Root for Trees

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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.

2024 Planting Season Group Bookings

Bookings for our 2024 Registered Group Planting Program are now open!

We are excited to return with volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers in Edmonton’s naturalized areas.

Our Progress

323,484 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.

Learn More About Naturalization

Frequently Asked Questions

How do people sign up to help plant trees?

Online registration for the Registered Tree Planting Program is available using Better Impact.

If you have any questions or need help signing up, please email rootfortrees@edmonton.ca.

Looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity for individuals and small groups? Looking to attend a fun special event? Registration or sign-up is not required for the Drop In Planting Program and Special Events.

What types of volunteer opportunities does Root for Trees offer?

Root for Trees offers two different types of volunteer opportunities to plant.

Registered Tree Planting
Our Registered Tree Planting Program is two hours in length, and facilitated by Root for Trees Program Technicians who guide the planting demonstration, deliver a safety talk and provide interesting facts about Edmonton’s urban forest. Volunteers are provided with shovels, gloves and plant material and can choose morning, afternoon or evening programs, Tuesday to Saturday during the months of May-October.

Drop-In Tree Planting
Our Drop In Tree Planting Program offers flexibility with no registration required. Root for Trees staff are present on site to provide a safety talk and planting demonstration. Join as an individual, pair or small group. Opportunities are available on Thursdays or Saturdays during the months of May-October.

Special Events
Root for Trees runs a series of special events throughout our planting season. These are usually open to all members of the public and available for volunteers to attend on a drop-in basis, however some may require pre-registration. More details can be found at Root for Trees Special Events.

Does Root for Trees host any special events?

Root for Trees runs a series of special events throughout our planting season. Please visit Root for Trees Special Events for more information.

Some of our special events include:

Arbor Day
Connect with our Roots
Food Forest
National Tree Day

Does Root for Trees have social media platforms to follow?

Yes. You can find information on our program, as well as other park-related programs at @YEGParks on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). For program updates and interesting information on trees, sign up for our newsletter, The Canopy.

How many trees does this program plant every year?

The annual target of this initiative is to plant an additional 30,000 trees.

Are there specific locations to plant trees with this program?

Yes, all Root for Trees program plantings occur in naturalized areas. Registered and drop-in volunteer program plantings have a pre-assigned location in each quadrant of the City. Each year, the Root for Trees program site maps and locations are updated.

What do I need to bring to/prepare for my volunteer planting program?

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.

What type of trees will be planted?

Root for Trees plants native species of trees. Our program also plants native species of shrubs and wildflowers to add biodiversity to the urban forest.

Examples of commonly planted trees include:

Trembling aspen
Lodgepole pine
White spruce
Larch
Balsam poplar

What type of weather conditions do we plant in?

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 40°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/or public safety.

Is there an age requirement to participate in volunteer opportunities?

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.

Is Root for Trees involved in the City’s Naturalization program?

Yes, Root for Trees plays a critical role in the landscape process of naturalization.

Is there a fitness level requirement needed to participate in planting with you?

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.

Partner, Donor and Sponsor Opportunities

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 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

Root for Trees Corporate Volunteer

The Canopy Newsletter

By signing up for our newsletter, The Canopy, you can receive program updates, fun facts about trees, and interesting nature-themed activities to do around Edmonton!

Registered Group Tree Planting

An educational and fun experience facilitated by our Program Leaders. All plant material, shovels and gloves are provided by Root for Trees.

Drop-In Tree Planting

Are you looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity? Root for Trees now offers public drop-in plantings with no registration required.

Root for Trees Special Events

Join us, and be a part of all the exciting special events taking place throughout our planting season!

Contact Us

311 Contact Centre

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Email	rootfortrees@edmonton.ca
TTY	780-944-5555

Root for Trees

2024 Planting Season Group Bookings

Our Progress

Naturalization

Related Links

Commemorative Trees

Urban Forestry

Contact Us

311 Contact Centre