The City of Calgary's Branching Out program is back, and it's twice as big as last year, 10,000 trees going to residents at no cost. If you've got a yard on Signal Hill, this is the easiest way to add a 5-to-7-foot tree (or two) without a $150–$300 trip to the garden centre.

The deadline that matters for Signal Hill

SW Calgary registration opens Monday, April 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM. It's first-come, first-served. Last year SW slots filled within hours. Set a calendar reminder.

> 👉 Register on calgary.ca/branchingout when the SW window opens.

What you actually get

  • A 5-gallon potted tree, ~5–7 ft tall (canopy/ornamental species) or ~3 ft (conifers)
  • Up to 2 trees per address
  • Free mulch while supplies last
  • 18 species to choose from (you pick a preference; not guaranteed)
Canopy: Bur Oak, Linden, Sensation Maple, Trembling Aspen Conifer: Austrian Pine, Larch, Ponderosa Pine Ornamental: Dakota Pinnacle Birch, Gladiator Crabapple, Radiant Flowering Crabapple, Spring Snow Crabapple, Tatarian Maple, Tree Lilac

Before you can register

You have to complete a free, ~20-minute online learning module called "Right Tree, Right Location." Do it now, it's not tied to the registration window, and you only need to complete it once (ever). Link is on the Branching Out page.

Pickup logistics

  • When: June 13–21, 2026 (SW + SE quadrants)
  • Where: Douglas Glen Transit Station (south side)
  • No delivery, you have to pick it up. A 5-gallon pot fits in most car trunks with seats folded.
  • Bring gloves and something to protect your trunk liner.

What it costs you afterwards

A tree's first 5 years are when watering matters. Plan for:

  • Year 1: 60–80 L per week (about a full 5-gallon bucket every weekend in summer)
  • Year 2: 60–80 L every 1–2 weeks
  • Years 3–5: 60–80 L every 2–4 weeks
That works out to roughly 1 L per day on average. A rain barrel makes this much easier, and the City has a separate $50 rebate for rain barrels (up to 3 per household) at calgary.ca/rainbarrel.

Why the city is giving away trees

Calgary's tree canopy is 9.62% as of 2024, well below the 16% target for cooling, stormwater, air quality, and just looking nice. Every tree on private property counts. Signal Hill, sitting on the highest ridge in town and bare in spots, benefits more than most when residents plant.

A few rules worth knowing

  • Trees must go on private property, the City won't plant on boulevards or city land for you.
  • You can request 2 trees but might only get 1 (or a different species) depending on stock.
  • Miss your pickup window and the tree may not be held for you.
  • Commercial property and condo boards register through a separate channel: [email protected].

Quick checklist before Monday morning

1. ☐ Finish the Right Tree, Right Location module (link on the Branching Out page) 2. ☐ Pick a planting spot, at least 3 m from the house, 2 m from a fence line, away from gas/water service lines (Click Before You Dig: 1-800-242-3447) 3. ☐ Bookmark the registration page; have it open at 9:55 AM Monday 4. ☐ Set a reminder for June 13–21 to pick up at Douglas Glen

Got a tree in already and want to share what worked (or didn't)? Email [email protected], we'll round up Signal Hill experiences for next year's planting season.

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Source: City of Calgary · Branching Out. Program details, species list, and dates are the City's; the Signal Hill summary is ours.