Root for Trees is the City of Edmonton's volunteer tree-planting initiative! This initiative increases tree and shrub planting throughout the city with the help of corporations, local businesses, community groups, teams, families and individual residents.
Our educational planting programs help to expand and care for Edmonton’s urban forest by planting trees for Edmontonians by Edmontonians.
Root for Trees plays a critical role in the landscape management process of naturalization. Over time, these grassy areas are planted with trees, shrubs and wildflowers and brought back to a more natural state, resulting in economic, environmental and quality of life benefits.
By volunteering with Root for Trees, you help to:
- Expand our urban forest through tree, shrub and wildflower plantings
- Care for naturalized areas by reducing weed competition
- Protect local habitat and biodiversity
- Contribute to your local community
Root for Trees Planting Programs
Root for Trees offers 3 educational volunteer opportunities to plant and care for our shared urban forest. Volunteers will plant native trees, wildflowers and shrubs and learn how to identify and pull invasive plants. All plant material, shovels and gloves will be provided.
Healthy Forest Stewardship Events
Revisit previously planted sites and engage in stewardship activities including invasive plant removal and planting shrubs and wildflowers. Participate as a registered group or join a drop-in event. Visit Registered Group Tree Planting and Drop-In Tree Planting for more information.
Our Progress
417,145 trees and shrubs planted by 46,486 volunteers since 2013.
We planted 25,904 trees and shrubs and 1,804 wildflowers in 2025.
Our 2026 goal: We aim to plant 35,000 additional trees.
Browse our planting records to find some of the areas we’ve planted since 2012. (City's Open Data)
Naturalization
Root for Trees plays a critical role in the landscape management process of naturalization and ecological restoration.
Over time, these grassy areas (urban forests) are planted with trees, shrubs and wildflowers and brought back to a more natural state, resulting in economic, environmental and quality of life benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The annual target of this initiative is to plant an additional 45,000 trees.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. All volunteers entering the planting area are required to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. If proper footwear is not worn, volunteers will be unable to participate.
Root for Trees will plant rain or shine! However, in the event of severe weather, volunteer plantings may be shortened or cancelled for staff and public safety.
Severe weather conditions that would necessitate cancellation include:
- Thunderstorms or lightning
- Temperature equal to or above 34°C, including the Humidex
- Wind, including gusts, of over 45 km/h
- An air quality health index (AQHI) of 7 or above
Cancellation Policy: The City of Edmonton retains the right to modify or cancel the planting in the case of inclement weather and public safety.
All ages are welcome. We request that there be one responsible person over the age of 16 for every three children under 7 years old.
Any minor, below the age of 18, requires a parent or guardian to be present, and responsible for the minor, while volunteering with us.
Root for Trees welcomes all volunteers with beginner and moderate fitness levels. Planting involves walking, bending and digging. Depending on the planting area, the terrain may be flat or sloped.
Volunteers are encouraged to take regular breaks, plant at their own pace or ask our program leaders for assistance. Root for Trees is committed to ensure all accessibility needs are met. If you require accommodations, please reach out.
Is your organization committed to a greener future? The City of Edmonton has a goal of planting 2 million trees by 2030. Your contributions can enhance the Root for Trees program, as well as help build a healthy, climate-resilient city.
Email rootfortrees@edmonton.ca to learn more or discuss customized partner, donor and sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsorship Benefits
Sponsorship benefits are tailored to each partner but may include:
- Contributing to your local community
- Supporting volunteer efforts
- Meeting corporate sustainability goals and contributing to Edmonton’s urban forest
- Brand exposure
Contact Us
311 Contact Centre
Email rootfortrees@edmonton.ca
Phone 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 | TTY: 780-944-5555