According to https://treecanada.ca/, trees have medicinal uses: 1 of 4 pharmaceutical products is plant-based. Some of those products are extracted from yew trees which are used in chemotherapy drugs called Taxol. They are also used in aspirins and other creams. Trees also make the air more breathable by reducing particulate matter. When you plant a tree, you also can help reduce noise pollution. Tree-lined streets increase traffic safety by making streets appear narrower.
With this, the HRM encourages everyone to join its Urban Forestry team for the upcoming tree giveaway. On September 24, a selection of tree varieties will be available including a limited number of edible fruit trees. These trees are offered free to all HRM residents. All trees will be potted and available in various sizes.
When you plant a tree in your property, you are helping your community in enhancing the urban forest. These trees will improve air quality, storm-water reduction, temperature management, and so much more. There are other benefits of a healthy urban forest such as filtering air pollution; reducing stormwater runoff; removing atmospheric carbon; providing habitat for migratory birds and urban wildlife.
Planting these trees will also result to improving physical and psychological wellbeing; provision of a visual screen and reduction of noise pollution. It can also contribute to food security; to energy savings by providing shade in the summer and blocking wind in the winter.
In support to Urban Forest Master Plan and HalifACT, the municipality has planted over 3,000 trees this year. Through municipal investment and participation in the development of our urban forest, they work together with its residents to help achieve the important climate goals outlined in Halifax’s climate action plan.
By planting, caring for, and harvesting fruit trees you will be contributing to food security within the HRM and supporting the JustFOOD Action Plan. The JustFOOD Action Plan is co-led by the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Halifax Food Policy Alliance. Together, they form the backbone to support the collaborations and collective efforts needed to increase dignified access to good food and strengthen our local food system.
A tree is entitled per household or community space and will be on a first come, first served basis. There will be a variety of tree species available during the event in various sizes. Some of them are Red Oaks, Red Maples, Yellow Birch, Sugar Maples, White Spruces; and Apple & Pear (edible varieties).
More information about this event at https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/streets-sidewalks/urban-forestry/tree-giveaway
Reference:
https://www.halifax.ca/
Photo by Kasturi Laxmi Mohit on Unsplash
