Adopt a Tree and help grow Vancouver’s urban forest

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is once again inviting Vancouver residents to help care for our young street trees by joining the Adopt-a-Tree program. This program supports the establishment of young trees as we work to expand Vancouver’s urban canopy to 30% by 2050.

Since launching in 2024, the Adopt-a-Tree program has inspired hundreds of Vancouver residents to water their neighbourhood trees, with more than 400 current participants in the program and over 500 trees adopted.

“Trees provide shade and cooling during hot weather, and prevent flooding during intense rain, all while cleaning the air we breathe,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair, Tom Digby. “Trees do all this and more for us, and now we need to take care of them.”

To adopt a tree, visit vancouver.ca/adopt-a-tree and view an interactive map with trees available for adoption. You will also find videos and instructions on how to care for your tree.  Watering bags are available at select local community centres for new adopters, while supplies last.

Adopters water their trees from June to September when it hasn’t rained for at least four days. While residents can’t adopt mature trees, watering all street trees is helpful during dry periods. During Stage 3 watering restrictions, Trees can be watered anytime and any day of the week if using a watering bag, hose, or a spring-loaded nozzle.