tree with plaque

Grow a Lasting Legacy: Honour a loved one or celebrate a special occasion by planting a tree in one of Edmonton’s beautiful parks or greenspaces. Learn about donation costs, choosing a tree species and how to apply.

The City’s Commemorative Tree program provides a unique way for you to create a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations.

Commemorative tree installations happen twice a year in the spring (May-June) and the fall (September-October) throughout public greenspaces. 

How Much Does the Program Cost?

 
ServiceDonation Cost
New commemorative tree$2,300
Renewal of existing commemorative tree dedication$540
Text change on existing plaque$550 (includes new plaque installation)

 

There is no GST. Payment can be made via debit or credit card. Once the City and donor have finalized all details of the plaque and dedication, an invoice will be sent to the donor with payment information.

What Your Donation Includes

Your $2,300 donation provides a complete commemorative package:

  • A New Tree: Choose a species from our Trees Species Selection list to be planted in your chosen location
  • Commemorative Plaque: A personalized 6 inches x 3 inches aluminum plaque
  • Granite Pedestal: A professional mount installed in the ground with 2 front-facing screws in front of the tree
  • Ongoing Maintenance: The City will provide ongoing maintenance, including:
    • Watering and regular pruning for the first 5 years to help the tree grow
    • Tree health assessments every 1-2 years
    • Repair and refurbishment resulting from acts of vandalism, as required

Note: Site maintenance like snow removal or grass and mulch maintenance is not included.

Before You Apply

  • Review Guidelines: Read the guidelines for a full outline of the program. 
  • Select a Location: Choose a City park or public greenspace for your tree planting. A program coordinator will work with you to find a suitable location within the park space and will seek approval from affected parties. 
    • Note: Several parks are currently unavailable due to construction, permanent closure or capacity within the park space. See list of closed locations.
  • Choose Your Tree Species: Review our Tree Species Selection List and select your desired species. Trees planted within the river valley or naturalized areas must be native species. 
  • Draft Your Inscription: You can have up to 6 lines of text (20 characters per line).

Submit Your Application

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Commemorative Tree program.

Contact the Program Coordinator by:

Note: Applications received during the winter will be placed on a waitlist and notified when the program reopens.

Installation Timelines

Commemorative Tree installations happen twice a year.

 
Installation PeriodApplication Opens
Spring (May-June)March 31
Fall (September-October)July 31

After Submission Process

After submitting your application, a Program Coordinator will meet with you on-site to finalize your preferred planting locations. 

  • All installations will be circulated to affected parties for approval. This process may take up to 6 weeks to complete.  
  • The Program Coordinator will arrange an underground utility locate check and work with you to develop a proof for the plaque. 
  • Approved applicants will receive an official acceptance email to confirm inscription details billing information. Please respond to the confirmation email within 14 days and pay the invoice upon receipt.

The 10-Year Commemoration Period

All Commemorative Tree plaques and pedestals are displayed for 10 years.  During this time, the City is responsible for the maintenance of the tree, plaque and pedestal. Before this period ends, we will contact you with the option to renew the dedication for an additional fee and another 10 years.

Additional Details

Additional charitable donations will be required to renew the dedication. You will be responsible for responding to the City before the end of the commemoration period. The City may consider and accept the request for renewal from another person other than the donor or alternate contact if the original donor and alternate contact cannot be reached.

If you choose not to renew the commemoration, you may request the plaque as a gift from the City. If unclaimed after one year, the plaque will be recycled.

Note: The removal process may cause slight damage to the plaque itself.

Closed Tree Planting Locations

Temporarily Closed

  • Beaver Hills Park
  • Boyle Street
  • Edgemont Natural Playground
  • Gariepy Park
  • Giovanni Cabotto
  • Glastonbury Park (North side of the park)
  • Mary Burlie Park
  • Michael Phair Park
  • Rollie Miles Athletic Grounds
  • St. Peter Center
  • W.C. Tubby Bateman Park
  • Zoie Gardner Park

Permanently Closed

  • Boyle Street Plaza
  • Constable Ezio Faraone Park
  • Dove of Peace
  • Henry Martell Park
  • Muttart Grounds
  • ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park
  • Rossdale Neighbourhood
  • William Hawrelak Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Commemorative Programs?

The City of Edmonton provides three programs to honour loved ones or celebrate special occasions through a commemorative dedication on a bench or near a newly installed tree: Benchmark, Commemorative Tree and Legacy.

All charitable donations received from individuals through the Commemorative Programs are used by the City for the purpose of enhancing and beautifying parkland and public spaces for the benefit of all Edmontonians.

What happens if my contact information changes during the commemoration period?

The named Donor in the application is responsible for providing updated contact information  throughout the 10-year term. If information is out of date, the City will not be able to contact the Donor if:

  • The City needs to remove or refurbish the plaque.
  • Construction requires us to move the tree.
  • The 10-year term is ending and it is time to renew.

If we cannot reach you, the City will attempt to contact the Alternate Contact listed on your application.

How long does it take for a Commemorative Tree request to be installed?

Each request is unique, and installation times may vary. Proper parkland change processes and public consultation may be required. Please contact the Commemorative Tree Program Coordinator for more details on the installation timelines specific to your request.

What if my application is not approved?

Applications may not be approved if your chosen location is not available or does not receive approval from affected parties during the circulation process. If the proposed Commemorative Tree location is near residences, public consultation will be conducted. We recommend contacting the Program Coordinator before applying to discuss available Commemorative Tree location options.

Who owns the tree and plaque?

The City at all times remains the exclusive owner of all trees, plaques and chattels associated with the Commemorative Tree program.

Do I need to make a renewal donation for my tree commemoration if there were no clear guidelines established at the time of donation?

If your commemorative tree was installed before 2018, renewal options do not apply and your plaque will continue to be displayed without additional renewal donations.

Will I get a refund of the donation fee if I change my mind after payment?

The City will refund the payment, minus the cost of the pedestal and plaque, if you cancel your application on or before 14 days after payment is received.

Will I receive a tax receipt?

Yes. The City issues tax receipts in the following calendar year in which the donation is received, typically by late February. The City will only accept charitable donations that are tax-deductible under Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines. If there are multiple donors, each can receive a receipt if they are listed on the "Declaration of True Donor" form and contribute at least $20.

What if my commemorative plaque is damaged or stolen?

The City will replace the Commemorative Tree plaque at no cost if it becomes damaged or stolen during the Commemoration Period. Please report incidents to 311 or by contacting the Program Coordinator at commemorativetree@edmonton.ca

Note: An expected amount of wear and tear may occur to the pedestal and plaque. Thus, replacement may not occur in all scenarios.
 

Can I be present for the tree installation?

No. Due to safety and insurance concerns, donors are not permitted on-site during installation. We will notify you once the tree planting is complete and encourage you to visit the site afterwards.

Can I spread cremated ashes around the tree?

No. In accordance with the Public Spaces Bylaw, you are not permitted to spread or deposit cremated ashes on parkland or near the tree or pedestal.

Photo Highlights

Other Commemorative Programs

Dedicate a commemorative plaque displayed on benches in the City’s parks and open spaces.

Commemorative plaque on benches, all while providing resting spots for those enjoying our municipal golf courses and select attraction and recreation sites.

Contact Us

Commemorative Tree

Email  commemorativetree@edmonton.ca

Phone  311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Link  Contact 311 Online