Hundreds of Port Moody residents planting a shadier future

Armed with just shovels and their green thumbs, hundreds of Port Moody residents are helping the community grow.

More than 250 young trees have been given away in just two days as part of the city’s Take Root Port Moody program, which aims to help grow the urban tree canopy.

Following the adoption of the city’s Urban Forest Management Strategy in 2023, Port Moody is aiming to triple its tree replanting in order to maintain its current shady coverage over the next 30 years.

The Take Root program is one initiative to get local residents to spread the coverage on private property.

Interest was so high in the program that the city almost ran out of stock during two pop-up events at the Port Moody Farmer Market on April 21 and 23, according to Julie Pavey-Tomlinson, director of environment and parks.

She said the city had to reorder another 125 flowering and dwarf trees for the last giveaway at the Fingerling Festival on May 4, noting there’s 145 trees left in total.

Pavey-Tomlinson said the city is planning tree giveaways in the spring of 2025.

“The program has been well-received by the community and is an excellent opportunity for residents to participate in meeting the city’s canopy coverage targets,” she said.

One tree-recipient, Wilhelmina Martin, thanked council for starting the program at public input period on April 23.

She said she was lucky to get her hands on a tree, adding there was “huge uptake” on the very first day of the program.

“There was quite a lineup again today, and the more people I told about it, the more people that came,” Martin said. “It’s a very positive gesture and it was very well received by everyone who came out.”

Residents can choose from nine different species, which come in five to 10 gallon pots (between 25 to 60 pounds). At maturity, these species range from a tiny five-foot Japanese cedar, to a massive 80-foot Douglas Fir. 

The branches, layers of leaves, and stems all help shelter the ground, making Port Moody a shadier, healthier, and more climate-resilient place to live, according to the city.

Benefits to water and air quality, wildlife habitat, reduced heating and cooling bills, and higher property values are commonly associated with a better tree canopy, the city added.

The program does come with a list of eligibility requirements and considerations for potential tree planters:

• The tree giveaway is open to Port Moody residents only – identification with proof of residency such as a driver’s license or recent utility bill will be required
• There is a limit of one tree per household
• Trees will be available only while supplies last
• if applicable, please check with the owner of the property where you reside, or your strata, to determine if tree planting is permitted
• Take Root trees cannot be used to satisfy the replacement tree requirements for a tree removal permit
• Before taking a tree, consider how much time and physical capacity you have to look after it, as trees need to be pruned, mulched, and cleared of leaves periodically.