The Ultimate Tree Care Calendar for Alberta Homeowners

Trees in Alberta face everything from scorching summers to freezing winters, and keeping them healthy requires care every season. But with the right approach, you can protect your trees from harsh weather, pests, and disease—all while encouraging strong, beautiful growth.

We’ve put together a month-by-month tree care guide that gives you the essential tips to keep your trees thriving all year long. Let’s get started!

Month-by-Month Tree Guide

January – Winter Checks & Snow Management

Winter may seem like a time for your trees to just chill (literally), but they still need a little attention. The heavy snow in Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton can put a strain on branches, and the dry winter air can take a toll on tree health.

• Gently brush off heavy snow from tree branches to prevent breakage. Don’t shake them, as frozen branches can snap.
• If you’re using de-icing salts, don’t pile the snow near tree roots, as this can damage them.
• Inspect for frost cracks or ice damage on trunks, especially young or thin-barked trees.
• Start planning for spring care—whether it’s new tree plantings, pruning, or soil improvement, now is a great time to set up a plan!

February – Dormant Pruning & Structural Maintenance

February is prime time for dormant pruning, the best chance to shape trees before the spring growth spurt begins. Without leaves in the way, it’s easier to see the branch structure and remove problem limbs.

• Prune most deciduous trees to remove weak, crossing, or dead branches.
• Good time to prune elms; you have till April 1 for the Elm pruning ban to come into effect.
• Check young trees for loose staking or wraps, but leave them on if temperatures fluctuate.

March – Prepping for Spring Growth

If you’re lucky, you may start seeing the first signs of temperature increase. However, now’s a good time to prepare your trees for the growing season.

• Inspect trees for early signs of disease or pest damage as the snow melts.
• Plan new tree plantings – April and May are the best months to plant in Alberta.

April – Spring Awakening

Winter’s grip is finally loosening, and your trees are waking up.

• Prune fruit trees and shrubs before buds fully open to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
• Check for signs of winter damage, especially on younger trees.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for spring growth.
• If the ground has thawed, start slow, deep watering on warmer days to help trees rehydrate.

May – Tree Planting & Pest Prevention

May is when pests and diseases start waking up too, and they’re hungry.

• Mulch around tree bases, keeping it 2–4 inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Check for early pest activity, such as aphids, leaf rollers, or tent caterpillars, before they become a bigger problem.
• If trees suffered winter damage, prune dead limbs and monitor for signs of stress.

June – Deep Watering & Storm Prep

Alberta summers can be hot and dry, so keeping trees well-hydrated is key to helping them thrive.

• Increase deep watering. Give trees a good soak once a week rather than frequent shallow watering.
• Stake newly planted trees only if necessary. If they’re standing strong on their own, let them be!
• Watch for leaf scorch and drought stress, especially in young trees.
• Check for pests like caterpillars, scale insects, and borers, which can become more active as temperatures rise.
• Trim back weak or damaged branches before storm season to reduce the risk of breakage.

July – Peak Growing Season

Your trees are in full growth mode, but with Alberta’s hot, dry summers, they can struggle with heat stress, pests, and potential storm damage.

• Deep water once per week to encourage deep root growth. Focus on early mornings to reduce evaporation.
• Watch for heat stress. Wilting or scorched leaves may indicate drought conditions.
• Monitor for pests like aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners. If populations get out of control, consider introducing beneficial insects or using an eco-friendly treatment.
• Avoid major pruning. At this time, trees are using their energy for summer growth, so wait until fall for any heavy trimming.

August – Preparing for Late Summer Heat

With the long, hot days and cool nights in August, trees may look fine on the surface, but they’re storing energy for winter dormancy.

• Reduce fertilizer applications. Late-season fertilizing can promote tender new growth that won’t survive the winter.
• Continue deep watering, but avoid overwatering. The soil should dry slightly between sessions.
• Inspect young trees for stress cracks. If the bark is splitting, consider applying a tree wrap in the fall.
• Plan for fall planting—if you’re adding trees to your yard, September is the best time to do it!

September – Fall Pruning & Prepping for the Seasonal Shift

September is transition time. Tree growth begins slowing down, and it’s time to prep for colder months.

• Plant new trees – this is one of the best months to do it in Alberta!
• As temperatures start to cool, give trees a final deep watering before winter to help their roots stay hydrated.
• Start fall pruning by removing dead, weak, or crossing branches to improve tree structure. Save major pruning for winter.
• Rake and dispose of fallen leaves, especially from diseased trees, to prevent overwintering pests and fungi.
• Inspect for signs of pests like aphids and fungal issues, as infestations can worsen before winter.
• Inspect trees for signs of decay or structural issues. If a tree is showing significant signs of decline, it may need to be removed before winter storms set in.
• Add a fresh layer of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to insulate roots.

October – Final Winterization

Trees are officially slowing down, and any last-minute maintenance and frost-proofing should happen before the ground fully freezes.

• Rake up fallen leaves to prevent mold and diseases from spreading. Avoid composting diseased leaves.
• Water evergreens deeply before the ground freezes (before the first snow) to prevent winter desiccation.
• Stop fertilizing. Trees should not be encouraged to generate new growth this late in the season.

November – Winter Protection Mode

Winter is approaching, and your trees should now be in full dormancy mode. At this point, your main task is ensuring they’re protected from winter damage.

• Avoid piling snow around tree trunks, as this can encourage rot and rodent activity.
• Ensure mulch hasn’t compacted too much—fluff it up if needed to improve insulation.
• Inspect trees after early winter storms for damage—heavy snow and ice can break weak branches.
• Brush off heavy snow from branches, especially on evergreens, to prevent breakage.

December – Monitor & Enjoy

By December, there’s not much active tree care to do, but a little monitoring goes a long way.

• Continue brushing off heavy snow from branches when it’s safe to do so.
• Watch for signs of animal damage, like rabbits and deer nibbling bark.
• Enjoy the winter scenery; there’s not much else to do for your trees this month!

Every Season Brings a New Tree Care Task – We’ve Got You Covered!

Caring for your trees isn’t just a spring and summer task—it’s a year-round commitment that ensures they stay healthy, strong, and beautiful for years to come. With our Tree Care Calendar, Alberta homeowners can protect their trees from harsh winters, optimize their growth in warmer months, and prevent common issues like pests, disease, and environmental stress.

Whether it's deep watering in the fall, wrapping young trees in winter, or pruning at the right time, these seasonal tree care steps will set your landscape up for success. And if you ever need expert advice, don’t hesitate to call our certified arborists to schedule your complimentary tree care assessment—because well-cared-for trees don’t just survive Alberta’s extreme weather; they thrive!