The Ultimate Guide to Successful Tree Planting in Calgary
Updated: Apr 3
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on tree planting in Calgary, where we'll be discussing the hardiness of the region and the best tree species for growing in this challenging climate. We will be focusing on the trees the City of Calgary is offering under the branching out program to help give you the tools to help grow our cities canopy. Calgary is situated in growing zone 4a, which means that it can experience extremely cold winters and short growing seasons, making it difficult to grow certain types of trees. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can successfully plant and care for trees that will thrive in this unique environment.
When selecting trees for Calgary, it's important to choose species that are hardy and can withstand the harsh conditions of the region. Some great options for Calgary's growing zone 4a include Early Gold Pear, Gladiator Rosybloom Crabapple, Golden Spice Pear, Lodgepole Pine, Paper Birch, Ponderosa Pine, Royalty Flowering Crabapple, Siberian Larch, Spring Snow Crabapple, Trembling Aspen, and Ussurian Pear. These trees have been shown to do well in the region and can provide beauty and shade for many years to come.
In this guide, we'll be discussing the best practices for planting and caring for trees in Calgary's growing zone. We'll cover everything from selecting the right location for your trees to proper planting techniques and ongoing tree care. By following our recommendations and working with an ISA Certified Arborist, you can ensure the success of your trees and create a beautiful landscape in Calgary, Alberta.
The Trees for our Growing Zone
When it comes to selecting trees for growing zone in Calgary, it's important to choose species that are hardy and can withstand the region's unique climate challenges. The city of Calgary branching out program offers the following trees that are great options for planting in Calgary:
Early Gold Pear: This tree is known for its vibrant yellow leaves that turn orange in the fall. It's a great option for adding color to your landscape and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -34°C.
Gladiator Rosybloom Crabapple: This tree produces beautiful pink and white flowers in the spring and has a unique upright growth habit. It's also tolerant of cold temperatures down to -34°C.
Golden Spice Pear: This tree is a great option for those looking for a fruit-producing tree in Calgary's harsh climate. It produces golden-yellow fruit that ripens in late summer and can tolerate temperatures down to -40°C.
Lodgepole Pine: This evergreen tree is native to western North America and is a great option for those looking to add some variety to their landscape. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to -45°C and is drought-tolerant once established.
Paper Birch: This tree is known for its distinctive white bark and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -42°C. It's a great option for adding texture to your landscape and can grow up to 80 feet tall.
Ponderosa Pine: This tree is another great evergreen option for Calgary's growing zone 4a. It's tolerant of cold temperatures down to -40°C and is drought-tolerant once established.
Royalty Flowering Crabapple: This tree produces stunning pink flowers in the spring and has a unique upright growth habit. It's also tolerant of cold temperatures down to -40°C.
Siberian Larch: This deciduous conifer tree is known for its golden fall color and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -45°C. It's also tolerant of drought once established.
Spring Snow Crabapple: This tree produces beautiful white flowers in the spring and has a round growth habit. It's tolerant of cold temperatures down to -40°C.
Trembling Aspen: This tree is native to North America and is known for its beautiful leaves that tremble in the wind. It's tolerant of cold temperatures down to -45°C and can grow up to 80 feet tall.
Ussurian Pear: This tree produces small, edible fruit and is tolerant of cold temperatures down to -40°C. It's also drought-tolerant once established.
Planting Trees in Calgary
When it comes to planting trees in Calgary, it's important to consider the unique challenges posed by the city's hardiness zone of 4a. However, with the right approach and selection of tree species, it's entirely possible to establish beautiful and healthy trees in this region. Here's what you need to know about planting the specific trees we discussed above:
Early Gold Pear: This deciduous tree thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil conditions. When planting, make sure to avoid over-watering and provide plenty of space for the tree to grow. Regular pruning can also help promote healthy growth and shape the tree.
Gladiator Rosybloom Crabapple: This small ornamental tree is highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, as long as it's well-drained. It prefers full sunlight and requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season.
Golden Spice Pear: This fruit-bearing tree prefers full sunlight and slightly acidic soil conditions. It's important to provide regular watering during the growing season and to prune the tree as needed to promote healthy growth.
Lodgepole Pine: This coniferous tree thrives in slightly acidic soil conditions and prefers full sunlight. It's important to avoid over-watering and to provide regular pruning to maintain the tree's shape.
Paper Birch: This deciduous tree prefers moist soil conditions and can tolerate partial shade. When planting, make sure to provide adequate space for the tree to grow and avoid over-watering.
Ponderosa Pine: This drought-tolerant conifer prefers slightly acidic soil conditions and full sunlight. It's important to avoid over-watering and to provide regular pruning to maintain the tree's shape.
Royalty Flowering Crabapple: This ornamental tree thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil conditions. It requires moderate watering during the growing season and benefits from regular pruning to promote healthy growth.
Siberian Larch: This hardy coniferous tree can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions, making it a popular choice for Calgary's harsh climate. It prefers full sunlight and requires minimal pruning.
Spring Snow Crabapple: This ornamental tree prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil conditions. It requires moderate watering during the growing season and benefits from regular pruning to promote healthy growth.
Trembling Aspen: This deciduous tree is highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. It prefers full sunlight and moderate watering, especially during the growing season.
Ussurian Pear: This hardy fruit-bearing tree prefers slightly acidic soil conditions and requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It benefits from regular pruning to promote healthy growth and shape.
We recommend digging a hole twice the size of the root ball of the tree. Do not add any "extra" soils, instead use what you dig up. Inspect the side the the hole and make sure you scape the sides into a rough texture, you do not want a smooth surface, this will hurt the growth of roots. Adding in extra "soils" from the garden center can aid in what's called, a teapot effect. In which the drainage of the around the root ball is much slower then the root ball, and can cause your tree to drown as water builds up in the planting hole. Be careful. We also recommend not fertilizing your tree for at least one growing season and no pruning except for any dead or broken branches.
By following these guidelines and considering the unique needs of each tree species, you can successfully plant and maintain beautiful trees in Calgary. Don't hesitate to consult with our ISA Certified Arborist for further guidance and advice on tree planting in Calgary.
Caring for Trees in Calgary
Once you've planted your trees in Calgary's harsh climate, it's important to give them proper care to ensure their survival and growth. Here are some tips for caring for the trees we've discussed, including Early Gold Pear, Gladiator Rosybloom Crabapple, Golden Spice Pear, Lodgepole Pine, Paper Birch, Ponderosa Pine, Royalty Flowering Crabapple, Siberian Larch, Spring Snow Crabapple, Trembling Aspen, and Ussurian Pear:
Watering: Adequate watering is crucial, especially in the early stages of growth. Water newly planted trees deeply, giving them enough water to reach their roots. Water deeply every 2 - 3 days depending on weather conditions.
Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds from growing. Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch such as wood chips or bark, but make sure to keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rotting. Mulching can also aid in improving the soil quality.
Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged branches.
Fertilizing: We recommend applying Wurzel Drip to the root ball before planting. This will help aid in root growth and is made locally in Calgary. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Pest and Disease Control: Be on the lookout for signs of pests or diseases, such as discolored leaves, spots, or holes. Consult with Our Certified arborist or a local garden center for recommendations on the best methods of prevention and treatment.
By following these tips, you can help ensure the success of your tree planting efforts in Calgary.
Our Conclusion
Calgary's zone 4a climate can be challenging for growing trees, but with the right knowledge, it's possible to create a beautiful and thriving landscape. Trees offered by the city such as the Early Gold Pear, Gladiator Rosybloom Crabapple, Golden Spice Pear, Lodgepole Pine, Paper Birch, Ponderosa Pine, Royalty Flowering Crabapple, Siberian Larch, Spring Snow Crabapple, Trembling Aspen, and Ussurian Pear are excellent choices for this region, and can provide a range of benefits such as shade, aesthetic appeal, and even wildlife habitat.
When planting trees in Calgary, it's important to take into consideration the hardiness index of the area. Once planted, proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring the success of your trees. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can help your trees thrive and create a beautiful and sustainable landscape in Calgary.
So get out there and start planting those trees! With a little bit of effort and care, you can create a stunning and resilient landscape that will provide benefits for generations to come.