Tree Maintenance and removals on 11a Street N.W.

The aging poplar trees located on public boulevards on 11a Street N.W. (from the south end traffic gate to Gladstone Road) are reaching the end of their natural lifespan with many showing advanced stages of decline. We recognize how important these trees are to the community and that residents appreciate the canopy they provide.

As poplars age, they can develop internal cavities and structural weaknesses that are not always visible from the outside. These conditions increase the likelihood of branch or trunk failure, sometimes without warning, and as a result maintenance is required to keep the street safe. We are committed to taking a balanced, thoughtful approach in order to retain as much of the tree canopy as possible.

To help achieve this balance, The City of Calgary Urban Forestry team has completed detailed assessments of every poplar tree on the street. To proactively manage safety risks to people and pets, homes, and vehicles on the street, targeted pruning and limited removals are required.

Following assessment:

• Five trees have structural conditions that present a significant safety concern and will need to be removed. These trees will be posted with removal notices two weeks in advance.
• Additional poplars will be pruned to reduce risk while allowing them to remain and continue contributing to the street canopy.

Urban Forestry only removes trees when absolutely necessary. In this case, removals are limited to those where pruning alone cannot sufficiently reduce risk.

Where pruning occurs, trees will initially be reduced in size. However, poplars are resilient and capable of regrowth. Over time, this regrowth will help maintain elements of the existing canopy.

This street has also benefited from significant understory planting in recent years. As mature poplars are pruned or removed, these younger trees will have increased access to light and space, allowing them to grow more quickly and contribute to the next generation of canopy coverage.

To ensure that the wood removed is used meaningfully, it will be provided to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, where it will be used for habitat enrichment and browse (animal feed) for animals including moose, giraffes, camels, gorillas, and hippos. We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with the zoo and ensure the wood removed will be used for the benefit of these animals.

Tree removals and pruning will take place from June 22 to 24, 2026. A road closure will be in effect (from 7 a.m. on June 22 to 5 p.m. on June 24), and cars will not be able to park on the street. Signage will be placed on the road ahead of any closures. 

In addition to City staff, volunteers from the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be on site on June 23 to help bag the wood that will be provided to the Zoo.

We appreciate the community’s understanding as we carry out this work to protect public safety, property and support the long-term health of the trees on 11a Street.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact 311.

We will be following all City of Calgary standard safety operating procedures to manage site safety including those of residents and City staff.