Root for Trees is the City of Edmonton's volunteer tree-planting initiative! You can take part in helping expand our urban forest when you volunteer with us.
Root for Trees increases tree and shrub planting throughout the city with the help of corporations, local businesses, community groups, teams, families and individual residents.
The Root for Trees program helps to expand Edmonton’s urban forest by planting trees for Edmontonians by Edmontonians.
Planting Season Group Bookings Now Open
Our 2025 season is now open for registration. We can’t wait to plant with you!
Our Progress
371,241 trees and shrubs planted by volunteers since 2013.
By volunteering with Root for Trees, you help:
- 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
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.
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.
The fitness level for planting is from beginner to moderate. Planting is physical and does involve walking, bending down and digging with a shovel. The terrain may be flat or sloped, depending on the planting area. However, we encourage volunteers to take regular breaks and plant at their own pace. Volunteers can also choose to plant smaller stock, ask for assistance from Root for Trees staff, or work in pairs to plant. Root for Trees aims to be accessible in any way we can so please reach out if you require accommodations.
Is your organization committed to a greener future? The City of Edmonton has a goal of planting 2 million more trees as the population grows! Your contributions can enhance the Root for Trees program, as well as help build a healthy, climate-resilient city.
Please contact us at rootfortrees@edmonton.ca to discuss for more information and to customize your sponsor, donor or partnership opportunity.
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