Volunteers planting trees

An educational and fun experience facilitated by our Program Leaders. All plant material, shovels and gloves are provided by Root for Trees.

Facilitated by two of our program staff, registered group plantings are hands-on educational opportunities that are fun and inclusive.

This group volunteer opportunity is perfect for team building, families, students, clubs and community groups!

What Do We Provide?

  • Program staff who guide a planting demonstration, safety talk and share interesting facts about Edmonton's urban forest
  • Native trees and shrubs
  • Shovels and gloves

Root for Trees Registered Group Planting Program

Registered programs are scheduled in 2-hour increments from Tuesday-Sunday and run from mid-May until mid-October.

Register

Day of the WeekAvailability
Tuesday10am-noon; 1-3pm; 6-8pm
Wednesday10am-noon; 6-8pm
Thursday10am-noon; 1-3pm; 6-8pm
Friday10am-noon; 1-3pm; 6-8pm
Saturday10am-noon; 4-6pm
Sunday1-3pm

Please note that programs are subject to availability.

If you would like to inquire about a larger group booking, contact the Program Coordinator at rootfortrees@edmonton.ca.

Plant and Pull Registered Programs

Invasive plants threaten local biodiversity and harm newly planted trees. Unlike typical Root for Trees plantings, Plant and Pull events focus on both invasive plant removal and tree planting. In partnership with the City’s Invasive Plant Outreach program, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to directly impact Edmonton’s ecosystems.

As a volunteer, you'll first tackle invasive species that harm newly planted trees and threaten local biodiversity. Afterwards, you’ll plant native trees, creating a healthy, naturalized habitat all in one session!

Please note that programs are subject to availability.

Register
 

Events require registration.
DateTimeLocation
Thursday, August 710am-NoonSilverberry SWMF*
Thursday, September 410am-NoonPylypow SWMF*

*Stormwater Management Facility (SWMF)

Are There Specific Tree-Planting Locations?

All Root for Trees program plantings occur in naturalized areas. 

Registered and drop-in volunteer program plantings have a pre-assigned location in each quadrant of the City.

2025 Tree-planting Locations

Each year, the Root for Trees program site maps and locations are updated.

Volunteer Information

As a registered volunteer, you will be able to view and sign up for registered group plantings on our calendar. Each program will have an assigned date, time and location quadrant. Sign up for a date that works for your group. As the group leader, you will be signing up on behalf of your group. If a registered program is not available for a certain day or time, it is fully booked.

Your registration will then be pending. Once Root for Trees approves your request, you will be assigned to an event.

Root for Trees will send you a follow-up confirmation email once you are assigned to the program you signed up for.

The Day of Your Registered Planting Program

  • Arrive at or slightly before the start time of your scheduled program to get the most out of your volunteer experience.
  • You will be greeted by Root for Trees staff members who will provide your group with a Volunteer Sign-In, Liability Waiver to sign and planting gloves.
  • All the planting supplies, including shovels and plant material will be ready on site.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing, dress for the weather and bring a bottle of water and snacks.

Training and Expected Attendance

All training is provided on site with Root for Trees Program Leaders present.

5 persons standing in park with shovels

An expected attendance number is required during sign-up for your volunteer shift. 

  • A minimum group size of 10 people is required to participate
  • Sign-ups are limited to a maximum of 60

Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All safety protocols communicated must be followed while volunteering.

Supplied by the volunteer:

  • Sturdy, closed-toe footwear such as runners (if proper footwear is not worn, volunteers will be unable to participate)
  • Hat, sunglasses and long pants are recommended

Supplied by Root for Trees:

  • Clean gloves

Program Cancellation Policy

Root for Trees will plant rain or shine! However, in the event of severe weather, plantings may be shortened or cancelled for staff and public safety. Severe weather conditions that would necessitate cancellation include:

  • Thunderstorms or lightning
  • Temperature equal to or above 34°C (including the Humidex)
  • Wind, including gusts, of over 45 km/h
  • An air quality health index (AQHI) of 7 or above

The City of Edmonton retains the right to modify or cancel the planting in the case of inclement weather and public safety.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Root for Trees offers public drop-in planting volunteer opportunities with no registration required.

Join us for tree planting and other special events throughout the season to celebrate Edmonton's urban forest and our communities.

Contact Us

311 Contact Centre

Phone  311 | Outside Edmonton and Video Relay Service (VRS): 780-442-5311 | TTY 711

Contact 311 Online