Looking to add some greenery to your backyard this spring? The City of Calgary will give away thousands of trees this year to help grow the city’s urban canopy.
Through the City’s Branching Out program, residents can apply for free trees this April and help expand green space across the city.
About the program
The Branching Out program is an initiative that aims to grow the city’s tree canopy and make it more accessible for residents to participate.
Through the program, eligible Calgarians can apply for a free tree to plant on their property, which will help improve overall air quality, enhance green spaces, and support local wildlife.
In previous years, the program has distributed over 5,000 trees to Calgary residents, but due to high demand and community interest, it has expanded significantly. This year, the number of available trees has doubled, with over 10,000 trees being distributed throughout the city.
According to the City of Calgary, the city’s tree canopy sits at just under 10 per cent, measured at 9.62 per cent in 2024. The goal is to grow that number to 16 per cent by 2060, and programs like Branching Out make that possible.
What residents can get
To participate in the program, residents can register in April through the City of Calgary website and receive up to two free trees for their property.
A variety of species will be available, such as bur oak, linden, Austrian pine, spring snow crab apple, and more. Residents will have the opportunity to choose something that works best for their space.
Once registered, tree pickup will take place in late May and June, with designated weekends assigned to each of Calgary’s four quadrants. If you’re unable to pick up the tree yourself, someone else can do it on your behalf as long as they bring a copy of the confirmation email.
If any trees go unclaimed after their scheduled pickup dates, they will be made available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can also look forward to free mulch, available while supplies last, to offer an extra hand when it comes time to plant.
With thousands of trees available and a variety to choose from, the Branching Out program is a simple way for residents to give back to their community while enhancing their outdoor space.
If you’re interested in taking part, be sure to apply early before the trees are gone.
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