In our northern climate, it takes a considerable amount of time for trees to mature, making large trees especially valuable. Recognizing this, Parks Operations in the City of Grande Prairie is committed to providing residents with a diverse selection of beautiful and healthy trees to enjoy throughout our city.

The City of Grande Prairie takes great pride in its tree population, which serves as one of the many assets that make our city a wonderful place to live. To ensure the longevity and vitality of our trees, we strive to choose the right tree for each location and provide them with essential care. Our dedicated Parks staff maintains nearly 25,000 trees and 500 shrub beds on public lands across Grande Prairie, ensuring that these valuable assets are nurtured and well-maintained.

By recognizing the value of trees and their numerous benefits, we can continue to enhance the beauty and livability of our city. Together, let's celebrate and protect our urban forest, creating a sustainable environment for generations to come.

The City of Grande Prairie’s year-round tree pruning and maintenance program ensures the health and safety of our urban forest:

• Spring and summer: Focused on green ash trees.
• Fall and winter: Prioritizes elm trees, while also addressing other trees that need care. Elm pruning during this period aligns with the Provincial Elm Pruning Ban (April 1 to Sept. 30), helping to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease—a serious fungal infection spread by elm bark beetles. Pruning during fall and winter, when beetles are dormant, helps preserve the health of our elm population. 

Year-round efforts include:

• Tree risk assessors from the Parks department determining which trees need pruning, cabling, or bracing.
• A rotating schedule through neighbourhoods, ensuring timely attention to all areas.
• Addressing urgent needs as they arise, based on observations by staff or reports from residents.

Residents can report a tree that needs pruning by contacting AccessGP. This collaborative approach helps maintain a safe, vibrant community while preserving our urban forest.

Learn more about the Province of Alberta's efforts to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease here:  Dutch Elm Disease | Alberta.ca

Vegetation and the soil it grows in hold large quantities of water, reducing the amount of water a municipal storm system needs to accommodate. After an inch of rainfall, if 20 per cent of Grande Prairie were covered by hard surfaces such as roads, sidewalks parking lots and driveways that would leave the City's green spaces to absorb 80% of the water or 256,000,000 litres.

Vegetation reduces energy consumption by shading buildings in summer and slowing heat-stealing wind in winter.

Attractive trees and shrubs increase the value and marketability of homes and other real estate and attracts new businesses to communities.

Vegetation improves urban air quality by removing and storing tons of carbon dioxide annually. This process is called carbon sequestering.

It also captures atmospheric particulates; evergreen trees are the most effective due to their dense structure and year round growth cycle.

Vegetation moderates the urban heat island effect and increases the relative humidity of urban air.

Our urban forest provides food and habitat for all types of local animal life, along with providing fruits and berries that people also enjoy.

Green environments reduce stress and provide opportunities for leisure and recreation which improve citizens' overall health and wellness, thereby resulting in reduced healthcare costs.

Urban forests can also bring communities of people together and form connections between humans and the urban flora and fauna.  They also bring about educational opportunities (i.e. Muskoseepi Park and School Programs).

The City of Grande Prairie is committed to maintaining a thriving urban forest. We recognize the value and importance of trees in our community. By providing information, guidance, and support, we aim to empower residents to make informed decisions about tree care and maintenance. Together, let's nurture and protect the trees that enhance the beauty and livability of our City.

The City owns a portion of land along the front and sometimes the side of every titled property, known as the "Boulevard." This area, primarily reserved for utility location purposes, holds significant importance. Before undertaking any construction project or landscaping endeavour, it is strongly recommended to confirm the location of your property lines using your Real Property Report or by contacting the City for assistance.

Residential boulevards often present ideal spaces for planting trees. These areas offer protection from harsh weather conditions and road activities, creating an environment conducive to healthy tree growth. It's important to note that if you have trees located in front or on the side of your property, they might actually be situated on the City boulevard.

All trees situated on public land, including those within the Boulevard, are the responsibility of the City. Bylaw C-1310 outlines the City's obligation to care for these trees. Our dedicated team of Certified Arborists provides essential services such as trimming, removals, and replacements to ensure the health and vitality of these trees. If you are planning to perform any maintenance or removal of a tree near your property, we encourage you to contact the City to confirm ownership and ensure the proper care of the tree.

Trees located on private land are the responsibility of the property owner. The City does not perform any maintenance, removal, or clean-up efforts on privately owned trees. It is vital for property owners to understand their obligations in caring for and maintaining trees on their own land. By taking proper care of these trees, property owners contribute to the overall health and beauty of our city's urban forest.

Tree Pruning Resources

Tree Pruning- Alberta.ca

Provincial Elm Pruning Ban (April 1 to Sept. 30), helps to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease—a serious fungal infection spread by elm bark beetles. Pruning during fall and winter, when beetles are dormant, helps preserve the health of our elm population. 

Learn more about the Province of Alberta's efforts to prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease here:  Dutch Elm Disease | Alberta.ca