New eLearning modules help Calgarians ReTree YYC

As fall sets in and leaves change colour, it’s easy to see the beauty of our city’s trees. But the benefits of a healthy urban forest go far beyond aesthetics: trees clean the air, improve our health, absorb noise and increase property value.

For these reasons – and so many more – we want to keep our urban forest growing for future generations to come. In fact, The City’s goal is to increase our tree canopy from 8.23% to 20%.

Our tree canopy includes every tree in our city – from streets, parks, public spaces and backyards. And with over 50% of Calgary’s trees located on private land, we need your help. Events like the 2013 flood and the 2014 Snowtember storm damaged much of our urban forest, reducing our canopy cover. ReTree YYC has been working hard to prune and replace public trees, and support Calgarians’ efforts of caring for trees in their yards.

Now we’ve launched new eLearning modules to further support citizens in growing our urban forest. We want to give Calgarians the tools to plant new trees and care for the ones we already have. They’re free, and available 24/7 to do at your own pace.

The first module “Right Tree, Right Location” focuses on:

• The types of trees that work for you.
• Where to plant safely in your yard.
• Step by step instructions for planting a tree.
• How to care for your tree after it’s been planted.

Did you know: Early fall is a great time to plant, as the tree is focused on root growth, instead of new leaves – and trees are often less expensive to purchase at the end of the growing season.

Check out the module and learn more about what you can do to help ReTree YYC!

Submitted by Erin Smith, Calgary Parks

Bees and trees - the dynamic duo

Bees play a vital role in sustaining our ecosystem; it is estimated bees pollinate one third of everything we eat. In order to do that, bees need to have large food sources in one location.

That’s where trees come in.

Trees act as a one-stop food shop for bees. In fact, trees have huge quantities of nectar close together, making it easier for bees to buildup stores to turn into honey. Trees and bees work in harmony: bees need the flowers from the tree for food, while the tree needs the bee to reproduce. Bees also collect resin from coniferous trees and help with their nest construction. It’s pretty sweet stuff.

How you can help

The easiest way to keep our bees happy is to keep our trees healthy. Healthy trees are essential for nectar and pollination. This includes consistent watering, mulching, pruning and monitoring trees for pests. For more information on healthy tree care, visit calgary.ca/trees.

Want to plant a tree for the bees? Until Sept. 1, The City is partnering with local retailers to help you save 10% off your next tree purchase.

Calgary trees that bees love (just to name a few):

• Wolf Willow 
• Crab-apple
• Lilac
• Red Elder 
• Maple
• Cherry
• Poplar

Added bonus: most of them are fruit-flowering, so (after the bees do their work) you can reap the rewards.

One more un-bee-lieveable fact: The City has set up mason bee houses at orchard sites to increase the colonization of the orchards by mason bees.

Submitted by Erin Smith, Parks

Let’s branch out: tips for picking and planting trees

When it comes to choosing the right tree for the right location, it’s easy to get stumped. Luckily, we have some tips to help you cultivate your inner green thumb.

The right tree:

• Hardiness: Make sure the type of tree you are planting is suited to our climate so it can grow and thrive. Wondering what works best? Here are some tips for selecting the right tree type for the area.  
• Stay local: Trees that are grown locally have adapted to local weather conditions and will be more successful when transplanted.
• Variety: Have a peek around your neighbourhood to see if one tree type is more common. Consider planting something different so that if a pest or disease is introduced not all trees will be lost.   

We are proud to partner with retailers to help grow our trees. Use this coupon and save 10% on your next tree purchase at these garden centres:

• Blue Grass Nursery, Sod & Garden Centre
• Garden Scents Garden Center
• Golden Acre Garden Centre
• Plantation Garden Center
• Spruce It Up Garden Centre

The right location:

• When: Ideally, plant your tree in the early spring or early fall when the weather is cool. It’s important to note soil, moisture and sunlight requirements; planting trees in the right conditions will give them the best opportunity to thrive, and they will be less susceptible to pests and diseases.
• Where: Consider the size and shape of the tree at maturity and make sure it is given enough room to grow. One helpful tip is to not plant trees that will grow to be very large next to the foundation of your home, retaining wall or utilities. We’ve found this handy chart outlining what to plant in relation to power lines. And don’t forget to call or click before you dig.
• How: Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and as deep as the root ball. Remove the covering (container or wire basket) and place your tree in the hole by lifting the root ball, not the trunk. Straighten the tree and gently add soil to stabilize and fill the hole. Mulch the base of the tree to help with moisture retention and nutrients. Water new trees at least once a week if there isn’t any rain. The soil should be moist, but not soaked.

Looking for more? Check out a video on residential tree care tips or learn more about the City’s tree and shrub bylaws.

For additional information on trees, visit calgary.ca/trees.

Submitted by Erin Smith, Calgary Parks