A home owner can request a tree-planting in their yard; a qualified assessment is carried out to select the right species the right placement in the yard with guidelines to ensure the permanence of the tree. These guidelines would ensure any views for your neighbours, power-lines sewer lines etc.. everything to ensure the tree need not be removed in the near future.

The City then delivers and plants the tree with maintenance guidelines for the homeowner. The home owner gets a few dollars off their taxes every year that the tree remains growing(Audits required as in any tree-planting carbon scheme) and their name and a dedication goes into the "Tree stewards registry" permanently noting when the tree was planted and a small phrase of dedication to be there for review by all future residents and neighbours.

The tree is solely owned by the homeowner, the carbon credits are owned by the City. For the City it's a 'not for profit' scheme where profits are diverted to the homeowners tax breaks. The benefit to the city is less expensive carbon credits for the Cities needs, and a definite step to being the greenest City. The City already plants hundreds of street trees annually and operates its own tree-growing nursery in Langley providing good quality tree stock (at low cost.); these current efforts can be rolled into this new carbon offset department.

The City could have a locally overseen avenue for their carbon offsets which also enriches Vancouver's beauty and environmental health.

Vancouver's Trees;
~ are a source of beauty in our environment
~ condition the air by absorbing CO2 and pollutants in the air
~ supply oxygen, that we breathe
~ reduce heat in the summer through the evaporation of water from the leaves
~ reduce the wind factor in the winter
~ control erosion
~ provide a rain canopy
~ act as noise buffers
~ provide privacy
~ soften the urban landscape
~ encourage neighbourhood pride
~ increase land values
~ reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling homes
~ provide food and shelter for wildlife
~ when part of a convalescent's environment,
contribute to the healing process reduce the stress of urban living
~ provide leaf mulch