City of Kelowna launches fall edition of NeighbourWoods program

The City of Kelowna is selling tress for the second time this year under its NeighbourWoods program.

Residents can order one of six varieties of saplings at a cost of $50 + GST each starting September 1.

This edition of the NeighbourWoods program has the city selling Galaxy Magnolia, Galilean Kousa Dogwood, Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac, Magyar Gingko, Northern Herald Redbud and the Redpointe Maple. The trees can be viewed at the city’s website.

There are a limited number of each tree species, and only 350 saplings available in total.

“We are so happy to be able to offer our NeighbourWoods program for the second time this year,” said Tara Bergeson, Urban Forestry Technician.

“Due to supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we weren’t able to secure as many trees as usual this past spring, but this has actually worked out in our favour. Fall is the perfect time to plant trees, due to the cooler weather. We hope residents will join us in our goal of becoming a greener city by increasing our urban tree canopy.”

The NeighbourWoods program limits one tree per household, and those who took part in the program earlier this year are ineligible for this round.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the usual tree pickup event will not go this year, and instead trees will be delivered to resident’s homes.

The trees are available at a first come first serve basis, and will be sold both on the city’s website and at 250-469-8800 until September 17 or until they are sold out.