Branching Out 2026 - Reserve Your Free Tree
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Branching Out - Calgary's free tree giveaway program is back! And this year it's bigger and better than ever, with more than 10,000 free trees being distributed!
After the success of last year’s program, Calgary Parks is doubling the number of trees up for grabs. Registration fills up quickly and is scheduled by quadrant. So make sure to mark your calendars and apply early to avoid missing out.
2026 Registration Dates
NW Calgary - Tuesday, April 7 at 10 am (Note: Tuesday registration due to Easter Monday on April 6) NE Calgary - Monday, April 13 at 10 am
SE Calgary - Monday, April 20 at 10 am
SW Calgary - Monday, April 27 at 10 am
How to Register
Complete the Right Tree, Right Location e-learning module at calgary.ca/BranchingOut. This is required before you can register. (If you've done it before, you're already set.)
On your quadrant's registration date, submit the form online. You can request up to two trees per address.
You'll receive a confirmation email with your assigned pickup date and time. Tree pickup events will be held in late May/ early June.
A Few Things to Know
Please only submit one registration form per address. You can request up to two trees per household.
Once your registration is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email from YYCtrees@services.calgary.ca and text* (*opt in required) from +1-833-489-8055 detailing the tree(s) you requested along with an assigned date and time to pick up your tree(s).
If the tree(s) you requested are out of stock, you will receive an email/text* letting you know.
Please bring the confirmation email/text* with you when you come to pick up your tree(s) (either printed or on your phone).
Please have the first and last name of the person who registered for the tree ready to help us find your information.
You must pick up your tree(s) on the date and time outlined in your confirmation email/text*. We only have a specific number of each type of tree available each day and your tree(s) may not be available if you do not come on your assigned date.
If you are not able to pick up your tree(s) on your assigned date, someone else can pick up the tree(s) for you. They will need to bring a copy of the confirmation email/text* and have the first and last name of the person who registered for the tree.
On pick up day, trees will be in a 5-gallon pot (12” diameter) and approximately 5-7 feet tall for the “canopy” and “ornamental” trees, and approximately 3 feet tall for the “conifer” trees.
We will provide free mulch for collection while supplies last – Please bring your own bucket, tote or other container and we will help you collect some mulch for your tree.
A rain barrel can help you water a newly planted tree efficiently during dry spells. Apply for a $50 rebate (up to 3 per household) at calgary.ca/rainbarrel.