Adopt a Tree Program

Boulevard trees with watering bags

Through Port Moody’s Adopt a Tree program, residents can help grow our urban forest by applying for a new, City-owned street tree to be planted near their property, which they would then adopt and care for during its establishment period. For the August to September 2025 application period, participation is open to residents in Glenayre, Seaview, College Park, and Harbour Heights. These neighbourhoods were selected for the first year of the program based on their planting feasibility, urban heat exposure, and potential to improve tree equity.

City staff will plant the tree and provide everything needed for early care, including a watering bag and care instructions. Participating residents are asked to help water the tree during its first three years of growth to support its healthy establishment.

Your participation supports a greener, cooler, and healthier neighbourhood.

Street trees provide long-term benefits to you and your neighbourhood, including:

  • shade that cools homes, sidewalks, and roads;
  • increased climate resilience;
  • improved air and water quality;
  • reduced stormwater runoff;
  • wildlife habitat and seasonal beauty;
  • strengthened neighbourhood identity; and
  • increased property and neighbourhood value.

Participation is currently open to residents in the Glenayre, Seaview, College Park, and Harbour Heights neighbourhood. These neighbourhoods were selected for the first year of the program based on their planting feasibility, urban heat exposure, and potential to improve tree equity.

To be eligible:

  • You must be the property owner or authorized representative of a strata or condominium corporation in Glenayre, Seaview, College Park, or Harbour Heights.
  • Your boulevard must meet basic planting requirements (e.g., space clear of utilities or obstructions).
  • You must be willing to help with watering and maintenance, with support from the City.

Final site suitability will be confirmed by City staff.

  1. Review Site Suitability and Species Selection Guidelines.
  2. Complete the online application form.
  3. City staff will assess your site for planting feasibility.
  4. If approved, you’ll be asked to sign an Adopt a Tree Care Pledge.
  5. The City will plant your tree in fall (October–December) and provide a watering bag and care instructions.
  6. You’ll help water the tree during dry months and keep the base free of weeds for the first few years.

The City has pre-selected species based on climate resiliency and suitability for urban boulevard conditions.

You can indicate your preferred size and species in the application form. We will do our best to provide one of your selected species, but availability, site conditions, and the need to maintain species diversity in the neighbourhood may affect the final choice.

Learn more about the available species.

Site and species selection guidelines

The guidelines below outline what to consider prior to requesting a street tree.

1. Check your location for suitability

Please confirm that your proposed site meets these minimum spacing requirements: 
    • 1 m (3.3 ft) from property lines 
    • 1.5 m (5 ft) from underground utilities (sanitary, storm, water)
    • 1.5 m (5 ft) from sidewalk edges 
    • 2 m (6.6 ft) from driveways 
    • 2.5 m (8.2 ft) from curbs 
    • 3 m (10ft) from buildings, fire hydrants, and utility poles 
    • 5 m (16 ft) from streetlights and overhead wires 

Only small-stature trees (mature height under 6 m/20 ft) may be planted under overhead lines. 

Not sure if your location meets the requirements?
Submit your request anyway! City staff will review all potential planting locations. The City's Engineering Department will determine final approval. 

Need help locating underground utilities? 
Use our online mapping system and follow these steps:

  1. Accept the Terms of Use
  2. Open the Layer List and select Viewpoint External Layers
  3. Check the Utilities box
  4. Select Imagery with Labels in the Basemap Gallery
  5. Use the search bar or drag the map to find your property
    • Blue = water system
    • Red = sanitary system
    • Green = storm system 

2. View species options 

To explore eligible species and learn about their size, growing needs, and seasonal traits, refer to the Adopt a Tree Species Guide.

3. Choose your preferred tree

All of the trees we offer are suitable for boulevards, but you may want to consider: 
  • Mature size and available space
  • Seasonal colour and appearance
  • Fruit or flower drop near driveways or walkways
  • Benefits for wildlife such as birds and pollinators
  • Personal preference for tree shape or shade 

4. Complete an arborist assessment

Once you submit your application, a City arborist will assess your site and recommend up to four appropriate species. You can indicate your preferred choice, but final selection depends on nursery availability and the site conditions below:

  • Space, soil, and sunlight at your site
  • Climate resilience (drought, heat, urban conditions)
  • Contribution to urban biodiversity
  • Species diversity goals city-wide 

Ready to request a tree?

Before applying, please review the Site and Species Selection Guidelines to make sure your location is suitable and to learn about how species are selected. Trees planted as part of the Adopt a Tree program cannot be used to satisfy the replacement tree requirements for a tree removal permit.

Once you're ready, complete your application online. Applications from residents in Glenayre, Seaview, College Park, and Harbour Heights are open from August 5 to September 15, 2025.

City staff will review your request and follow up within 15 business days.

Submit your tree request application

Additional resources for participants

Contact Us

Urban Forestry
100 Newport Drive
Port Moody, BC V3H 5C3
604.469.4574
Email us