Branching out tree program
UPDATE: Branching Out Tree Pick Up Postponement
With the news on Friday, June 14 that the current Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions will be in place for another 3-5 weeks, we will continue to look after the S.E., N.W. and S.W. quadrant Branching Out trees to keep them healthy until restrictions are lifted and they can be watered at their new homes.
Most of the trees are still with our supplier outside of the city where they can be watered safely without affecting Calgary’s water supply. For this reason, we are not able to arrange any individual tree pick ups for those who have rain barrels for watering.
As the timing for restrictions being lifted is still estimated, we will need to wait to confirm new tree pick up dates until there is more certainty on when within the 3-5 weeks restrictions will be lifted. At that point we will confirm and share updated pick up dates and locations by email, on the Calgary Parks Facebook page, and on this website. Please continue checking back for updates.
Trees are an intrinsic part of the quality of life in Calgary. They provide a myriad of environmental benefits. They also contribute to positive mental wellbeing. Trees help us connect with our communities.
Calgary’s tree canopy coverage is currently at 8.25%, this includes trees planted on both public and private property. The City is working to grow and expand our tree canopy coverage to 16%.
You can help through the annual Branching Out program. Trees are provided free of charge by the City of Calgary.
Tree planting tips
Tips on how to use mulch, compost and tree watering donut bag when planting your tree:
- Dig a hole in the chosen place in your yard; Mix the compost into the soil you’ve removed from the hole.
- Put your tree in the hole and add in the soil and compost mixture.
- Add mulch away from the trunk around the tree in a donut shape. See Water’s Little Helper: Mulch for more info on how to properly use mulch.
- Place your tree watering donut bag around the tree trunk and fill it with water once a week.
Efficient watering tips
Tips on how to efficiently water a newly planted tree:
- If the soil is wet from recent rain, water is unnecessary for a few days until things dry out.
- In the first year, water a newly planted tree 60 - 80L total each week split over 1 - 2 times; in the second year, water 60 - 80L total every 1 - 2 weeks split over 1 - 2 times; in years 3 - 5, water 60 - 80L total every 2 - 4 weeks split over 1 - 2 times. Each time you water, this would look like filling approximately ¼ of a bathtub.
- Use a watering donut or bag to help keep track of how much you’re watering. Fill donut/bag once a week; once filled, water will slowly drain out into the soil, targeting water to the roots of a tree, reducing water loss due to evaporation and helping to minimize overwatering.
- Ensure soil drains and becomes fairly dry between waterings to let it breathe with the atmosphere and restore oxygen. Placing mulch directly on top of soil is a great addition to help prevent water waste through evaporation losses and improving soil health.
- Only water in spring, summer and fall when the ground is not frozen.
- If there are outdoor water restrictions, prioritize watering trees instead of grass.
Click here for more information on caring for your trees.
Click to enlarge image
Tree species
There are a limited number of free trees given away each year and a limited number of species. For more information on trees go to Top Tree Species for Calgary.
Species that will be available for the 2024 Branching Out program are:
Canopy Tree
- Bur Oak
- Laurel Leaf Willow
- Paper Birch
- Prairie Reflection Willow
- Trembling Aspen
- Gladiator Crab
- Hot wings Maple
- Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
- Ming Cherry
- Royalty Crab
- Showy Mountain Ash
- Spring Snow Crab
- Starlite Crab
- Thunderchild Crab
- Limber Pine
- Mountain Pine
For info on how to plant and care for your tree, visit Citizen Owned Trees at calgary.ca/trees
E-Learning Module
Right Tree, Right Location
Want to plant a tree? Here's where to start: learn about tree types that work for you, choose the right location - and plant it safely in your yard.
Planting Trees During Drought
With the drought dial currently at Advisory stage, it is still important to plant new trees and use efficient watering methods to help get them established, even if outdoor water restrictions are put in place.
Did you know…
- As hotter temperatures become a seasonal norm, trees provide shade, reduce the heat island effect, and cool our environment through the release of water vapour back into the air reducing temperatures.
- Additionally, they sequester carbon as they grow and mature, and support Calgary’s biodiversity. A healthy canopy provides many climate-positive benefits including improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, and soil erosion prevention.
- It takes about 5 years of watering to establish a newly planted tree. On average container trees, which are the type of trees provided for Branching Out, require approximately the equivalent of 1L of water per day over those 5 years. As a comparison, a high-efficiency toilet uses at least 3L of water every flush.
- ·The water usage for each tree is very low when considering the long-term climate-positive benefits provided by a healthy tree canopy.
Underground Utilities
Remember to 'dial/click before you dig' a hole to plant your tree. A locate request will show you where utilities are located. Contact Utility Safety Partners by phone 1-800-242-3447 or online at utilitysafety.ca.