Fredericton's Urban Forest Strategy

Fredericton’s Urban Forest Strategy is part of an effort by the City to be active stewards of the urban forest. Trees are an integral part of the ecosystem within which our growing City lives. The urban forest cools the City, cleans the air that we breathe, reduces rainwater runoff, and improves our mental and physical health.

Our changing climate has become a stress on some species such as birch, while other species like ash are fighting invasive forest pests and pathogens. Elms within the City have been living with Dutch elm disease since the 1960s and the emerald ash borer has been a threat since at least 2021.

Fredericton is growing quickly, and we have the opportunity to plan ahead to strategically preserve trees, and plant and grow new trees in a diverse, resistant, and heathy urban forest. The Urban Forest Strategy is one part of the effort to grow responsibly to ensure the City is a great place to live both now and into the future.

Click here to explore Fredericton's urban forest with interactive storymaps. You'll learn about the different tree species that grow here and how the City is working to protect them. You'll also learn about the challenges our urban forest faces, from invasive species to climate change.

On Wednesday June 12th stop by Killarney Lake Lodge at 1600 St. Mary's St. starting at 6:30pm to learn more about the Urban Forestry Strategy and share what you value most about Fredericton's urban forest!

Tell us! What do you value most about Fredericton’s urban forest?

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

You can find the draft of the Urban Forest Strategy on the right hand side of the project page.

This project will close on September 10.

Share Congrats on getting the UFMS to this stage! After reading the report, here is my biggest question.The urban forest management strategy will steer, and influence related city policy for 10-20 years based on the experience of other Canadian cities. Why has the CoF decided to limit its definition of Urban Forest to "trees". Where does this come from and why was this choice made? It seems out of step with the other UFMP's across Canada, especially progressive plans that use sections on conserving biodiversity and using natural resources to fight and limit the impacts of climate change to inform both private and public development guidelines, water practices, planting schedules, etc. Since the UFMS is now in draft form, could the definition be widened to reflect more current national practice and guide this work going forward? on Facebook Share Congrats on getting the UFMS to this stage! After reading the report, here is my biggest question.The urban forest management strategy will steer, and influence related city policy for 10-20 years based on the experience of other Canadian cities. Why has the CoF decided to limit its definition of Urban Forest to "trees". Where does this come from and why was this choice made? It seems out of step with the other UFMP's across Canada, especially progressive plans that use sections on conserving biodiversity and using natural resources to fight and limit the impacts of climate change to inform both private and public development guidelines, water practices, planting schedules, etc. Since the UFMS is now in draft form, could the definition be widened to reflect more current national practice and guide this work going forward? on Twitter Share Congrats on getting the UFMS to this stage! After reading the report, here is my biggest question.The urban forest management strategy will steer, and influence related city policy for 10-20 years based on the experience of other Canadian cities. Why has the CoF decided to limit its definition of Urban Forest to "trees". Where does this come from and why was this choice made? It seems out of step with the other UFMP's across Canada, especially progressive plans that use sections on conserving biodiversity and using natural resources to fight and limit the impacts of climate change to inform both private and public development guidelines, water practices, planting schedules, etc. Since the UFMS is now in draft form, could the definition be widened to reflect more current national practice and guide this work going forward? on Linkedin Email Congrats on getting the UFMS to this stage! After reading the report, here is my biggest question.The urban forest management strategy will steer, and influence related city policy for 10-20 years based on the experience of other Canadian cities. Why has the CoF decided to limit its definition of Urban Forest to "trees". Where does this come from and why was this choice made? It seems out of step with the other UFMP's across Canada, especially progressive plans that use sections on conserving biodiversity and using natural resources to fight and limit the impacts of climate change to inform both private and public development guidelines, water practices, planting schedules, etc. Since the UFMS is now in draft form, could the definition be widened to reflect more current national practice and guide this work going forward? link

Congrats on getting the UFMS to this stage! After reading the report, here is my biggest question.The urban forest management strategy will steer, and influence related city policy for 10-20 years based on the experience of other Canadian cities. Why has the CoF decided to limit its definition of Urban Forest to "trees". Where does this come from and why was this choice made? It seems out of step with the other UFMP's across Canada, especially progressive plans that use sections on conserving biodiversity and using natural resources to fight and limit the impacts of climate change to inform both private and public development guidelines, water practices, planting schedules, etc. Since the UFMS is now in draft form, could the definition be widened to reflect more current national practice and guide this work going forward?

Kathryn Downton asked 3 months ago

Thank you for your suggestion! Many of the urban forest plans underway across the country are related to management of the trees that make up the urban forest, there are many abiotic and biotic relationships that fall under and within our urban forest. Some recommendations in the draft report will benefit other values both abiotic and biotic within the urban forest but the primary definition of urban forestry is sustained planting, protection, maintenance, and care of trees. This includes every tree within the boundaries of the City of Fredericton.
Share Question. In June an "information only" Open House was held to inform members of the interested public about the new UFMS draft and invite "brown paper" comments. 1. How will those comments be used to inform the final document? And 2 Given that the most successful Canadian UFMP's started with public participation "early and often" and the CoF process involved the public at the end of a 1st draft, could a workshop or other form of active public consultation be scheduled for the fall to pinpoint NOW where the plan can and needs to be improved so that this document can go forward as strong and current as possible? Hats off to the CoF staff and consultants for such an impressive start but experience across the country shows that it's people in neighborhoods speaking about what's important to them and getting that translated into policy that makes the difference between a staff-led exercise and a publicly-embraced and supported plan. on Facebook Share Question. In June an "information only" Open House was held to inform members of the interested public about the new UFMS draft and invite "brown paper" comments. 1. How will those comments be used to inform the final document? And 2 Given that the most successful Canadian UFMP's started with public participation "early and often" and the CoF process involved the public at the end of a 1st draft, could a workshop or other form of active public consultation be scheduled for the fall to pinpoint NOW where the plan can and needs to be improved so that this document can go forward as strong and current as possible? Hats off to the CoF staff and consultants for such an impressive start but experience across the country shows that it's people in neighborhoods speaking about what's important to them and getting that translated into policy that makes the difference between a staff-led exercise and a publicly-embraced and supported plan. on Twitter Share Question. In June an "information only" Open House was held to inform members of the interested public about the new UFMS draft and invite "brown paper" comments. 1. How will those comments be used to inform the final document? And 2 Given that the most successful Canadian UFMP's started with public participation "early and often" and the CoF process involved the public at the end of a 1st draft, could a workshop or other form of active public consultation be scheduled for the fall to pinpoint NOW where the plan can and needs to be improved so that this document can go forward as strong and current as possible? Hats off to the CoF staff and consultants for such an impressive start but experience across the country shows that it's people in neighborhoods speaking about what's important to them and getting that translated into policy that makes the difference between a staff-led exercise and a publicly-embraced and supported plan. on Linkedin Email Question. In June an "information only" Open House was held to inform members of the interested public about the new UFMS draft and invite "brown paper" comments. 1. How will those comments be used to inform the final document? And 2 Given that the most successful Canadian UFMP's started with public participation "early and often" and the CoF process involved the public at the end of a 1st draft, could a workshop or other form of active public consultation be scheduled for the fall to pinpoint NOW where the plan can and needs to be improved so that this document can go forward as strong and current as possible? Hats off to the CoF staff and consultants for such an impressive start but experience across the country shows that it's people in neighborhoods speaking about what's important to them and getting that translated into policy that makes the difference between a staff-led exercise and a publicly-embraced and supported plan. link

Question. In June an "information only" Open House was held to inform members of the interested public about the new UFMS draft and invite "brown paper" comments. 1. How will those comments be used to inform the final document? And 2 Given that the most successful Canadian UFMP's started with public participation "early and often" and the CoF process involved the public at the end of a 1st draft, could a workshop or other form of active public consultation be scheduled for the fall to pinpoint NOW where the plan can and needs to be improved so that this document can go forward as strong and current as possible? Hats off to the CoF staff and consultants for such an impressive start but experience across the country shows that it's people in neighborhoods speaking about what's important to them and getting that translated into policy that makes the difference between a staff-led exercise and a publicly-embraced and supported plan.

Kathryn Downton asked 3 months ago

Thank you for your questions! The Urban Forest Strategy is a living and constantly evolving document. Many of the comments and suggestions received from the Open House in June and the Engage Fredericton web page have already been incorporated into the strategy.
Share This is a comment rather than a question. The woods around Kimble Park seem to be totally ignored. For example, there are some young pine trees growing near the trail but they are being choked out by lesser species. Also, there is a circular structure that seems to be intended as a flower bed but it is just weeds and saplings. It would be nice to have some attention given to this area. on Facebook Share This is a comment rather than a question. The woods around Kimble Park seem to be totally ignored. For example, there are some young pine trees growing near the trail but they are being choked out by lesser species. Also, there is a circular structure that seems to be intended as a flower bed but it is just weeds and saplings. It would be nice to have some attention given to this area. on Twitter Share This is a comment rather than a question. The woods around Kimble Park seem to be totally ignored. For example, there are some young pine trees growing near the trail but they are being choked out by lesser species. Also, there is a circular structure that seems to be intended as a flower bed but it is just weeds and saplings. It would be nice to have some attention given to this area. on Linkedin Email This is a comment rather than a question. The woods around Kimble Park seem to be totally ignored. For example, there are some young pine trees growing near the trail but they are being choked out by lesser species. Also, there is a circular structure that seems to be intended as a flower bed but it is just weeds and saplings. It would be nice to have some attention given to this area. link

This is a comment rather than a question. The woods around Kimble Park seem to be totally ignored. For example, there are some young pine trees growing near the trail but they are being choked out by lesser species. Also, there is a circular structure that seems to be intended as a flower bed but it is just weeds and saplings. It would be nice to have some attention given to this area.

Dan Horsman asked 3 months ago

Thank you for your feedback! The City is working towards developing a public forest area management policy to address these concerns. With white pine in particular, it can be more successful to develop in an understory with partial shade rather than full sun while young as it is quite susceptible to white pine weevil. We presently do not manage for individual species in our natural forested areas, but this could change with a new management policy.
Share An observation. The tree-building dynamic has changed since taller buildings are being approved and built within the city and this is very visible another the river view scape. Traditionally most buildings in the city did not exceed 4 stories and the mature tree growth (especially the elms and maples) were tall enough to balance the view scape and the city truly looked like a "forest city". Since taller apartment buildings are being built along the river and there are little (to no trees) surrounding these building. Hence the building are now very prominent along the river viewscape and it is not longer a "forest city" . The residence might have a nice view of the river, but the rest of the city residents have a view of the building . These newer apartment buildings are very visible. More of these developments without an active planting plan will change view scape forever. A planting plan could ensure the building-tree balance is maintained and improved. I suspect this will involve the developer/owner of these properties. Also there are quite a few shorter growing "ornamental" trees being planted (most likely easier and less costly to maintain and less interference with utility lines). These too will change the "canopy" feel, look, and aesthetic of the current/traditional Fredericton City Urban Forest. Just something to consider in the long term. Thank you for your service and dedication. on Facebook Share An observation. The tree-building dynamic has changed since taller buildings are being approved and built within the city and this is very visible another the river view scape. Traditionally most buildings in the city did not exceed 4 stories and the mature tree growth (especially the elms and maples) were tall enough to balance the view scape and the city truly looked like a "forest city". Since taller apartment buildings are being built along the river and there are little (to no trees) surrounding these building. Hence the building are now very prominent along the river viewscape and it is not longer a "forest city" . The residence might have a nice view of the river, but the rest of the city residents have a view of the building . These newer apartment buildings are very visible. More of these developments without an active planting plan will change view scape forever. A planting plan could ensure the building-tree balance is maintained and improved. I suspect this will involve the developer/owner of these properties. Also there are quite a few shorter growing "ornamental" trees being planted (most likely easier and less costly to maintain and less interference with utility lines). These too will change the "canopy" feel, look, and aesthetic of the current/traditional Fredericton City Urban Forest. Just something to consider in the long term. Thank you for your service and dedication. on Twitter Share An observation. The tree-building dynamic has changed since taller buildings are being approved and built within the city and this is very visible another the river view scape. Traditionally most buildings in the city did not exceed 4 stories and the mature tree growth (especially the elms and maples) were tall enough to balance the view scape and the city truly looked like a "forest city". Since taller apartment buildings are being built along the river and there are little (to no trees) surrounding these building. Hence the building are now very prominent along the river viewscape and it is not longer a "forest city" . The residence might have a nice view of the river, but the rest of the city residents have a view of the building . These newer apartment buildings are very visible. More of these developments without an active planting plan will change view scape forever. A planting plan could ensure the building-tree balance is maintained and improved. I suspect this will involve the developer/owner of these properties. Also there are quite a few shorter growing "ornamental" trees being planted (most likely easier and less costly to maintain and less interference with utility lines). These too will change the "canopy" feel, look, and aesthetic of the current/traditional Fredericton City Urban Forest. Just something to consider in the long term. Thank you for your service and dedication. on Linkedin Email An observation. The tree-building dynamic has changed since taller buildings are being approved and built within the city and this is very visible another the river view scape. Traditionally most buildings in the city did not exceed 4 stories and the mature tree growth (especially the elms and maples) were tall enough to balance the view scape and the city truly looked like a "forest city". Since taller apartment buildings are being built along the river and there are little (to no trees) surrounding these building. Hence the building are now very prominent along the river viewscape and it is not longer a "forest city" . The residence might have a nice view of the river, but the rest of the city residents have a view of the building . These newer apartment buildings are very visible. More of these developments without an active planting plan will change view scape forever. A planting plan could ensure the building-tree balance is maintained and improved. I suspect this will involve the developer/owner of these properties. Also there are quite a few shorter growing "ornamental" trees being planted (most likely easier and less costly to maintain and less interference with utility lines). These too will change the "canopy" feel, look, and aesthetic of the current/traditional Fredericton City Urban Forest. Just something to consider in the long term. Thank you for your service and dedication. link

An observation. The tree-building dynamic has changed since taller buildings are being approved and built within the city and this is very visible another the river view scape. Traditionally most buildings in the city did not exceed 4 stories and the mature tree growth (especially the elms and maples) were tall enough to balance the view scape and the city truly looked like a "forest city". Since taller apartment buildings are being built along the river and there are little (to no trees) surrounding these building. Hence the building are now very prominent along the river viewscape and it is not longer a "forest city" . The residence might have a nice view of the river, but the rest of the city residents have a view of the building . These newer apartment buildings are very visible. More of these developments without an active planting plan will change view scape forever. A planting plan could ensure the building-tree balance is maintained and improved. I suspect this will involve the developer/owner of these properties. Also there are quite a few shorter growing "ornamental" trees being planted (most likely easier and less costly to maintain and less interference with utility lines). These too will change the "canopy" feel, look, and aesthetic of the current/traditional Fredericton City Urban Forest. Just something to consider in the long term. Thank you for your service and dedication.

Mike Wolfe asked 3 months ago

Thank you for your feedback and ideas! As City Staff work to develop Fredericton's Urban Forestry Strategy, maintaining and improving our tree canopy as Fredericton grows is essential. This of course requires planting diverse tree species as we grow. In order to meet these goals the City's Parks and Trees team will be supporting the Planning and Development Team in reviewing and improving the tree planting and landscaping standards required in the City's zoning by-law.
Share How is the idea of invasive species (existing and future) being factored-into the cities plans? I see many non-North American trees being planted and wonder if many of our objectives can just be met with North American trees from further south? Further, is the city doing anything to preserve for the unique genetic population of bur oak in New Brunswick? I see many bur oak, but are the acorns collected from this region? on Facebook Share How is the idea of invasive species (existing and future) being factored-into the cities plans? I see many non-North American trees being planted and wonder if many of our objectives can just be met with North American trees from further south? Further, is the city doing anything to preserve for the unique genetic population of bur oak in New Brunswick? I see many bur oak, but are the acorns collected from this region? on Twitter Share How is the idea of invasive species (existing and future) being factored-into the cities plans? I see many non-North American trees being planted and wonder if many of our objectives can just be met with North American trees from further south? Further, is the city doing anything to preserve for the unique genetic population of bur oak in New Brunswick? I see many bur oak, but are the acorns collected from this region? on Linkedin Email How is the idea of invasive species (existing and future) being factored-into the cities plans? I see many non-North American trees being planted and wonder if many of our objectives can just be met with North American trees from further south? Further, is the city doing anything to preserve for the unique genetic population of bur oak in New Brunswick? I see many bur oak, but are the acorns collected from this region? link

How is the idea of invasive species (existing and future) being factored-into the cities plans? I see many non-North American trees being planted and wonder if many of our objectives can just be met with North American trees from further south? Further, is the city doing anything to preserve for the unique genetic population of bur oak in New Brunswick? I see many bur oak, but are the acorns collected from this region?

justafellow asked 4 months ago

Thank you for your questions! With regards to invasive species, the City currently monitors and manages for forest pests and disease in conjunction with Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development's Forest Health Branch, the Canada Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Forest Services. Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer are currently actively being managed, and the City is monitoring Oak Wilt and Hemlock Wolly Adelgid. Fredericton is a leader among municipalities in detection, prevention and management of forest pests. We will continue to manage and monitor the spread and threat of both native and non-native threats to our urban forest. For climate change City Staff continue to meet our objectives of maintaining canopy with a variety of species from other plant hardiness zones, selecting a variety of species to increase our diversity with the projected mean annual temperature increases. The overwhelming majority of our planted trees North American native. Lastly for Burl Oak the City has began collecting native seed of many species. Seed collection takes time as most tree species do not produce good seed every year, it is important to prioritize collection. We have staff certified in seed collection and as well partner with National Tree Seed Centre. With our greenhouse which opened in 2024, in the next few years we will be planting our own trees from locally collected seed sources in Fredericton.