If you are interested in donating or transplanting a tree onto City land, there are a few steps to take to ensure your donation goes smoothly.
The tree donation on public land application must be submitted prior to starting the project. No planting or excavation can occur before the City arborist or a member of our Parks Department has contacted you. Your application will include a diagram that outlines all details of planting intentions.
As the donor, you will be responsible for contacting Alberta One Call for a locate request to ensure the planting location meets current industry standards in relation to setbacks from above or below ground facilities including:
The City reserves the right to remove any plant material planted upon City titled property that has been installed without approval or is creating an unsafe recreational environment, is deemed unhealthy, hazardous or structurally unsafe.
We appreciate your tree donation and your help to ensure the following guidelines are met prior to any planting or excavation:
The donor of any plant material to be located upon City titled property must communicate their intentions of the project in writing to the Parks department prior to the start of any construction.
All planting locations must be approved by the City arborist.
Plant material must be nursery grade, healthy, disease/pest free and planted in accordance with current ISA standards.
The species must be prairie hardy to Zone 3 and be agreed upon by the donor and the City arborist
The tree must be given its own clearance from existing trees, structures, fences and paths. Most shade trees require 100 square meters when spaced in accordance with their mature size
All trees require a minimum distance of two meters from any fence or existing structure to provide room for mowers
If proper setbacks and easements cannot be accommodated around the surrounding facilities, planting will not be permitted.
Only native species will be planted in designated Environmental Reserve Land.
No plaques, signs or other decorative items are to be placed on City property or trees.
The City will not be responsible for any vandalism or death of donated plant material on any City property
If mechanical equipment is required for planting or excavating, the Application for Access to Public Land form must be filled out and signed prior to initiating work.
The Parks department will carry out pre and post inspections of the area; any damage done to the area where work is taking place must be rehabilitated by the donor.
Transportation of plant material or related material to and or from the area is the donor's responsibility.
The donor will be responsible for watering that tree for the first growing season provided that the area is within reach of their garden hose. Otherwise, the City of Airdrie Parks department will look after watering the tree.
Maintenance of bed style plantings along fence lines will be the responsibility of the homeowner. This includes, ongoing maintenance and pruning of trees, shrubs and any other plant material that may encroach onto or over sidewalks, roads, fences, signage, or any other City property.
The City arborist will install a Tree Gator (watering bag) for the newly donated tree; the donor will be required to fill this tree gator two times per week.
Depending on location, the minimum recommended sizes are as follows:
Coniferous trees – 75 cm (30 inches) tall
Deciduous trees – 35 mm (1 ¼ inch) calliper
Mandatory minimum pot sizes are:
Deciduous Trees - #5 pot Coniferous Trees - #5 pot