Calgary’s tree canopy will be a little greener after Saturday.
Thousands of young trees are being given out to Calgarians through the Branching Out Tree Program, which held its third weekend at the Douglas Glen Park & Ride lot for southeast residents.
“We provide 10,000 trees to Calgarians in a bid to help increase our tree canopy from just under 10 per cent to 16 per cent,” said Alan Joiner, superintendent with City of Calgary Urban Forestry.
Thirteen varieties are available, listed on the city’s website, which were selected not only for their ability to thrive in Calgary, but also their availability.
“We had to make sure we could provide the 10,000 trees, so we went with 13 species that the supplier had enough of,” Joiner said. “There were some options available such as fruit trees, but they didn’t have enough of them.”
Michelle Conger picks out a Sensation Maple tree at the City of Calgary’s Branching Out Tree Program giveaway on Saturday, June 13, 2026. At least 10,000 trees were given away with an eye to bolstering the city’s tree canopy. Brent Calver/Postmedia
Among those looking to fill out their foliage was Michelle Conger, who has seen some of their aging trees dying near the Bow River, bordering their neighbourhood of Douglas Glen.
“Trees are expensive, so for the city to offer free trees, so that we can help expand the canopy, absolutely,” said Conger, whose husband Greg expanded on the sentiment.
“I think it’s not only important for not only shade and beauty of the landscape, but for us it’s blocking certain areas, it’s good for the environment, so we have to start planting more trees,” said Greg.
“And you don’t want to live in a concrete city, you want the beauty of the trees growing all around you.”
Joiner added the City is rewriting its Urban Forestry Strategic Plan, and residents can weigh in on the program at calgary.ca/urbanforestplan.
Catherine Simoneau carries trees back to her truck from the City of Calgary’s Branching Out Tree Program giveaway on Saturday. Brent Calver/Postmedia
Greg Conger picks out a Sensation Maple tree at the City of Calgary’s Branching Out Tree Program giveaway on Saturday. Brent Calver/Postmedia
Thousands of trees were given away through the City of Calgary’s Branching out Tree Program on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia
Couples take home trees at the City of Calgary’s Branching Out Tree Program giveaway on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia