Please choose between the following three options:

Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and content

COVID-19

New mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.

Tree Care

Main page content begins here

City staff pruning trees

How to Plant

The perfect tree starts with proper planting. Here are our tree planting tips to help your private trees grow bigger, safer, and live longer.

  1. Call before you dig. Contact Alberta One-Call to ensure that are no conflicting underground utilities.
  2. Handle with care. Always lift the tree by the rootball.
  3. Dig a big hole. Dig a hole 2x as wide as the rootball.
  4. Plant at the right depth. The tree flare should be slightly above the ground.
  5. Backfill with good soil. You can generally use the soil that you dug out of the hole, unless it is primarily clay.
  6. Top with a mulch ring to help with moisture retention. Keep the mulch at least 5cm away from the tree trunk.
  7. Reference this Tree Planting video for more information.

How to Water

When there is little rain or signs of drought, it is important to water trees to ensure their long-term survivability.

Watering Tips:

  • Water your tree in the early morning or evening.
  • Check if the soil is moist to the touch, if so your tree may not need watering.
  • Water around the tree's drip line (an imaginary line extending from the outermost branch tips straight down to the ground), rather than just around the trunk.
  • To reach the roots responsible for gathering water make sure the area around your tree is moist to a depth of 30 - 45cm below the surface, depending on the size of the tree.
  • During drought conditions, the soil may first repel the water. Water lightly several times on the first day until the soil will accept the water.
  • Trees can drown! Instead of watering often, water generously in one long, slow application.
  • Wood mulch will help to keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Water your trees well in early spring and fall to prepare for winter.

The City waters newly-planted trees regularly for approximately the first 3 years. If your new boulevard tree needs attention, please contact 311.

How to Prune

Pruning promotes long-term health and structure and helps to eliminate potential hazards.

Pruning Tips for Private Trees:

  • Keep your pruning tools sharp and clean
  • Never prune out more than one quarter of the tree crown at a time; if your tree requires a lot of pruning, spread it out over several years
  • Remove all diseased limbs, dead and dying limbs and crossing branches
  • For more pruning information, visit Trees Are Good

Please note that the Community Standards Bylaw regulates the removal, pruning, transportation, storage and sale of elm trees in the city to ensure that the trees remain free of Dutch elm disease. Elm tree pruning is only permitted between October 1 and March 31.

Is your tree next to a power line? Please contact EPCOR to arrange for pruning.

For those who require assistance pruning large trees, the City recommends using a certified ISA Arborist.

Controlling Pests and Disease

Some pests are good for trees while others are not. Learn more about tree pests and disease.

Are you worried about your tree and need advice? Contact 311.

Related Documents

Caring for City Trees

Community Standards Bylaw 14600

Related Links

EPCOR Tree Pruning

Request pruning of private trees close to power lines

Trees Are Good

For More Information

311 Contact Centre

Online Contact 311 Online
Telephone

In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
TTY 780-944-5555

End of page content. Please choose between the following five options:

Back to main menu Back to current page menu and content View current page breadcrumb Back to site search Continue to page footer content