Naturalization

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Learn about the benefits and stages of naturalization and what areas of the city are currently being naturalized.

Naturalization is a process that transforms a manicured landscape into one reflective of the natural region. Responsible parkland care means sustainable practices that contribute to a healthy, climate resilient livable City for generations to come. Naturalization helps preserve and celebrate the natural plant and animal species found in our region.

For more than 25 years, Edmonton has been reverting sections of City green spaces to a more natural state through naturalization. Naturalization is occurring throughout the city - along roadways, stormwater ponds, park spaces, and in new development communities. It may even be happening in a grassy area near you!

These areas are not part of the regular mowing cycle, and may eventually be planted with trees, shrubs or wildflowers.

The Benefits of Naturalization

Naturalization Initiatives

Learn about the naturalization projects that are being done in the city.

Explore Open Data

Other Initiatives

A Greener Edmonton: A Vision for Restorative Activities on our Urban Landscape
Tree Planting: Root for Trees
Alternative Ground Covers Pilot Project
Naturalization in Stormwater Management Facilities

Learn more about these Initiatives

Planting 2 Million Trees by 2030

The City of Edmonton is delivering on the commitment made in The City Plan to be “Greener as we Grow” - driving climate resilience ahead and strengthening our natural systems.

The City continues working towards planting more than two million trees and shrubs by 2030 as part of the City’s Urban Forest Asset Management goal of achieving 20 per cent canopy cover by 2071. To achieve this goal, the City received $48 million in funding from the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program as well as approved capital budget funding of approximately $66 million. Planting work in support of Greener as We Grow began in April 2022 and will continue until the end of 2030.

Trees are planted through a combination of open space and boulevard tree planting, as well as planting native species in naturalized areas.
The City’s planting season has concluded for 2024, with a new record of 342,157 trees and shrubs planted through City programs. This surpasses the previous record of over 230,000 trees and shrubs planted in 2023.
Much of the City’s plantings were accomplished through the naturalization program, which includes the Root for Trees volunteer tree planting program. To date 4,795 Root for Trees volunteers have participated in the program. In 2024 volunteers planted 42,342 trees and shrubs at 212 locations.
City naturalization efforts also continued with plantings at 45 locations this year compared to 22 locations last year. Ongoing public engagement is helping inform naturalization planting at 120 potential locations in 2025.

A volunteer planting a young tree.

Plant a Tree on Public Property

Request to Plant

Learn how to plant a tree on public property.

Plant a New Tree in Your Neighbourhood

Grow Together Program

Plant new trees in your neighbourhood.

Why are Certain Areas Naturalized and Other Areas Maintained?

There are a variety of different types of green spaces that are suitable for naturalization, including:

Safety sites or areas that are unsafe to mow (examples: steep (3:1) slopes, wet turf areas, and roadways with speeds greater than 70 km)
Stormwater Management Facilities and Dry Ponds: The function of a stormwater management facility is to manage stormwater and drainage. Naturalization helps to increase the safety buffer between the water's edge and the public use area, as well as to filter water, prevent erosion and slow stormwater runoff. When safe to do so, a buffer strip will be cut along the property line and along a multi-use path
Utility Corridors
Along arterial residential roadways
Environmentally sensitive or beneficial areas
Low use parkland that does not have specific activities or uses occurring activities

shared pathway with shrubs

Stages of Naturalization

There are 3 main stages to the naturalization process:

Stage 1: Site Preparation

Beginning in 2023, for sites being prepared for naturalization, regular grass mowing/turf maintenance is adjusted at the start of the season to a height of 10 centimetres. City crews will continue to monitor and maintain the areas controlling noxious prohibited weeds and trash removal.

This stage may last for 1-2 years. If the location is suitable to have trees and shrubs, the process will then continue to stage 2 - tree planting. Otherwise it will stay in the site preparation stage for another year.

Certain sites may be able to have trees and shrubs planted in the first year, skipping stage 1 and moving immediately to stage 2 and 3.

Stage 2: Active Tree Planting/Passive Naturalization

Sites that are suitable will be planted with trees and shrubs that are native to Alberta to establish a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

At first, you will see groups of small trees that, in time, will mature into a natural tree stand enhancing the landscape's beauty and providing many environmental, social and economic benefits to Edmonton's citizens. Other sites will be left to passively naturalize to allow for natural expansion of existing trees stands or grass meadows.

Stage 3: Establishment and Monitoring

Once trees and shrubs have been planted, they will be monitored for another 2-3 years.

Activities during this phase include inspections, watering and weed control where needed. If the site is establishing well, it will move to a “free to grow” phase. Otherwise it will go back to stage 2 for additional planting.

The City of Edmonton is expanding the urban forest to achieve the goal of planting 2 million new trees and 20% canopy coverage as the population grows. The result will help to enhance our diverse urban forest so that it will continue to provide benefits for generations to come.

Why Naturalize?

Learn How to Get Involved

Benefits to planting native trees and shrubs, and stop mowing areas that are suitable for naturalization include:

Environmental Benefits

grassland

Native plants, birds and other wildlife populations are able to re-establish themselves
Native plants also provide essential food for the native pollinator species and birds
Plants reduce atmospheric greenhouse gasses, clean the air and maintain oxygen levels required to support life
Plants stabilize slopes along river banks, preventing erosion
Provide windbreaks for snow capture and dust reduction

Economic Benefits

plants in grass

Trees and shrubs capture rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff which will avoid overloading drainage systems and reducing the risk of flooding
Reduced maintenance costs - specifically, reduced mowing
Increased property values
Fruit-bearing trees and shrubs add to the sustainability of local food production

Quality of Life Benefits

father walking with son in park trail

The landscape will become a source of beauty as naturalized park and roadway sites mature
Residents can become involved in environmental programs
Increased green and shady areas for people to spend time in for walking, picnics, berry picking, and other outdoor activities
Spending time in forests and looking at trees increases relaxation and mental health
Noise levels are reduced as dense plantings mature

Naturalization Sites

As per The City Plan, Edmonton is a city that is:

Transitioning to a low-carbon future
Has clean air and water
Adapting to a changing climate

The map shows naturalized sites that the City has been actively working on. Many of the roadway sites and some park sites underwent the first stage of naturalization in the early 1990s.

Map of Naturalized Areas

A comprehensive map showing all naturalized areas in Edmonton.

View Map

Root for Trees

Root for Trees is the City of Edmonton's volunteer tree-planting initiative! You can take part in helping expand our urban forest when you volunteer with us.

Natural Private Property

A natural yard is an ecologically inspired landscaping approach that creates a more natural-looking landscape than a conventional turf-dominated yard. These yards emphasize native plant species, support local wildlife and avoid chemical use when possible.

Commemorative Trees

Honour loved ones or celebrate special occasions through a commemorative plaque and pedestal displayed near a newly planted tree in the City’s parks and open spaces.

Contact Us

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