As you drive through the Town of Okotoks this summer, you may notice a new type of tree along some boulevards.

Urban Forester Gordon White says the Town is planting plenty of Japanese Tree Lilacs, for a number of reasons.

"One, it's fairly slow growing," he says. "So, it's compact and doesn't require a lot of pruning maintenance for clearing for sidewalks and roads, and it has relatively few diseases and pests. Another reason I guess is it's an attractive tree."

White says the less time the Town has to spend taking care of the trees, the more money they'll save.

A full grown Japanese Tree Liliac. (Photo courtesy the Town of Okotoks.)

"Pruning for clearance purposes for pedestrians and vehicles is a big part of our budget," he says. "The more manageable or compact and slow-growing the tree is, can lead to less maintenance and re-directing our money into other areas."

White says the Town also recommends residents consider a Japanese Tree Lilac for their own yards, if they're looking to add a tree or two.

"They're relatively easy to maintain, and has some drought tolerance as well," he says. "They're suitable for small yards, which is typical these days."

The Japanese Tree Lilac is also immune to fire blight and black knot disease.

For more information, visit the Town's website.