Free trees expected to go fast in Halifax, Lower Sackville

HALIFAX, N.S. — It’s like Black Friday, but for free trees.

HRM staff are giving away trees in Halifax this Saturday and in Lower Sackville on Aug. 26. This is the second year for the event as last year there were long lines and the trees ‘sold’ out in a hurry.

This time around, there are more trees and a better distribution plan.

Urban forestry technician Karam Tay said the event last year was planned well before post-tropical storm Fiona ripped through the city, uprooting many trees.

“It was much appreciated last year, especially after it was done after the hurricane. It was appreciated as you know we lost so many trees,” Tay said.

There were 1,000 trees handed out last year by the municipality, and there will be 1,200 over the two events this year. It costs the municipality an average of $73 per tree (before tax).

“This year we’re going to give out tickets so we’re not holding people up in line for long periods of time,” Tay said.

People in line will be given a ticket and a brochure on how to plant the trees and the benefits of adding trees. The line will be shut down after all the tickets are handed out and it’s one tree per person or household.

Focus on fruit trees

There will be a selection of trees to choose from including: red oak, red maple, yellow birch, sugar maple and white spruce, as well as apple and pear. They will come in two sizes:  six to eight feet tall and four to six feet tall.

“We’re focusing more on fruit trees this year,” Tay said. “They were in higher demand … people tend to like to plant these trees in their backyard.”

If Niki Jabbour, local gardening expert and author, were in line, she would head straight for a red oak, her favourite native tree.

“It supports hundreds of species of insects and caterpillars, which provide food for birds, and produces protein-rich acorns that feed squirrels, chipmunks, and many other species,” she said. “Plus, they’re gorgeous, long-lived trees.”

The event is all about spreading the word about the environmental benefits of trees.

Jabbour said there are so many pluses when it comes to adding a tree to your yard.

“They create shade, reduce water run-off, store carbon, and in the case of fruit trees like apples and pears, also provide food,” she said. “Native tree species like red oak, yellow birch, and sugar maple are are hardy, resilient plants and also provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other local wildlife species.”

It’s great to see fruit trees in the giveaway, she added, but if you’re going to go for one, it’s best to do a little research first.

“Some cultivars may be self-fertile, but others need a second cultivar to ensure cross pollination. They also are more prone to insect and disease damage and need to be planted in a site with full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.”

Tree giveaway events

Halifax

Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Mackintosh Depot, 3800 Mackintosh St., Halifax
 

Lower Sackville

Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Stone Ridge Fellowship Church parking lot, 85 Temple Terrace, Lower Sackville.

Both locations are accessible by Halifax Transit and the smaller trees can be taken on the bus (bags will be provided).