Microforests in Saint-Laurent
Saint-Laurent has created a few microforests 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.
Locations
Urban microforests are located on densely paved public land to create cool islands in the neighborhood and promote biodiversity.
- Two microforests were planted in fall 2024, just north of the intersection of Boulevard Côte-Vertu Boulevard and Rue Crevier.
- A brand-new one was added in spring 2025 at the intersection of Boulevard Henri-Bourassa and Place Vermandère.
Tree species
The following tree species were selected for the development of the microforests:
- 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.
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.
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