Edmonton Memorial Tree Program - City Bylaw Guide

Parks and Public Spaces Alberta 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

The City of Edmonton, Alberta operates a Memorial Tree Program that allows residents to request tree plantings or dedications in public parks and rights-of-way. This guide explains how the program works, what Urban Forestry and City bylaw roles are, where to find official applications, and how to report problems or appeal decisions. Read the steps to apply, typical timelines, and what to expect after approval so you can plan a meaningful memorial in Edmonton.

How the Memorial Tree Program works

Edmonton's Urban Forestry manages planting locations, species selection, and timing. Requests are reviewed for site suitability, public safety, and ongoing maintenance capacity. The City provides guidance on eligible locations and the process for donations or commemorative recognition.

  • Application process and eligibility details are published on the City Memorial Tree Program page: Memorial Tree Program[1].
  • Donation or fee information is described on the program page or available through Urban Forestry; specific fees or suggested donation amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Planting seasons and scheduling depend on species and site conditions; the City schedules plantings during suitable seasons.
  • Contacts for questions and site suitability are available through the City's Urban Forestry or 311 service.
Memorial trees are placed only where long-term maintenance and public safety can be assured.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for damage to public trees, unauthorized removals, or actions that conflict with City-managed memorial plantings is handled by Urban Forestry and Bylaw Enforcement. The City provides reporting routes and may issue orders or pursue compliance actions.

  • Fines and monetary penalties for damage to public trees: not specified on the cited pages; consult Urban Forestry or Bylaw Enforcement for specific bylaw sections and amounts.[1]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat offences, and continuing offences are governed by applicable bylaws or enforcement policies and are not itemized on the memorial program page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the City may issue remedial orders, require restoration or replacement plantings, or refer matters for prosecution where appropriate.
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Urban Forestry inspects tree health and memorial sites; to report damage or concerns use the City report page: Report a park tree problem[2].
  • Appeal and review: formal appeal routes and time limits are governed by the relevant City bylaw or administrative policy; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited program page.
If a tree on public property is damaged or removed, report it promptly using the City's tree problem report page.

Applications & Forms

The Memorial Tree Program page links to the City's application process and contact points for Urban Forestry. Where the program page does not publish a named form or fee schedule, the page indicates how to request an application or additional details from Urban Forestry.[1]

FAQ

How do I apply for a memorial tree?
Start by reviewing the Memorial Tree Program page and following the application instructions or contact details there to request the application or arrange a consultation.[1]
Are there fees or donations required?
The program page references donation information and procedures, but specific amounts or fee schedules are not specified on that page; contact Urban Forestry for current figures.[1]
Can a memorial plaque be installed?
Plaque policies and permitted commemorative materials vary; the Memorial Tree Program page or Urban Forestry will advise whether plaques are allowed at a given site.[1]

How-To

  1. Review the Memorial Tree Program page to confirm eligibility and available sites.
  2. Contact Urban Forestry or request the application through the program page contact details.[1]
  3. Complete any application or donation process as directed by Urban Forestry and submit required information or payment.
  4. Await site assessment and scheduling by the City; the City will notify you of approval and planting timelines.
  5. If you observe damage or unauthorized work on a memorial tree, report it immediately using the City tree problem report page.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Apply through the City's Memorial Tree Program and coordinate with Urban Forestry.
  • Planting timing depends on site and species; the City schedules plantings seasonally.
  • Report issues or damage via the City's tree problem report page for enforcement or remediation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Edmonton - Memorial Tree Program
  2. [2] City of Edmonton - Report a park tree problem

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