The urban forest includes all trees, and their growing environments in Olds. The tree inventory will focus on Town-owned and managed portions of the urban forest, such as trees along streets and in parks and natural areas.
Urban Forest in Olds
Understanding the Urban Forest in Olds
Trees are an important part of our community, and the mature trees contribute to the character of Olds. But like any important community asset, trees need care, maintenance and long-term planning.
The Town of Olds is undertaking an Urban Forest Inventory to better understand the trees we have, their condition and how we can care for them over time.
What is a tree inventory and why is the Town doing one?
A tree inventory is a detailed assessment of the trees in our community. It tells us what types of trees we have, where they are, how healthy they are and what care they may need. It also helps us plan for future growth and replacement.
By assessing tree coverage across Olds, we can identify areas with limited shade, understand how drought, severe weather and pests may affect our trees, and plan for a healthier, more resilient urban forest.
The result will be a clearer picture of what we have today and a practical foundation for managing and maintaining our trees in the years ahead.
Why do we need a tree inventory?
The urban forest is a vital community asset - it is part of the Town’s "green infrastructure" and provides a wide range of important environmental, social and economic services. However, there are many threats and challenges to the health and sustainability of the urban forest, such as pests and diseases, challenging growing conditions and conflicts with other infrastructure.
Asset management is of growing importance to the Town. While the focus has been on physical infrastructure like roads and the water system, our natural assets also need to be better understood so we can improve our future planning efforts.
Why do trees need a management plan?
A good urban forest plan prioritizes the preservation of mature, established trees rather than unnecessary replacement. Replacement is only a small part of a great plan. By retaining valuable existing growth, we minimize tree loss, protect established ecosystems, and strengthen the overall health, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
By conducting an inventory, we can:
- Establish what we have: Identify gaps and determine what is missing or no longer needed.
- Prioritize needs: Decide what needs immediate attention.
- Plan ahead: Forecast future requirements and avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Allocate resources: Make better decisions with allocated budgets.
- Track progress: Use the inventory as a baseline for measuring improvement
Qualified arborists will assess approximately 5,000 public and Town-owned trees, including those along streets, in parks and on other municipal properties.
The inventory will document the location, species, size, approximate age and condition of public trees. It will identify trees that may require maintenance, further assessment or replacement.
The project also includes:
- Tree canopy assessment: Measuring tree coverage across Olds, including public and private property, to identify areas with limited shade or tree coverage.
- Tree health and safety: Assessing tree condition and identifying maintenance needs and potential risks.
- Future planting: Identifying suitable locations for new trees and recommending species suited to local growing conditions.
- Long-term planning: Developing recommendations for tree care, replacement and future planting that consider changing environmental conditions and municipal resources.
How is the project being paid for?
The Town contributed $20,000 while $175,000 of it is being covered by a federal grant that aims to support communities in developing comprehensive plans and studies to strengthen the planning, management and stewardship of their trees and forests. This includes projects that enable informed decision-making in urban forest management, and ensuring that forests in communities are resilient, equitably distributed and contribute long-term environmental, social and economic benefits.
What happens after the inventory?
The completed inventory will provide the Town with detailed information about its public trees, including their condition and maintenance needs.
This will help guide municipal operations and inform the development of a future Urban Forest Strategy.
The inventory will assess the condition of public trees and identify what care they may need. Recommendations could include pruning, monitoring, further assessment or mitigating future removal and/or replacement in the future. The inventory itself does not identify trees already selected for removal.
The final report will recommend priorities while considering municipal resources.
Community Engagement
Community input is an important part of the Urban Forest Inventory. Residents will have two opportunities to contribute as the project progresses.
November 24, 2026 – Community Priorities
The first engagement session will gather local knowledge and identify community priorities. Residents will be invited to share information about valued trees and green spaces, areas with limited shade, tree health concerns and potential planting locations.
An online survey is also planned for residents who cannot attend in person.
July 2027 – Review of Draft Findings
The second phase of engagement will provide an opportunity to review the inventory findings and proposed recommendations. Residents will be invited to comment on planting priorities, tree maintenance needs and proposed actions before the final report is completed.
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