Saskatoon is often described as an oasis on the prairies and the city of trees. (photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Dutch Elm Disease Association)

A valuable part of our environment, the urban forest reduces air pollution, filters nitrates from ground water, reduces heating and cooling costs and increases property values.

Trees play a significant role in our quality of life and provide a positive effect by beautifying our city for residents and tourists to enjoy. All trees that grow in Saskatoon are part of the urban forest, including trees on both private and public property.

Visitors to our city are impressed by the number and beauty of the trees in our urban landscape. We have citizens from previous generations to thank for their forethought in planting trees, and 'greening' our city. Anyone who has the chance to see a summer time aerial view of Saskatoon will notice the dark green canopy of trees that cover our city.

As a profession, urban forestry is the systematic management and cultivation of trees in an urban environment. The Urban Forestry Section of the Parks Branch is responsible for most of the planting, maintenance and protection of trees on public property, including boulevards, center medians and parks.

On City-owned property today, there are over 90,000 trees, with more than 60% located on boulevards and center medians, and the remainder in parks. On average, each season, the Urban Forestry Section:

• Responds to more than 5,000 requests for our services;
• Prunes more than 14,000 trees;
• Plants an additional 1,600 to 2,600 trees;
• Waters newly planted trees 8 to 10 times;
• Mulches more than 2,000 trees;
• Employs 13 permanent and approximately 19 seasonal staff members.

This work is done to ensure that our urban forest does not diminish, and will be enjoyed by future generations.

Forestry staff often consult with residents living adjacent to City trees, and consider these people the most direct stakeholders. However, boulevard and park trees affect more than the immediately adjacent property owners. The environmental benefits provided by trees are shared by entire communities. Trees planted on boulevards and in parks help shape a neighbourhood's character and adds value to property. Tree problems also concern more than adjacent homeowners when hazardous or obstructive limbs threaten or interfere with neighbouring properties. The Urban Forestry Section strives to strike a balance between individual customer demands, the interests of the larger community, and what is important for the health of the tree(s).