Get your green thumbs ready: “Poplar” program giving away free trees to residents

A program that first sprouted up in 2019 offering up to three free trees to Calgarians is proving to be very popular.

The Branching Out program saw success during its trial years with 70 to 90 per cent of trees surviving, according to urban forestry lead for the City of Calgary Michael Mahom.

Now, the program is becoming better known and more people are taking advantage. The first sign-up date was Feb. 13 for residents in the northwest, and the 500 allotted trees for the quadrant were spoken for in less than a day.

“The outcome is really to support us in our goal of achieving a 16 per cent tree canopy by 2060,” Mahom says, adding the city’s canopy is currently at 8.25 per cent.

A canopy refers to the uppermost layer of branches and leaves that form at the top of trees, which provide shade and shelter while regulating temperatures and air quality.

The SW quadrant registration opened Tuesday, while SE quadrant registration opens on March 15 and NE opens up on March 30. Residents can sign up here.

The program is becoming more popular

Ward 11 Coun. Kourtney Penner says the Branching Out program is a win-win for everyone, and she’s glad the city is expanding the initiative to offer more trees.

This year’s 2,000 free trees total is quadruple the number of trees previously planted.

“It’s a great program,” she says, adding there has been an uptick in the number of people taking advantage of it.

“It is good news all around and in terms of meeting the objectives we have towards increasing [the] urban tree canopy. I also think planting trees is something that helps people have a sense of community and sense of ownership.”

Good for the environment

Planting trees is a beneficial practice for the environment and the community as it helps to combat climate change while enhancing the aesthetic of public and private spaces.

“Trees have the incredible ability to combat the heat island effect,” Mahom says.

Urbanized areas with concrete tend to have two or three degrees higher temperatures than other areas, Mahom explains.

“Trees cool and shade cities, which reduces that temperature by up to four degrees,” he adds.

Not only that, but the city says trees also contribute to positive mental well-being and help people connect with their community.

Take advantage of the program

Penner hopes residents take advantage of the program, which is providing 500 trees to each quadrant, including 11 species of smaller trees that are better suited for private yards.

“I would always encourage people to apply and think about planting trees in their neighbourhood,” Penner adds.

“Folks who want to register to get a free tree through the program will have to complete an online module that teaches some technical expertise and experience on how to maintain their tree,” Mahom says.

While the module is meant to help keep tree survival rates up, Mahom offered reassurance that help is available if needed.

“If at any point a citizen is concerned about their tree or it is not doing well, they can always call 311 and if they explain that they received the tree through the Branching Out program; we would be happy to offer additional support.”

The free tree giveaway will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so register and complete the online application early to secure your chance to contribute to a greener community.