In total, Burlington plants approximately 1,000 trees annually as replacements, through capital projects, development and in response to resident requests for street trees. Trees are typically planted in boulevard settings, but are also planted in parks.
The sustainability and health of the future urban forest will rely on the selection and planting of a diversity of tree species, planted in appropriate locations and maintained until they are well established. The city is committed to establishing a more diverse future urban forest, and working with developers and contractors to ensure a diverse range of native and non-native non-invasive tree species get into the ground.
Tree Location
Effective planning is essential to ensure a healthy and safe urban forest. Careful consideration is given to placement of trees to allow for growth and the tree's impact on its surroundings. Factors which influence the decision on where a tree is planted include: maintaining sight lines for vehicular traffic, underground utilities and overhead obstacles, drainage patterns and impact on surrounding landscape and structures.
Species Selection
Trees planted along the streets in Burlington are carefully chosen to ensure that they compliment the streetscape and will develop in the area of planting. The potential size, form and tolerance of a tree to such things as pollution are important factors when considering which trees to plant. The potential planting site size (soil volume) can also influence species selection and/or if a tree will be planted.
Criteria for species selection:
- Soil types and extent of soil compaction
- Species for winter hardiness
- Species availability
- Species adaptability to site conditions
- Time of season species is planted
- Utility corridor and aboveground obstacles
- Drainage patterns