Urban Re-Leaf | City of West Kelowna

Urban Re-Leaf 2026

Thank you for purchasing an Urban Re-Leaf tree. Our program has ended as of April 30, 2026, check back next spring to purchase a tree.

Reminder: Pick up your Urban Re-Leaf tree on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the West Kelowna Operations Centre, located at 2515 Barley Road from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bring your proof of purchase so staff know which tree you ordered

Staff will load your tree, then you’ll pull ahead to secure it

Bring rope, straps (whatever you need to tie it down safely)

Pick-up trucks or trailers are strongly recommended (trees are 6–12 ft tall and in large pots, so they likely won’t fit in a car)

What is Urban Re-Leaf?

The Urban Re-Leaf Program started in 2020 to encourage residents to expand the community’s green canopy and take action on climate change. Since 2020, the Urban-ReLeaf Program has helped residents' plant nearly 1,500 trees in our community.

Each year, Greater Westside residents have the opportunity to purchase up to two trees at cost.

In addition to working with residents to increase the canopy through Urban Re-Leaf, the City continues to plant new trees annually and care for thousands of existing trees in parks, boulevards and other public lands.

Why do we offer Urban Re-Leaf?

Trees provide a myriad of benefits to our community and our planet:

They create the very air we breathe and act as filters, working to keep it clean.
They remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which in turn cools the earth.
- Did you know? A mature tree absorbs enough carbon dioxide, at a rate of about 21.6 kilograms per year, and releases enough oxygen to sustain two people.

Other benefits of expanding our community’s tree canopy include:

Conserving water and reducing runoff through absorption of rainfall and storm water.
Conserving energy by providing shade.
Creating economic and tourism benefits through attractive tree cover and landscaping.
Providing habitat for thousands of species.

Planting distances should follow FireSmart™ B.C. recommendations for specific tree species.

How to plant your tree

Step by Step Guide

Locate all underground utilities prior to digging.
- At least three business days before digging, click on bc1c.ca or call BC 1 Call at 1-800-474-6886. BC 1 Call will notify all member companies that have buried utilities in your dig area.
Once the area is determined safe for digging, prepare a hole that is the depth of the root ball and two to three times the width of the root ball.

Note: Identify the trunk flare – the area where the trunk expands at the base of the tree. This point should be partially visible after the tree has been planted.
If the tree is planted too deep, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen.

Cut away the burlap/twine from the root ball.
Place the root ball in the centre of the hole on top of the undisturbed soil.
Backfill the hole with soil and cover the entire disturbed area with two to three inches of mulch.

Fill the remainder of the hole, firmly packing the soil to eliminate air pockets that may dry out roots.
Further reduce air pockets by watering periodically while backfilling.
Avoid fertilization at the time of planting.

Stake the tree, if necessary.
- Studies show that trees establish more quickly and develop a stronger trunk and root system if not staked at planting.
Water.
- Keep the soil moist, but not water-logged.
Check out the care instructions above for your type of tree.

Urban Re-Leaf questions and answers

Where can I purchase a tree?

From Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, April 30, trees can be purchased:

- Online by creating an account on Active Network.
- By phone at 778-797-8800.
- In-person using cash, debit or credit, at the Recreation and Culture Portable, at 2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 2T6.
  - business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How much is a tree?

Sugar Maple
- Cost: $77
Red-Leaf Japanese Maple

Cost: $85

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac

Cost: $77

Flame Thrower Redbud

Cost: $70

Parkland Pillar Birch
- Cost: $77

Who can buy a tree through the program?

All Greater Westside residents (West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area) are welcome to purchase a tree.

How many trees can I purchase?

Tree purchases are limited to two per property. Stock is limited.

Can I purchase two of the same trees?

If you would like to purchase two of the same tree, please contact our Recreation Office at 778-797-8800 and staff will be able to assist you.
Alternatively, a family member can purchase the second tree on your behalf.

When can I pick up my tree after purchase?

Pick-up is Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the City's Operations Centre located at 2515 Bartley Road, West Kelowna.
Please bring proof of purchase, which will indicate to staff the type of tree purchased.
Staff will load trees; however, once loaded, motorists must pull forward to a separate area to secure their load. Please bring rope, straps, marker ribbon and any other supplies you need to safely secure and flag your load before leaving.
Since staff will load trees, purchasers are asked to bring pick-up trucks or trailers if possible. Trees vary in height from six to 12 feet, in up to 10-gallon pots. It may not be possible to load trees in car trunks or enclosed storage areas within a vehicle.
A FireSmart™ booth will be onsite.

Firesmart, Intelli-feu and other associated Marks are trademarks of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).

Can I cancel my tree order after purchase?

No, tree orders cannot be cancelled or refunded once processed.

What trees are available this year?

Five species are available:

Sugar Maple
Red-Leaf Japanese Maple
Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
Flame Thrower Redbud
Parkland Pillar Birch

Learn more about each tree above.

How large are the trees when they are picked up?

Tree sizes will vary. The trees are large and planted in an up to 10-gallon pot, so expect to pick up a tree that is approximately six to 12 feet tall.
View tree descriptions above to see how large each tree will be, once fully grown.

Can I get a refund if my tree dies?

All trees will be verified healthy upon delivery, but aftercare and maintenance are the sole responsibility of the tree purchaser.
No refunds or replacements are provided for dead trees.
A tree planting guide will be provided when you purchase the tree and demonstrations will be available during pickup.