Urban Forestry FAQ
- Why prune City trees?
- How often are City trees pruned?
- How much of the tree is pruned?
- When is the City pruning my area?
- How are homeowners affected by pruning?
- When is the best time to prune?
- Should I apply dressings on pruning cuts?
- Why are trees removed?
- Can I prune boulevard trees myself?
- Does the City prune on private property?
- My neighbour's tree is growing onto my property. What can the City do?
- Boulevard tree roots are pushing up the sidewalk. What can be done?
- A private tree is obstructing a sidewalk or road. What can be done?
- A tree is growing over the sidewalk. How do I find out who the tree belongs to?
- Does the City chip private trees?
- Where can I get some gardening materials?
- How many trees does the City plant?
- Can I donate trees?
- Can I plant on City property?
- 1. Why prune City trees?
- To promote healthy growth
- To remove dead or dying branches that could cause injury if they fall
- To maintain proper clearance (2. 5 m over sidewalks, 5. 5 m over streets)
- To promote the natural shape of the tree
- 2. How often are City trees pruned?
Elms are pruned every four years; all other trees, depending on size and maturity, are pruned every seven years. The City also removes broken branches and corrects defects as they are reported.
- 3. How much of the tree is pruned?
During a single pruning 25-30% of the crown may be removed. The tree looks sparse during its dormant period, but spring regrowth is significant.
Note: The City does not "top" trees. The resulting growth is unappealing and broom-like. The large wounds do not seal off well, leading to hollow trunks and hazardous trees. Vigorous sprouts resulting from "topping" are often weak and may easily break.
- 4. When is the City pruning my area?
Call 311 or email citytrees@edmonton.ca to find out.
- 5. How are homeowners affected by pruning?
Parking and front access to houses may be temporarily restricted. "No Parking" signs are placed before work is done. Branches left from pruning are removed within 24 hours (except elm logs). As a courtesy to homeowners, you can request to keep the logs, with the exception of elm wood due to the threat of Dutch elm disease, provided they are removed within 24 hours.
- 6. When is the best time to prune?
Generally, it is best to prune deciduous trees during the dormant season - early spring before leaves are out. It is best not to prune trees during leaf-out or during leaf-drop.
Elms may only be pruned from October 1 to March 31. This time period is better for the tree and is also when elm bark beetles, carriers of Dutch elm disease, are inactive.
Birch, ash and maple trees are best to be pruned in June or July, after their leaves are fully developed. They often "bleed" if wounds are made in the winter or spring months.
Evergreen trees require little or no pruning. If it is necessary, prune in early June.
- 7. Should I apply dressings on pruning cuts?
Research has shown that wound dressing does not reduce decay or prevent insect or disease penetration. A very light coating may be applied for cosmetic reasons.
- 8. Why are trees removed?
Trees are only removed as a last resort and only if the
- tree is dead, diseased or hazardous;
- curb cut; or
- too close to property causing root problems.
Trees will not be removed because
- they have too many seeds or leaves; or
- there is "honeydew" from aphids falling on sidewalks or vehicles.
Instead, the City can spray the trees to reduce aphids. Or, if all adjacent neighbours are willing, the tree can be transplanted and replaced at the customer's expense.
Customers are also responsible for the expense of transplanting or removing trees because of construction, drive-ways, or curb cuts.
- 9. Can I prune boulevard trees myself?
No. The City of Edmonton is responsible for these trees according to the Community Standards Bylaw 14600.
- 10. Does the City prune on private property?
No.
- 11. My neighbour's tree is growing onto my property. What can the City do?
The City cannot offer advice on private tree disputes. If you cannot resolve the problem with your neighbour, call the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre at 311 (free) or get private legal advice.
- 12. Boulevard tree roots are pushing up the sidewalk. What can be done?
Call Transportation and Streets at 311. They will determine if the sidewalk needs repair or if the tree requires pruning.
- 13. A private tree is obstructing a sidewalk or road. What can be done?
Contact Bylaw Services at 311; note the site location and address of the tree.
- 14. A tree is growing over the sidewalk. How do I find out who the tree belongs to?
Call 311 or email citytrees@edmonton.ca. The City will determine the tree's owner (through curb to property measurements). If the tree is on City property, the City will fix any damage. If the tree is private property, the owner of the property is responsible.
- 15. Does the City chip private trees?
No. Your branches should be bundled (no longer than 1. 5 m) and placed beside garbage cans as per the garbage collection guidelines. Branches can also be taken to the dump for chipping (no charge). Private landscaping or tree services will also chip branches.
- 16. Where can I get some gardening materials?
For gardening items (e.g. stakes, gratings, tree tar, etc.) contact your nearest garden centre or refer to the Yellow Pages.
- 17. How many trees does the City plant?
The City and developers plant 5,000 to 10,000 tress/shrubs annually. The City also has a commemorative tree planting program.
- 18. Can I donate trees?
Trees will be accepted for donation if they:
- have a value greater than the cost of transplantation;
- are more than 1.5 m tall and less than 15 cm in diameter;
- are clear of overhead and underground utilities; and
- are accessible to the tree spade.
For more information, read about City tree donations.
- 19. Can I plant on City property?
Yes, but it must be approved by the City. See our page on tree planting on public property for more details.
For more information:
River Valley, Forestry and Environmental Services
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 |
| citytrees@edmonton.ca |
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