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Regina tree care, elm pruning and City-owned trees
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Care for private trees using Regina’s planting, watering and pruning guidance. City-owned trees need City approval and must not be pruned, removed or damaged by residents.
Key information
Care for private trees using Regina’s planting, watering and pruning guidance. City-owned trees need City approval and must not be pruned, removed or damaged by residents.
On this page
Planting and early care
The City recommends a planting hole twice the root-ball width and the same depth. Loosen the root ball, backfill and stabilize it, then water immediately and weekly until freeze-up. Organic mulch about two inches deep protects the root area. Newly planted trees should lose only dead or broken branches.
Tree watering covers a wider area than the trunk. The City notes feeder roots mostly occupy the top 15 cm of soil. Its guidance is to stop watering near the end of August until leaves fall, then soak trees and shrubs weekly until freeze-up. Conditions and mulch affect watering needs.
Sources: City of Regina: trees
Species-specific pruning and banding
The City says elm pruning should occur September 1 to March 31 to reduce Dutch elm disease spread. Maple and birch pruning is recommended in June or July; ornamental deciduous trees in late winter or early spring; apples each spring.
For cankerworm control, band elms, Manitoba maples and fruit trees in September, refresh the sticky material in spring, and remove bands after mid-May. Use the City step-by-step instructions rather than attaching damaging material to bark.
Sources: City of Regina: trees
City trees, roots and construction
Do not prune, remove, attach objects to, or damage a City-owned tree. Only the City or its representative may remove one. If branches affect power lines, call SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937. Tree concerns and pruning requests go through Service Regina at 306-777-7000 or its online request form.
Before construction near a City tree, submit a preservation plan showing existing trees, protection needs, access, conflicts and possible clearance pruning. Surface roots are not removed; top dressing must be no more than 5 cm. The City replaces dead, damaged or diseased municipal trees subject to inspection, site suitability and limited supply.
Sources: City of Regina: trees
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Planting hole | Twice root-ball width, same depth |
| Elm pruning window | September 1 to March 31 |
| Maple / birch pruning | June or July |
| Tree-band removal | After mid-May |
| Surface-root top dressing | No more than 5 cm |
| Power-line branches | SaskPower, 1-888-757-6937 |
Sources: City of Regina: trees
What to do
- Identify
Confirm whether the tree belongs to you or the City.
- Plan
Match planting or pruning to the species and season.
- Request approval
Use the City process before working near or on a municipal tree.
Sources: City of Regina: trees
Questions and answers
Can I remove a City tree myself?
No. Removal can only be performed by the City or its representative.
Source: City of Regina: trees
When does Regina recommend pruning elm trees?
September 1 to March 31 to reduce Dutch elm disease spread.
Source: City of Regina: trees
When should maple and birch be pruned?
The City recommends June or July to avoid bleeding cuts.
Source: City of Regina: trees
How large should a planting hole be?
Twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
Source: City of Regina: trees
Should I heavily prune a newly planted tree?
No. The City advises removing only dead or broken branches at that stage.
Source: City of Regina: trees
Who handles branches near power lines?
Call SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937.
Source: City of Regina: trees
Can I cover exposed City-tree roots with deep soil?
The City says top dressing or mulch should be no more than 5 cm.
Source: City of Regina: trees
What is needed before construction near a City tree?
Submit a tree preservation plan to the City before work begins.
Source: City of Regina: trees