PUSLINCH — The township is expanding its tree canopy into Boreham Park.
As discussed at a Wednesday morning meeting, Puslinch council has approved planting 100 tree saplings between the baseball court and along some edges of Boreham Park next spring as a complement to the park's 2023 upgrades.
The township previously planted 50 yew shrubs in Fall 2023 in an attempt to finish off the upgrades at Boreham Park but removed them out of an "abundance of caution" after safety concerns from local residents.
Of the 100 trees, 40 are Norway Spruce, 30 are White Spruce and 30 are hardwoods. The Wellington County Green Legacy Tree Planting Programme will provide and deliver the trees at no cost. The planting, maintenance and upkeep are the township staff's responsibility.
When Coun. Sara Bailey asked how staff intends to address residents' concerns about watering included in the survey, CAO Courtenay Hoytfox said staff will report back with watering solutions.
Public Works comments included in a report on the project also indicated watering 100 trees on an ongoing basis at the park will be "a challenge" and "will endeavour" to assist with initial watering depending on workload and staff resources.
Coun. Jessica Goyda suggested a tree be planted at each of the park's benches to create shade for parents but this was shot down after Mayor James Seeley clarified the saplings won't provide shade for a long time.
The trees will be planted in Spring 2025. A tree planting ceremony with the Aberfoyle Public School and Youth Advisory Committee is being organized.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
