For the 2022 National Tree Day we provided Saanich residents the ability to pre-sign up for a free tree to plant on their property.
125 trees were made available:
- 25 Vine Maples (5 gallon pot)
- 25 Serviceberries (2 gallon pot)
- 25 Black Hawthornes (5 gallon pot)
- 25 Douglas Firs (1 gallon pot)
- 25 Western Red Cedars (1 gallon pot)
Participation rules:
- Limit one tree per household
- Open to District of Saanich residents only
- Must be registered as limited stock available
- Tree not eligible for any tree permit replacement tree requirements
- Must pick up at Glanford Park Wednesday, September 28 (11:30am to 1:30pm)
Tree descriptions:
Vine Maple - Acer circinatum
Small shrubby tree that grows to 7 meters with sprawling branches. Leaves turn a fire engine red in fall. Grows best in full sun or part shade, this tree is easily grown in fertile, humus rich, moist, well drained soils. Will suffer in hot, dry conditions.
Serviceberry - Amelanchier alnifolia
Small shrubby tree that grows to 5 meters. White spring flowers develop into dark purple berrylike pommes in summer that are sweet and edible. Low maintenance tree, easily grown in moist, well drained, acidic soils. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree. Generally pest and disease free.
Black Hawthorne - Crataegus douglasii
Small tree growing up to 10 meters. White spring flowers come with thorny branches that produce black berries in the summer. Berries stay on trees over winter and are enjoyed by people and wildlife. Can grow in a variety of moist, full sun conditions. Will tolerate part shade.
Douglas Fir - Pseudosuga menziesii
Large pyramidal conifer tree that grows up to 70 meters. Has flat yellowish-green needles and can live for hundreds of years. Grows in full sun, moist, well drained, acidic soils. Suited for a large yard.
Western Red Cedar - Thuja plicata
Large tree with large sweeping branches growing up to 60 meters. This conifer has scale like needles over lapping in opposite pairs with small egg like cones. Grows best in moist, wet soils in shaded forests or along wet areas. Tolerant of shade. Suited for a large yard.