Frequently asked questions about the Parks NeighbourWoods Program
- Where can I plant a tree?
- Who plants the tree?
- What are my duties as a community tree steward?
- Where can I learn more about my tree?
- What will this cost me?
- Why do the trees need a watering bag?
- How many trees can I adopt?
- Which species of trees are available?
- What size are the trees being supplied? Can I get a larger tree?
- What is the planting process?
- I have a tree I'd like removed. Will The City do that as part of my NeighbourWoods planting?
- Will The City of Calgary remove shrubs or stumps to facilitate NeighbourWoods planting?
- Why isn't the Neighbourwoods Program available in my community?
- NeighbourWoods isn't available in my neighbourhood but I'd really like to get involved in tree stewardship in my community. What other options are there for me?
Where can I plant a tree?
All trees must be planted on City property. This criteria includes your boulevard or back-of-walk area. Boulevards are the spaces between the sidewalk and road. Back-of-walk refers to the City-owned space between the sidewalk and your property line.
NeighbourWoods trees cannot be planted on private property or in residential yards.
Who plants the tree?
You do! But the City is here to help. We'll dig the hole and provide the tree, but you'll get the satisfaction of planting it in the ground, caring for it and watching your efforts grow over time. As a NeighbourWoods residential tree steward, you are responsible for watering and monitoring your adopted tree(s).
What are my duties as a residential tree steward?
As a NeighbourWoods residential tree steward, you will be responsible for watering the tree(s) you adopt for five years after planting. It takes this amount of time for trees to become established independently, so you'll get a chance to see your tree grow and flourish.
You will never be involved in pruning, pest/disease treatment or tree removals on City land, but you will help with tree monitoring.
To register apply online or call 3-1-1. For more information on NeighbourWoods please contact Parks.
Where can I learn more about my tree?
The City will provide tree education to community tree stewards within each neighbourhood. A number of programs will be available, including urban forest walks, school outreach, training and classes, as well as yearly events.
Every resident of the participating communities is welcome to join by adopting a tree, but to become a community tree steward, participants must attend approximately 12 hours of training.
Each participating community association has already established environmental groups as part of the NeighbourWoods program. To become a community tree steward, you should speak to your own community association.
What will this cost me?
We ask successful residential applicants to pay $30/tree for a special tree watering bag that helps regulate the water for your adopted tree(s) and helps by reminding you when it's time to water.
As the legal owner of the trees, The City will cover the costs associated with adopted trees.
Why do the trees need a watering bag?
The treegator® watering bag is a slow-release bag designed specifically for trees. This green plastic watering bag wraps around the trunk of your adopted tree and seeps a constant supply of water into the ground to the place where young trees need it most - the roots. Depending on the weather, you will need to fill the bag 1 to 3 times per week.
The treegator® bag is yours to keep after your tree has matured.
How many trees can I adopt?
There are 100 new trees available for adoption in each NeighbourWoods community. Although there is technically no limit on the number of those trees you can personally adopt, The City will follow up to ensure NeighbourWoods trees comply with the existing Tree Protection Bylaw and long-term Urban Forestry Strategic Plan.
Which species of trees are available?
The NeighbourWoods gardener will work with residential tree stewards to determine the best tree for each planting site. Tree choice is subject to availability. For more information on these available trees, please view the NeighbourWoods Tree Species.
What size are the trees being supplied?
All trees will arrive in 10 gallon containers. They will be approximately 40 mm (1.5 inches) in diameter and approximately 1.8 m (6 feet) tall.
This size is preferred because younger trees suffer less transplant shock than older trees and are more likely to establish healthy root systems. Planting younger trees also makes it easier for you to bring home and plant your tree in the pre-dug hole.
What is the planting process?
After the application deadline and all applications are processed, The City will dig and back-fill the holes for all of the approved trees. Holes will be dug by The City to ensure that any underground hazards, such as water or power lines, are safely identified and avoided. Holes will be back-filled to prevent further safety hazards, but will be easy to re-dig on planting day by hand.
On your neighbourhood's scheduled planting day in the fall, The City will deliver all the trees to a central location like your community hall or centre. Tree specialists from The City will give a mandatory planting demonstration and provide care tips. As well, individual neighbourhoods are encouraged to organize community events around their planting day. Speak to your community association for more information about events in your neighbourhood.
All NeighbourWoods residential tree stewards are responsible for picking up their adopted tree(s), transporting them home and planting them.
I have a tree I'd like removed. Will The City do that as part of my NeighbourWoods planting?
Usually, no. The City will never remove healthy trees in order to plant new or different trees. In accordance with the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan, no public tree can be removed for aesthetic reasons or to mitigate minor nuisances like seeds, fluff or pollen.
However, trees that are diseased, dying, dead or hazardous, may be removed by The City to facilitate NeighbourWoods planting. The City will consider removing these trees on a per case basis.
Will The City of Calgary remove shrubs or stumps to facilitate NeighbourWoods planting?
The City of Calgary Parks will remove stumps in order to plant a NeighbourWoods tree. We will consider removing shrubs on a per case basis.
Why isn't the NeighbourWoods Program available in my community?
The NeighbourWoods communities were chosen based on need. Because of high rates of infill development and naturally aging tree populations, certain communities have experienced a higher rate of tree loss than most in Calgary - generally older, inner-city communities.
NeighbourWoods isn't available in my neighbourhood but I'd really like to get involved in tree stewardship in my community. What other options are there for me?
The City offers a number of programs and volunteer opportunities for community involvement throughout the city.
- The Adopt-a-Park program gives volunteers the opportunity to work collaboratively with The City to enhance Calgary's green spaces.
- The Planting Incentive Program (PIP) is a tree planting program approved by City Council for residential City property only. Community associations, neighbourhood groups or individuals may apply to plant trees in conjunction with The City on a 50 percent matching basis.
These are just a few of the programs available through The City. For more information on these or other programs, please contact Parks or explore our volunteer opportunities.
