Branching Out 2025 - REGISTER FOR a free tree
Trees are an intrinsic part to the quality of life in Calgary. They provide a myriad of environmental benefits. They also contribute to positive mental wellbeing. Trees help us connect with our communities.
Calgary’s tree canopy coverage is currently at 8.25%, this includes trees planted on both public and private property. The City is working to grow and expand our tree canopy coverage to 16%.
You can help through the annual Branching Out program. Trees are provided at no cost by the City of Calgary.
Branching Out 2025 – Registration Dates + Important Information
Please ensure you complete the Right Tree, Right Location e-learning module before registration opens for your quadrant as the registration form will require you to confirm that you have completed the training.
2025 Registration Dates for Ward 9
On the date and time registration opens for your quadrant, a registration form will become live on this webpage.
Registration for the S.E. quadrant opens on Monday, April 14th @ 10:00AM
Registration for the N.E. quadrant opens on Monday, April 21st @ 10:00AM
Visit calgary.ca/branchingout to complete the registration form on the day that aligns with your city quadrant.
Pickup Dates & Location
S.E. Location: Douglas Glen Transit Station Parking Lot (11411 29th St. S.E.)
Pickup on Saturday, June 7, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM or Sunday, June 8, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
N.E. Location: Whitehorn Transit Station Parking Lot (3914 34th St. N.E.)
Pickup on Saturday, May 31, 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM or Sunday, June 1, 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Branching Out FAQ’s
How many trees can I register for? Can I submit multiple registrations to receive more trees?
Only submit one registration form per address but you can request up to two trees.
Do I have to take the Right Tree, Right Location eLearning module?
We ask that you complete the module to gain important insights on how to prepare, plant, responsibly water, and care for your tree(s). The module includes essential information on understanding the mature size of your tree and the importance of assessing the area both above and below ground before planting.
Am I guaranteed to receive the tree(s) I registered for?
We try to ensure you will receive the tree(s) you registered for; however, the tree(s) requested may be substituted for a similar tree and the exact tree provided will depend on our tree supplier’s stock.
Can I change my tree choice?
Once you have submitted your registration form, your tree selection is final and cannot be changed.
I live in a condominium; can I still register for a tree?
Yes, you can register for a tree, but you require approval from your condominium board to plant a tree on their property. We recommend you secure this prior to picking up your tree, to ensure your tree can be planted on the condo property.
Can I register for a tree again next year?
Yes, Branching Out is an annual program and you are welcome to register for a tree each year we run the program.
Is there a waitlist for trees?
No, registration for each quadrant closes once all the trees for that quadrant have been spoken for. However, any trees not picked up on pickup weekends will be given away on a first come, first served based from 3 p.m. Sunday on that pickup weekend.
What information should I bring with me to pick up my tree?
Please bring your confirmation email (either printed or on your phone) and have the first and last name of the person who registered for the tree to help us find your tree(s).
What happens if I can’t pick up my tree on my assigned pickup date/time? Can someone else pick up the tree for me? Can you store my tree for me?
We only have a specific number of each type of tree available each day and your tree(s) may not be available if you do not come on your assigned date/time.
If you can’t pick up your tree(s) on the assigned date/time, you can have someone else pick it up for you. They will need to bring your confirmation email (printed or on their phone) and the first and last name of the person who registered. They must pick up the tree(s) on the assigned date and time in your confirmation email.
We have 5,000 trees to distribute and unfortunately, we cannot store any trees after the pickup events.
Any trees not picked up on the assigned pickup date/time will be given away on a first come, first served basis from 3 p.m. on the Sunday of that pickup weekend.
How big will my tree(s) be at pickup?
Trees will be in a 5-gallon pot (12” diameter) and approximately 5-7 feet tall for the “ornamental”, “canopy” and “edible” trees, and approximately 3 feet tall for the “conifer” trees.
Will you deliver and/or plant my tree?
No, you are responsible or picking up your tree (or having someone pick it up for you) on the date/time assigned in your confirmation email.
We do not plant the trees for you. You must plant the tree and you will learn tree planting basics when you complete the Right Tree, Right Location e-learning module.
Can I plant my tree anywhere?
You must plant your tree(s) on your own private property. You are responsible for finding a suitable location in your yard, digging* a hole, planting, watering, and caring for your tree(s).
Important: Remember to 'dial/click before you dig' a hole to plant your tree. A locate request will show you where utilities are located on your property. Contact Utility Safety Partners by phone 1-800-242-3447 or online at utilitysafety.ca.
Before registering for your tree, we ask that you complete the Right Tree, Right Location e-learning module to learn important information on how to prepare, plant, responsibly water, and care for your tree(s).
Do I need to request a line locate before planting my tree?
Yes, you must submit a locate request to show where your utilities are located on your property. Contact Utility Safety Partners by phone 1-800-242-3447 or online at utilitysafety.ca
Where can I get information about the Branching Out program and tree pick up dates?
Please visit calgary.ca/branchingout for the latest program updates as they become available. We also share updated on Calgary Parks Facebook and Instagram pages.