NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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In celebration of Earth Day today, the Town of Newmarket and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) are partnering again to encourage residents to plant more trees on private property through a Stormwater Rebate Program.
After the success of the pilot project launched in 2017, the Town of Newmarket will continue to provide an extra $100 rebate toward the purchase of one new tree for residential property owners when they participate in the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program.
The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program, also supported by the Regional Municipality of York, is available for all Town of Newmarket residents.
The regular price of a five to eight-foot-tall tree can range from the price of $150 to $220. With the additional $100 rebate offered by the Town, Newmarket residents can pay as little as $50 for a new tree. Please note that there is a limit of one rebate per property per year.
“The Town of Newmarket is excited to continue to partner with LEAF on our Stormwater Rebate, Tree Planting Program,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Thank you to our residents for continuing to support this environmentally friendly initiative. Trees benefit stormwater management by decreasing stormwater runoff and increasing the ability for water to soak into the ground. I encourage all residents to participate in this program to help Newmarket expand its tree canopy, combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting Program ensures new trees have the best possible chance to thrive by providing property owners a 30-minute consultation with a certified arborist to get the right tree in the right place.
“We want to ensure that homeowners get all of the information they need to ensure long term tree survival. That means a printed tree care guide at the time of planting, as well as the option to sign up for a free, e-newsletter that contains seasonal tips and reminders.” says Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF.
Trees have many benefits such as removing pollutants and reducing residents’ energy and water usage by helping to modify local climate and lowering air temperatures during the warmer months. Trees strategically placed can provide enough shade to reduce air conditioning costs during the warmer months and block cold winds during the cooler months to reduce heating costs.
Among their many benefits, trees are able to reduce stormwater run-off. On average, a tree reduces a property's stormwater run-off by 720 litres. Every tree planted through this partnership will contribute to Newmarket’s urban forest and together have the potential to divert 36,000 litres of stormwater.
For more information on the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program, visit yourleaf.org or call 1-888-453-6504.
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