Microforests in Saint-Laurent

Last updated August 6, 2024

Reading time: 2 min

Saint-Laurent will be creating a microforest on its territory following a vote held during the second edition of Ville de Montréal’s participatory budget.

Inspired by the Miyawaki method—developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki—this approach is intended to create dense, fast-growing forests in small urban spaces.

Microforests are distinguished by the wide variety of tree species planted and their high density. By being close to each other, trees compete for access to light and nutrients in the soil, causing them to grow faster.

Location

The urban microforest will be planted on public land north of the intersection of boulevard de la Côte-Vertu and rue Crevier to create islands of coolness in the neighbourhood and encourage biodiversity.

Timeline

August 6: Contract for the landscaping work awarded
Until the end of August: Preparation of work
September-October: Work to be carried out, including site preparation, close planting of the trees, watering and maintenance as well as protecting the site and plantings.

Tree species

Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye)
Amelanchier canadensis (Canada serviceberry)
Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny serviceberry)
Betula papyrifera (White birch)
Betula populifolia (Grey birch)
Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam)
Carya cordiformis (Bitternut hickory)
Catalpa speciosa (Northern catalpa))
Cladastris kentukea (Kentucky yellowwood)
Cornus alternifolia (Alternate-leaf dogwood)
Fagus grandifolia (American beech)
Juglans nigra (Eastern black walnut)
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar)
Larix laricina (Tamarack)
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree)
Ostrya virginiana (American hop-hornbeam)
Picea glauca (White spruce)
Pinus resinosa (Red pine)
Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine)
Populus tremuloides (Trembling aspen)
Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak)
Quercus macrocarpa (Bur oak)
Quercus rubra (Northern red oak)
Salix nigra (Black willow)
Tsuga canadensis (Eastern hemlock)

The variety of species may differ, however, according to availability.

Objectives

This project contributes toward achieving the objectives related to the priorities of Montréal 2030, with commitments regarding reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate vulnerabilities as well as commitments concerning inclusion, equity and universal accessibility. In addition, it is in line with the guidelines of Saint-Laurent’s 2021-2030 Climate emergency plan, which promotes ecological transition.

The advantages of having trees in urban environments

Trees filter atmospheric pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide, thereby producing oxygen and improving urban air quality.
Trees provide shade and evaporate water through their leaves, helping to reduce urban heat islands and regulate local temperatures.
Urban trees provide habitats and food sources for a variety of animals, including birds, insects and small mammals, and support biodiversity in doing so.
The presence of green spaces and trees in urban environments has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety among residents.
Trees absorb rainwater through their roots, reducing runoff in the process and helping to prevent urban flooding.