023.
All plants are available while supplies last. DNV will be providing substitutions if any plant species run out.
After you submit your request
You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting the online form. They will also email you approximately two weeks before the plant pick up days (Oct. 21 and 22) with more information about pickup times and parking, etc.
Picking up your trees or shrubs
You can pick up your plants at the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area (2649 Dollarton Hwy) on October 21 or 22, 2023. If you’re unavailable on the days above, and are unable to have someone else pick up your plants, email iwantatree@dnv.org to arrange a different time
If you’d like to know more about the native plants being offered, and which ones are suitable for your yard or balcony, refer to the plant information sheet (PDF file link) and by visiting the website to view videos on the program, how to choose, how to plant and care for your plants and so much more@