The City of Abbotsford values the vital role trees play in creating healthy environments and vibrant communities. Through our Branch Out Abbotsford program, we’re working to expand the city’s tree canopy in an equitable way-by offering free trees to residents in neighborhoods with the lowest canopy cover.
By planting a tree on your property, you can make a direct impact on greening your surroundings and improving the quality of life in Abbotsford. This initiative is a key step toward achieving our ambitious goal of 40% canopy cover, as outlined in our Urban Forest Strategy.
We’re committed not only to providing trees at no cost but also to supporting you with resources on how to choose, plant, and care for your tree, ensuring it thrives for years to come. Our planting partner will not only drop off your new tree to your doorstep but also assist in planting and provide advice on aftercare for the long-term health of your tree.
Join us in Branching Out—together, we can grow a healthier, greener Abbotsford.
Program Details
The City of Abbotsford is committed to growing the urban forest equitably. Peardonville and South Poplar have the lowest canopy cover in Abbotsford at 6% and 8% respectively. Branch Out Abbotsford 2026 is therefore restricting eligibility to residents within these areas.
- The program is limited to residential properties only.
- There is a limit of 1 application per household, every two years, for up to three trees per lot.
- The property cannot be undergoing development.
- There must be sufficient space to be able to accommodate the desired tree(s) when fully grown. Verify your property lines by visiting Abbotsford Map Viewer.
Starting Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:00 am, (TBC) residents of Peardonville and South Poplar will have the opportunity to complete the online application form to request a tree(s). Residents can indicate their species preference on the form, and we will do our best to match them with their choices. The trees will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.
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Choose up to three trees that are suitable for your property! Make sure to do your research beforehand to ensure your tree thrives in the correct environment.
- Pacific Vine Maple - Scientific Name: Acer circinatum ‘Pacific Fire’
A small, deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest, the Pacific Vine Maple typically reaches 15–25 ft tall with a spread of 15–20 ft. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade to full sun, though it performs best in cooler climates with dappled light. Its delicate, arching branches and somewhat rounded, lobed leaves create a graceful form. Foliage emerges bright green in spring, deepens in summer, and turns brilliant orange and red in autumn, offering striking seasonal color. Pacific Fire Vine Maple (Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire') in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
- Deodar Cedar - Scientific Name: Cedrus deodara
A majestic evergreen conifer with a pyramidal shape and gracefully drooping branches, typically reaching 40–70 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soils, tolerating drought once established. Its soft, blue-green needles and elegant form make it a striking specimen tree. Upright cones add seasonal interest, and its overall silhouette conveys a sense of grandeur. Bush's Electra Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Bush's Electra') in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
- Chinese Dogwood - Scientific Name: Cornus kousa var. chinensis
A small, deciduous tree growing 15–30 ft tall with a similar spread. It prefers well-drained, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade. This tree offers year-round beauty: creamy white bracts bloom in late spring, followed by raspberry-like red fruits in summer. Fall foliage turns scarlet to purple, and its mottled, exfoliating bark provides winter interest. Its layered, horizontal branching adds architectural elegance. Chinese Dogwood (Cornus kousa) in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
- Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree - Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold
A cultivar of the ancient Ginkgo, this tree reaches 40-50 ft tall with a spread of 25-30 ft. It thrives in full sun and adapts to various soils, tolerating urban conditions and pollution. Its fan-shaped leaves are a soft green in summer, turning a brilliant golden yellow in fall. Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree. Autumn Gold Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold') in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
- Magnolia ‘Daybreak’- Scientific Name: Magnolia hybrid ‘Daybreak’
A columnar, deciduous magnolia that matures at 20–30 ft tall and 6–15 ft wide, fitting well into narrow spaces. It prefers organically rich, well-drained soils and full sun to part shade, with protection from strong winds. Large, fragrant rose-pink flowers (8–10 in. across) bloom in late spring, avoiding frost damage. Its upright habit and vibrant blooms make it an exceptional specimen tree. Daybreak Magnolia (Magnolia 'Daybreak') in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
- Persian Ironwood - Scientific Name: Parrotia persica
A small to medium deciduous tree growing 20–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide. It prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils and full sun, tolerating light shade and urban conditions. Its bark exfoliates into patches of green, white, and tan, creating winter interest. Leaves emerge reddish-purple, turn green in summer, and blaze yellow, orange, and red in fall. Tiny red flowers appear in late winter, adding subtle charm. Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica) in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
- Garry Oak - Scientific Name: Quercus garryana
A hardy, native deciduous tree reaching 40–80 ft tall with a broad spread of 30–60 ft. It thrives in dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating drought once established. Its thick, deeply lobed leaves turn golden brown in fall. The rugged bark and strong branching structure give it a stately, enduring presence, making it ideal for naturalized or restoration landscapes. Quercus garryana | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
- Bald Cypress - Scientific Name: Taxodium distichum
A unique, deciduous conifer growing 50–70 ft tall with a spread of 20–30 ft. It prefers moist to wet soils and tolerates standing water, making it perfect for rain gardens or riparian zones. Its feathery, bright green foliage turns coppery-bronze in fall before dropping. In wet sites, it develops distinctive “knees” (woody projections) for stability. Its picturesque form and adaptability make it a standout in large landscapes. Shawnee Brave Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum 'Shawnee Brave') in Anytown, California (CA) at A Very Successful Garden Center
Consider the full-grown size of the tree, sunlight needs, and the character of your space to make the best choice for your property. Prior to delivery, please ensure an appropriate location for the tree(s). Consider checking Abbotsford Map Viewer to verify your property lines.
You will be notified of the delivery day of your trees. We encourage you to be available to assist our planting partner select the best location and properly plant the tree(s). Please be aware that if you are not at home at the time of delivery, we will drop the trees off but will not be able to plant them on your behalf.
How do I know if I will receive a tree? After all of the trees have been reserved, we will contact you via email or phone to confirm the delivery details.
How can I receive the tree(s) We will deliver the tree(s) directly to you! This is to ensure the trees are transported safely to an Abbotsford resident.
Can I request a tree if I don’t live in Abbotsford? No. These trees are for Abbotsford residents only.
Can I plant my tree anywhere on my property? You should make sure that you have enough space for the tree when fully grown in the location you want to plant it. Your tree(s) should be planted at least 3m from buildings, utilities and services, at least 2m from driveways and sidewalks and at least a meter from retaining walls and property lines. It is also important to ensure that there is enough ground space and soil volume for the tree to reach its mature size.
Where can I find additional resources? Our tree planting partner is very knowledgeable and can provide you with great advice about where to locate your new tree(s) and how to plant correctly. They will be able to assist with the planting if you are there when the tree(s) are delivered. Additional resources are also available by following the links below.
- New Tree Planting - TreesAreGood Consumer Brochure New Tree Planting
- Tree Selection and Placement - TreesAreGood Consumer Brochure Tree Selection and Placement
- Tree Owner Information - Tree Owner Resources
I need to plant a ‘replacement tree’ for my removal permit conditions, can I use these trees? No, Branch Out Abbotsford is intended to provide a net increase in canopy cover, and trees given away as part of the program do not meet the ‘replacement tree’ requirements.
Who to Contact? If you have questions about the Branch Out Abbotsford program, please contact Parks Planning Urban Forestry at 604 853 2281.