In celebration of Earth Day, the Township of Wilmot is thrilled to present the first-ever free tree giveaway program, Wilmot Roots. Read the complete media release.
This community initiative was the result of a generous donation of funds from Enova Power Corporation to help reforest the Township. With the ongoing organizational support of the volunteer-based Let’s Tree Wilmot group, the Township was proud to offer approximately 370 free trees to residents this spring.
After an overwhelming response, all available trees have been ordered. Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Wilmot Roots program. Please subscribe at the bottom of this page to be notified when more information about the Wilmot Roots program is available.
To place an order, please remember that you must:
SOLD OUT - Autumn Blaze Maple |
|
SOLD OUT - Eastern White Cedar |
|
SOLD OUT - Multi-stem Serviceberry |
|
SOLD OUT - Sugar Maple |
|
SOLD OUT - White Pine |
|
Tree(s) must be planted on your own private property in Wilmot Township. It is recommended that trees be planted in front yards if there is enough room for the tree to safely grow. This will increase shade coverage on sidewalks and help reduce the heat produced in summer months. Please ensure that the tree has enough room to grow to its full size safely and away from utility lines.
A friendly reminder that resident are responsible for planting and caring for their tree(s); trees will not be planted or cared for by Township staff.
Location, location, location |
Choose a site that is right for your tree.
|
Digging and planting a potted tree |
Dig a hole as deep as the soil in the pot and 2-3 times the diameter of the pot. Do not add manure, compost, or fertilizer to the hole. The tree will need to adapt to the soil of its new home and send roots outward. “Enrich” the hole so the roots will stay there. Remove the tree from the plastic pot by laying it on its side and tapping the sides and bottom to loosen it from the pot. If the tree has become rootbound with large roots circling in the container, cut these roots so that the root system will begin to spread out. Use a utility knife to make several 1-inch/2-centimetre-deep cuts along the sides of a “bound” root ball, and a couple of cuts on the bottom. Proper planting depth is really important for a tree’s health. Identify the root flare on the tree. The root flare is the place where the topmost roots emerge from the tree. On many species, there will be a swelling or “collar” on the stem at this point. (Note that sometimes potted trees from nurseries have been filled with soil or mulch higher than the root flare. If so, remove the extra fill.) Position the tree in the hole so the root flare is level with the ground outside the hole. Lay a stick or shovel handle across the hole to check this, and either dig a little deeper or put some soil in the bottom of the hole and tamp gently to achieve the right depth. Step back and ensure that the tree is standing straight up in the hole. Fill the soil back into the hole, gently tamping it down to avoid air pockets. Break up any large clumps of soil to avoid air pockets. When you water the tree, the water will also help eliminate air pockets. Fill the soil level with the root flare, but no higher. Consider placing a ring of soil (or overturned sod) around the perimeter of the hole to create a basin for capturing rainwater. |
Mulching |
A good layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, can help give tree tree a good start. Mulch holds moisture in the soil and protects the young roots from temperature extremes. It also reduces competition from grass or weeds, and provides an important buffer from contact with mowers or trimmers that can easily damage the tender bark of young trees. Place about 3 inches (8 centimetres) of mulch around the tree, leaving a space the width of a couple fingers around the tree stem. The shape of the mulch will be like a doughnut with a hole in the middle. Do not pile mulch up against the tree stem like a volcano. A volcano of mulch against the trunk provides fertile conditions for fungi, insects, or disease that can harm the tree. |
Watering |
Your tree needs extra water as it adjusts to its new home and expands its root system. Water the tree well on planting day. Depending on the amount of rain received, the tree may need to be watered weekly during the first summer, and every two weeks the second summer. If the soil under the mulch is cool and moist there is no need to water. If it is dry, add water. Enjoy your new tree and thank you for helping us grow a healthier environment in Wilmot Township! |
We would love to see your trees in their new homes! Please share pictures of your new tree and of you planting it by tagging the Township of Wilmot on social media and using the hashtags #WilmotRoots #FreeTrees4Wilmot in your post.
Contacts