Alternative marks anniversary with tree contest
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/03/2023 (1132 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A local landscaping company is celebrating its 25th anniversary by giving back to the community with a contest to plant 25 trees throughout the city.
Alternative Group, a family-run company that provides landscaping, excavation and maintenance services, is accepting applications to a contest for making the community greener this year. The company is seeking applications from non-profits, service groups and schools around the city that would like to plant a free tree in their chosen location.
“It’s something to give back to our community,” Mike Mair, marketing manager for Alternative, told the Sun. “Trees will continue to be here for a long time.”
Alternative Group is hosting a tree giveaway. (Submitted)
Applicants are required to fill out an online form, indicating why they would like to receive a tree and provide a photo of the location they are proposing the tree be planted. Alternative Group is offering three different varieties of tree: harvest gold linden, which has fragrant yellow flowers; autumn blaze maple, with brilliant red leaves; and Japanese ivory silk lilac, a tree with large clusters of white flowers.
A place card, celebrating Alternative’s anniversary and partners, will also mark every tree. Aubin Nurseries and Accent Striping & Lettering is supporting the contest.
Alternative will select the tree variety that will flourish in the applicant’s proposed location, but when they are successfully chosen to receive a tree, contestants can expect to get their hands dirty for the contest. Work crews will attend to provide proper guidance for planting the tree, but contestants will be involved in the planting. The company said the hands-on approach is good for team-building and participation.
“It’s kind of neat when you drive by [the tree] and even if you’re Mary in accounting, you planted that tree,” Mair said.
But Mair also said the contest is about more than just workplace benefits. Trees are important for creating a habitat for pollinators and birds, combating climate change, and providing shade, privacy, beauty and colour to an area. “You can never have enough trees.”
Like the company that has been offering its services for 25 years, Mair said, trees are a long-lasting gift back to the community. “The hope is that they’re going to be here for a really long time and get really big.”
According to Alternative, the tree contest is just the first of many more events in store this year in celebration of its “year-long” anniversary. Applicants can fill out the contest’s entry form at alternativegroup.ca/celebrate. The deadline is April 15 and winners will be announced May 1.
» gmortfield@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @geena_mortfield