Realizing Expectations from Planting Trees on Private Land in Ontario, Canada

Heather Macdonald,Suzanne Perry,Kerry Mclaven,Daniel Mckenney

doi:10.3097/lo.202078

Abstract

This study explores the motivations behind participation in tree planting programs by private landowners in Ontario, Canada, as well as perceptions as to whether benefits were realized up to ten years after trees were planted. Forests Ontario, which has offered tree planting support programs in this province since 2007, provides up to 90% of the cost of seedlings for tree planting projects at least one hectare (ha) in size. This online survey of 570 former participants in tree planting programs indicated that a desire to create a habitat for wildlife (77.6%) was the most common motivation for taking part in a tree planting program. Concern with restoring native forest cover was also a reason for most participants (71.4%), as well as with improving soil, air and water quality (54.8%), and addressing climate change (54.3%). The most common benefit of planting trees was an increase in well-being and enjoyment of their property (67% of respondents). Overall, 27% of respondents with a desire to increase wildlife habitat, and 20% of those wishing to improve their local environment reported an improvement after tree planting. Reported improvements in the local environment and wildlife increased with time since tree planting, whereas enhanced well-being and enjoyment of the property were evident among participants even with newly planted trees.

Highlights

Introduction1.1 Motivations for planting treesPeople plant trees for different reasons. Psychologically and physically, exposure to natural settings is restorative (Hartig, et al, 2003, Van den Berg et al, 2003) and improves human health, cognitive performance and well-being (Keniger, et al, 2013)
1.1 Motivations for planting treesPeople plant trees for different reasons
Comparing predictions and observed values, the model was able to successfully predict whether an improvement was reported 77.6% of the time. This survey with 570 participants in tree planting programs indicates that, consistent with a previous intake survey (MacDonald, et al, 2018), the goal of creating habitat for wildlife was a major motivator for planting trees, as well as a desire to restore native tree species

Summary

Introduction

1.1 Motivations for planting treesPeople plant trees for different reasons. Psychologically and physically, exposure to natural settings is restorative (Hartig, et al, 2003, Van den Berg et al, 2003) and improves human health, cognitive performance and well-being (Keniger, et al, 2013). Indiana landowners reported afforesting their property to provide for future generations, to support wildlife, and to conserve the natural environment (Ross-Davis et al, 2005). In Quebec, Canada, woodlot owners report being motivated by the pleasure of owning a natural environment, firewood harvest, legacy, and family activities, while a third of owners owned a woodlot to generate a second income (Côté, et al, 2015). In Ontario, Canada, residential property owners reported factoring in maintenance concerns as well as aesthetics in tree planting decisions (Conway, 2016). These studies highlight the need to design tree planting programs in a way that is responsive to residents’ motivations

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Conclusion