Tree Spree
Coquitlam Tree Spree is a tree-planting initiative and public-education program with the overall purpose of recognizing and promoting the value of the City’s tree canopy. Whether on public or private land, Coquitlam’s trees offer many benefits for our health, well-being and the environment (see below to learn more about tree benefits).
The initiative includes public education, tree giveaways to residents and businesses, and tree-planting sessions incorporated into community events and activities. Special thanks to our Tree Spree Tree Canopy Partner, Emperor Stone.
The program coincides with Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan and is part of the City’s ongoing tree management activities.
In 2022, Tree Spree’s inaugural year, volunteers, staff and residents met the goal of planting 10,000 trees— double the City’s typical tree-planting target—in both public spaces and private properties throughout the community.
Supporting Trees in Coquitlam
Coquitlam is dedicated to supporting a vibrant urban forest on public and private land. All trees across the City are part of Coquitlam’s tree canopy.
The City proactively manages parks, natural areas and street trees and conducts public education and tree planting initiatives as part of its commitment to protecting and developing the inherent benefits trees bring to the community.
Get Involved
As part of Tree Spree, the City's Park Spark and Urban Forestry Teams coordinate a variety of community outreach and educational activities, including:
- Volunteer tree and garden planting sessions
- Tree planting near schools in collaboration with teachers and students
- Educational walks, workshops and other initiatives
- Tree giveaways to residents and businesses
Tree Spree Walks
Coquitlam's Park Spark and Urban Forestry staff team up to offer some tree-rific walks, rain or shine. Explore Coquitlam's tree canopy and learn fun facts about the trees that call Coquitlam home. Participants are given a free tree to take home and plant after each walk.
- Nature Walks
- Tree Walks
Check out the monthly activity listings for upcoming walks.
Tree Spree Workshops
- Forest Foundation Seminars
- Hobbies/Workshops (Pruning, Photography, etc)
- Mindfulness Classes (Nature Journaling and Forest Bathing)
Tree Planting at SD43 Schools: If a school has an approved space, an arborist will plant trees on-site and teach students how to plant and care for them. Students can participate and even receive saplings to plant themselves.
Tree Spree Educational Package: Teachers can request a package with an arborist-led presentation and interactive activities about urban forestry.
Tree Tours and More: Join a Park Spark team and arborist for tree or nature tours at school to learn about urban forests and enjoy hands-on nature activities.
Did you know that spending time among trees reduces stress and fatigue and improves quality of life? Trees also make our city beautiful and contribute to community pride.
And that’s not all:
- Trees provide many environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, reducing rainwater runoff, preventing erosion and providing wildlife habitat.
- Healthy trees increase property values, provide shade, block winds and provide privacy and beauty.
- Fruit trees or shrubs provide food for people and animals.
- Street trees reduce pavement glare, filter pollutants, add oxygen and improve overall appearance and quality of life.
- Tree-lined commercial streets are known to attract shoppers.
- Trees may deter criminal activity and reduce recovery time after medical procedures.
When to Plant
Ideally plant when plants are dormant—in the fall after leaf drop or in early spring before bud break. However, healthy balled/burlapped or container trees can be planted throughout the growing season
Preventing Plant Stress
Balled/burlapped trees lose a significant portion of their root system when dug at the nursery and may exhibit transplant shock—slowed growth and reduced vitality after planting. Container trees may also experience transplant shock.
Promote recovery through proper site preparation, careful handling to prevent further root damage, and good follow-up care.
Steps to Plant a Tree
Important: The trunk flare is where the trunk expands at the base of the tree. Ensure truck flare is partially visible after the tree is planted.
- Dig a shallow, broad planting hole—two to three times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball.
- Remove any cover around the root ball before planting (if in a wire basket, remove or cut one or two rings so it doesn’t interfere with roots. Look for circling roots and straighten, cut or remove them. Lift the tree by the root ball, not the trunk.
- Do not plant the tree too deeply – this can harm the tree. Most of the tree’s roots develop in the top 12 inches (30 cm) of soil.
- Straighten the tree in the hole before filling. Check from several angles.
- Fill the hole gently but firmly, packing soil around the base of the root ball to stabilize it and prevent air pockets. Water periodically while backfilling. Avoid fertilizing at time of planting.
- If staking is necessary, three stakes or underground systems provide optimum support (however, studies show that un-staked trees develop stronger trunks and roots).
- Mulch the tree base with a few inches (up to 10 cm) of mulch but leave 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of mulch-free space around the trunk.
- Keep the soil moist by watering at least once a week, or more/less frequently depending on rain or heat. Continue until mid-fall, tapering off with wetter weather and lower temperatures.
When choosing a tree and its location, consider the following:
- Soil type and conditions, particularly where dirt is new, compacted or recently disturbed
- Maintenance and watering requirements
- Space constraints and eventual size of grown tree
- Utilities location—do not plant tall trees near overhead lines or above underground piping. Learn more about underground services from BC 1 Call.
- Proximity to property line to ensure the tree will not encroach on neighbouring property when it grows to full size
- Sun and wind exposure, and hardiness of tree in relation to local weather patterns
- Resistance to insects and common local tree diseases
- Intended function (e.g. share, aesthetics or windbreaks)
Before purchasing a tree, consider consulting an arborist or a local nursery for advice.
- The first few years are especially critical for establishing a healthy tree. Watch for signs of poor health such as yellow leaves, wilting foliage, oozing sap or holes in bark, branches or leaves.
- Be careful around your tree when mowing or using a weed trimmer. Consider installing a plastic shield around seedlings.
- Prune sparingly after planting, although minor pruning of branches damaged during planting may be required.
- Delay corrective pruning until after a full season of growth
- If trunk-wrapping is necessary, use biodegradable materials and wrap from the bottom.
Consult an arborist or a local nursery for advice on what to do to ensure your tree thrives or to address problems.
Trees are Good
Non-profit educational website with information about tree care and planting.