These trees have a narrow, upright form and are suitable for confined locations or in planting strips that are offset from overhead obstacles, such as utility lines.

*Indicates trees that are not as well tested in the Kelowna area but appear promising based upon reports from elsewhere. May be difficult to find.

Conifers can work well in certain landscapes. However, they can become quite large and aren't suitable for areas where space is a limiting factor They will provide year-round wind and sun protection.

*Indicates trees that are not as well tested in the Kelowna area but appear promising based upon reports from elsewhere. May be difficult to find.

These trees grow to 15-25 metres tall at maturity and are suitable for larger planting sites with no overhead obstructions. Planting strips should be at least 2.5 metres wide with suggested minimum spacing of 13-16 metres.

*Indicates trees that are not as well tested in the Kelowna area but appear promising based upon reports from elsewhere. May be difficult to find.

When mature, these trees are between nine and 15 metres tall and generally require a planting strip of at least 1.5 metres or greater. Suggested minimum spacing is 10-15 metres.

*Indicates trees that are not as well tested in the Kelowna area but appear promising based upon reports from elsewhere. May be difficult to find.

These trees are suitable for smaller spaces, generally growing no higher than seven to eight metres. The planting strip should be at least one metre wide. Most small trees tend to become very shrubby or bushy unless pruned to maintain a single trunk or “tree form.”

*Indicates trees that are not as well tested in the Kelowna area but appear promising based upon reports from elsewhere. May be difficult to find.

We recommend avoiding the following trees due to known undesirable attributes or a poor ability to thrive in our climate.

**Find more information on the Okanagan Sterile Insect Release (SIR) website. 

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide, the primary gas causing global climate change
• Trees retain the carbon from the CO2 molecule and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The carbon makes up half the dry weight of a tree.
• Planting new trees remains one of the cheapest, most effective means of drawing excess CO2 from the atmosphere
• One acre of forestland will sequester between 150-200 tons of CO2 in its first 40 years

• Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20-50 per cent in energy used for heating
• Studies show that summer daytime temperatures can be up to three degrees cooler in neighbourhoods with mature tree canopies when compared to newly developed areas. By reducing energy usage, additional carbon emissions from power plants are also avoided.

• Trees intercept significant amounts of precipitation and help prevent runoff (which carries salts, fertilizers and other pollutants into creeks and lakes), erosion and flooding. This also results in improved water quality.
• For every 1,000 trees, nearly one million gallons of stormwater run-off is prevented                
• Trees are a critical source of habitat for many wildlife

• Air pollution can be a serious threat to human health, and trees produce many net benefits for overall air quality improvement.
• Trees improve air quality by removing atmospheric carbon dioxide, absorbing air pollutants and producing oxygen. The average Canadian urban tree is estimated to remove about 200 kilograms of carbon over an 80-year period       
• An analysis of the Washington, D.C. metro area concluded that tree cover generated annual air quality savings of $49.8 million

• Studies have found that a view of trees was associated with benefits such as a faster recovery time after surgery, improved mental health and well being
• Urban forests improve our quality of life and help to beautify communities
• Trees and well-landscaped grounds are among the most important factors considered when individuals choose a place to live
• Green spaces entice neighbours outdoors on a regular basis, where they build friendships and community ties
• Workers with a view of nature from their desk were found to have better overall health, increased job satisfaction, less frustration with tasks and overall higher feelings of life satisfaction

• Numerous studies have documented a significant increase in property values and rental income associated with attractive tree cover and landscaping. Property values of well-landscaped homes can be increased by five to 20 per cent.        
• A study of urban forests shows that for each one dollar invested in urban forest management, up to three dollars in benefits is returned to residents through increased property values, removal of air pollutants and energy savings through shade             
• Shoppers have indicated that they would be willing to spend up to 12 per cent more for products in business districts with attractive urban forests

• Trees and green spaces can help ease the everyday pressures of life
• Even brief encounters with nature can improve one’s ability to concentrate
• Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms in children are relieved after spending time in nature
• Roadside plantings and landscaping can reduce driver stress 
• Patients with views of trees from their hospital bed spend less time in the hospital than those with no views

• In a study of inner-city neighbourhoods in the U.S., greener residences had lower crime rates       
• Inner-city families with trees and greenery in their immediate outdoor surroundings have safer domestic environments
• Neighbourhoods with well-cared for landscapes contribute to reduced feelings of fear and violence