Tree Planting on Public Property

Yes, You Can Plant Trees on City Property!

The City of Edmonton encourages citizen participation in beautifying our City. However, you must get approval first. Send your requests to:

River Valley, Forestry and Environmental Services
12304-107 Street
Edmonton AB
T5G 2S7

Or send an email to citytrees@edmonton.ca

Please include a sketch of the proposed planting. There is no cost for the approval, and you need to allow up to six weeks for processing and review.

Keep in mind that trees survive best if they are planted in the spring (April 15 – May 20), so send your request in early.

Restrictions

Planting approval will not be granted if:

  • Planting space is narrower than four feet
  • Underground utilities are closer than four feet
  • The planting, in the City's opinion, will cause an obstruction
  • The planting will conflict with neighbouring trees and properties

Note: All trees/shrubs planted on City property become the property of the City of Edmonton

Planting Instructions

Trees planted in the spring will survive best, but fall planting (September 1 - October 15) can also be successful. To plant, dig the tree well 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) wider and deeper than the root size. Place the tree at a depth even with roots stem and firm the soil around the roots to the top of the tree well. Stake it and water thoroughly. Use about 57 litres (15 gallons) of water per 2.5 cm (1 inch) of trunk diameter measurement at 30 cm (12 inches) height.

Water every 7 to 10 days during the summer. Leave the pruning, spraying and fertilizing to us and watch your plants grow. Should anything unusual develop, give us a call at 311 and we will take care of it.

Your Guide to Planting Trees or Shrubs on City Property

Guidelines to Help You in Your Planning

Distance Between Species

Species  Minimum Metres  Maximum Metres 

 Silver Maple 

 10

 15

 American Elm

 10

 15

 Black Ash

 8

 13

 Chinese Elm

 8

 13

 Linden

 6

 11

 Birch

 6

 11

 Mountain Ash

 6

 11

 Buckeye

 6

 11

 Flowering Crab Apple

 6

 11

 Cherry trees

 6

 11

 Poplar - Columnar Type
 (Swedish Aspen)

 4

 9

 

Setbacks

 All Species Minimum Metres 

 Distance from corner

 7.5

 Distance from light poles

 3.5

 Distance from fire hydrants

 3.5

 Distance from stop signs

 3.5

 Distance from yield signs

 3.5

 Distance from bus stops

 3.5

 Distance from other signs

 2

 Distance from driveway

 2

 Distance from sidewalks

 2

 Distance from utilities - underground

 1

For more information:

Forestry

12304-107 Street
Edmonton AB
T5G 2S7

Please include the address of the tree in question and provide your name and phone number to speed up processing.

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Fax 780-496-4978
Email citytrees@edmonton.ca
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Copyright © 2012, City of Edmonton.