Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Residents of Middlesex Centre can once again take advantage of a special low-cost program to plant trees on their properties.
The Poplar Hill Lions Club is arranging the sale of trees to help encourage native species along local roads.
The species of trees includes Red maple, Sugar Maple, Red Oak and American Sycamore. They can be ordered by contacting trees@phlions.ca until November 30th.
The cost is $38 per tree, except Red Oak which costs $48 a tree. Pre-paid trees can be picked up at Poplar Hill Park in April of 2027 when they are ready for planting. For that, people get the tree as well as stakes and tree guards to protect against wind and rodents.
Different trees take different times to reach maturity. For example, a Sycamore will grow to 39 feet after 10 years. That’s one of the faster-growing varieties. Slower-growing Oak trees will take longer to reach maturity.
The idea behind the project is to replace trees that may have been planted 100 years ago and reached the end of their lifespan. In that time, they have benefitted the community by providing shade, windbreaks, and a home to wildlife.
It’s hoped the trees would be planted along the roadside on private property, just off the municipal right-of-way. Planting instruction are available for downloading.
The sale of roadside trees began in 2011.
