Tree Planting and Establishment

Annual Tree-Planting Program

The City undertakes an annual tree-planting program each spring and fall season. Trees are planted along the city right-of-way in front of residences, in parks and around various city facilities.

The City plants large caliper trees (45 to 70 millimetres in diameter). Our trees are a selection of native species and a few exotic species known to perform well locally. We have a selection of smaller trees suitable for small lots or tight locations. Preference is given to larger trees, as they will provide greater environmental benefits in the long term.

To support a healthy and sustainable urban forest, the City selects tree species that have demonstrated strong long-term survival and performance. Tree species that are invasive or associated with high maintenance costs are not approved for planting.

The City does not take requests for specific tree species.

Tree planting can be initiated by 311 tree planting requests, planting in new subdivisions, following road re-work construction, and areas selected by City staff for infill planting when time has reduced the number of standing live trees. For any of these methods of initiation, the tree planting process follows the same procedure:

1. Site assessment and approval:
   • A certified arborist will visit the site and assess for suitability for a new tree planting.
2. Placement of a "New Tree Planting" sign and delivery of resident advisory letter:
   • In early spring and in early fall, City staff will place a lawn sign indicating “New Tree to be Planted Here” at approved tree planting locations; that is the time for residents to make contact with the City regarding questions about tree planting. Once planted, trees will not be moved or replaced.
3. Utility locates:
   • Planting staff will arrange for utility locates to be conducted for each tree planting site.
4. Tree planting:
   • Tree planting will occur 30 to 60 days after the tree signs and letters have been placed.
5. Tree Maintenance (2 years):
   • Maintenance and watering will continue for a minimum of two seasons after planting. Additional maintenance can be requested through 311 as needed.

Tree Establishment

The City works towards tree establishment, instead of just tree planting. This means we will continue to tend newly planted trees for years following the initial planting. Tree establishment activities include the following:

Mulching 

• A wood-chip mulch ring is placed around the tree base at planting time to help preserve soil moisture, control weeds and protect the tree from damage caused by lawn mowers or weed whippers. The mulch ring will be renewed in approximately two years when the watering program ends.

Staking

• Staking may be installed for newly planted trees if and when they show signs of starting to lean. Staking is not installed preemptively. Staking will only be installed for a period of approximately one year. Staking for longer periods may negatively affect proper strength development in the roots and trunk of the young tree.

Watering

• Periodic watering will be conducted for two (2) seasons after tree planting. Watering is conducted from May through to late September, dependent on the season’s rainfall. Watering occurs on a 7- to 10-day cycle. Watering is done using a "TreeGator" water bag. Water bags are placed around the tree in the next spring season following planting. Water bags, once filled, will drain over a 2- to 8-hour period. It would be of great benefit to the trees if residents were able to provide additional watering for the tree in their front yard by filling the water bag in between visits by the City’s watering team, particularly during hot and dry periods of the summer. To report an issue with a "TreeGator" water bag, please submit a 311 online service request or contact 311.

Planting in City Parks

Planting in City parks will be directed by the City’s Park Operations and Park Design teams to be assessed and coordinated with ever-ongoing parks planning operations. Numerous tree-planting projects are conducted in City parks each year.

Together with Park Development and Parks Operations, Forestry will work to develop tree planting plans for specific parks each season where the tree planting across the entire park is considered in association with other development and maintenance operations.