The Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) aims to manage, preserve and enhance Grande Prairie’s urban forest, maximizing its environmental, social and economic benefits to enhance quality of life for residents. Like many cities across Canada, Grande Prairie’s urban forest faces various risks, including wildfire, invasive pests, improper maintenance and climate change. Urbanization and development also pose significant threats, reducing tree canopy cover and fragmenting the urban forest. To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive management approach is needed, prioritizing preservation, planting and the integration of green spaces within city landscapes.

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, this may result 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 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 the Elm Tree Pruning Program, 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.

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.

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.

Before beginning any landscaping project, residents are encouraged to review their Real Property Report or contact the City for help confirming property lines.

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