Neighbourhood road ‘right-of-way’ tree planting
Neighbourhood road ‘right-of-way’ tree planting
As part of our residential public tree-planting initiatives, we look for public land where we can plant trees. These areas include the “road right-of-way” that lies along the front, side edge or back of walk of a property. Every planting season we look for suitable public road right-of-way land to plant trees in communities across Calgary.
This spring, we are planting in:
- Bowness
- Cornerstone
- Evergreen
- Glendale
- New Brighton
- Nolan Hill
- Sage Hill
- Southview
- Tuxedo
Planting in these communities is currently scheduled to take place in June. Residents who are scheduled to have a tree planted in the road right-of-way next to their property will receive a door hanger with more information at their door in late March/early April.
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Contact 311 if you have questions or if you received a door hanger at your home and do not want us to plant a tree in the public road right-of-way next to your property by April 30.
Benefits of our urban tree canopy
Trees provide shade and help cool our environment. They help improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and prevent soil erosion. Trees also support biodiversity and provide positive mental health benefits to citizens. For these reasons, The City is always looking at ways to increase our tree planting to help grow and expand our urban tree canopy.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I receive a door hanger at my home about this program?
If you received a door hanger at your home, the road right-of-way next to your property has been chosen as one of the locations where we will plant a tree. If you have questions or do not want us to plant a tree, please contact 311 by April 30.
Why did you choose these communities?
The communities listed have been identified as having a supply of public (City) land that lies along the front or side edge of a property and is suitable for planting trees. This available land is typically known as the “road right-of-way”.
I do not want a tree planted in the public right-of-way next to my land. Can I request not to get a tree?
Yes, anyone who does not want a tree next to their property can opt out from receiving a tree and we will plant it elsewhere in the community. To opt out, please contact 311 by April 30. We will then reassign the tree to another location.
What if residents did not have a tree planted in the public right-of-way next to their land but would like one?
Residents who are interested in having a tree planted on their property in the future can contact 311 to let us know. We will use this data to help us determine where and how to expand the program going forward.
How did you decide where to plant the trees?
When considering where to plant the trees we looked for road right-of-way land that had enough space for a tree to grow, has suitable soil and does not have underground utilities that prevent us from planting.
How many trees will be planted?
In 2026, we will be planting 1,000 container trees in total across the communities listed.
When will the trees be planted?
The trees are scheduled to be planted in June.
How long will this work take?
We are hand-planting the trees, from start to finish it will take no longer than one hour.
What work will I see leading up to the planting?
The main work residents will see leading up to the trees being planted is spray marking for utility line locates and pink a "X", which will take place up to two weeks before planting.
Do I have to take care of the tree?
No, we will take care of planting, adding mulch and compost, pruning and watering the tree. We will follow any current outdoor water restrictions in place when watering. For information, visit calgary.ca/restrictions.
How else can I help ensure the tree stays healthy?
- Don’t use weed killer or dump household waste near the tree.
- Don’t tie or attach anything to the tree.
- Protect the tree from damage by lawnmowers, weed trimmers and other yard maintenance.
- Don’t prune the tree; The City will take care of pruning the tree.
- Don't use synthetic fertilizers on or near the tree.
What can I do if the tree doesn’t look like it's doing well?
If the new tree doesn’t seem to be doing well, please let us know by contacting 311.
What is the impact on my community?
Planting time in the community will be minimal and the community will have additional trees that, when they grow to maturity, will give the benefits of an increased urban tree canopy cover.
Will any of my yard be damaged?
No, we will not damage any private property and if homeowners do not want a tree planted in the public right-of-way next to their property, they can contact Urban Forestry via 311 Calgary by April 30.