Shelterbelt Program
Click here for the 2025 Shelterbelt Form
We are pleased to offer County residents the opportunity to purchase shelterbelt species at an excellent rate.
The County of Grande Prairie is continuing its Shelterbelt Program at a cost-recovery basis. This means you can browse through our selection of species, place your order online, and pickup your seedlings in spring 2025.
Shelterbelts are proven to help protect soil, improve air and water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and beautify your landscape. In agricultural settings, field shelterbelts help reduce soil erosion by wind, increase moisture for crop growth, and may even help increase crop yields.
Please note the following conditions:
- This program is available for County of Grande Prairie residents only.
- Although we are working closely with different nurseries to determine species availability, there is no guarantee that all orders will be fulfilled. Nurseries may encounter issues like disease or poor weather which could impact their supplies. You will only be charged for the species that you receive.
- We do not offer any reimbursement or warranty on species that do not survive after being planted. Please see the information in the drop-down menu below to learn more about how to best care for your seedlings.
- A standard $5.00 shipping & handling fee will be applied to all orders.
For more information about each species available in the 2025 Shelterbelt Program, click on the dropdown below:
2025 Shelterbelt Species (Subject to Nursery Availability) |
Evergreen Trees Tall Trees Mid-Sized Trees Shrubs & Hedges Fruit-Bearing Species
Hemp Weed Suppression Tree Squares |
Common Q&A:
What Is The Cost To Order Seedlings? |
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Where Will I Pickup My Order? |
When ready, orders can be picked up at the County's Community Services Building (CSB) which is different than the Administrative Building.
CSB Address: 10808 100 Ave Clairmont, Alberta, T0H 0W0 |
When Will I Pay For My Order? |
Because we cannot guarantee all orders will be fulfilled, we will not be taking payments until orders are ready for pickup in the spring. You will have the following payment options:
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When Will My Order Be Ready? |
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Where Can I Learn More About Shelterbelts? |
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Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions or Need Help With My Order? |
You can contact Kate Winterford, Soil Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator:
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Information on the planting and care of seedlings will be provided when seedlings are picked up and can also be found below:
Transportation and Storage of Seedlings |
Because the roots of tree seedlings dry rapidly, it is important to keep them cool and damp for as long as possible.
Once you arrive home with your seedlings, keep them in a shaded or covered area where they will not be exposed to wind or direct sunlight. For example, a cooler/fridge, root cellar, or cold corner of your shed.
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When To Plant |
For best results, plant your seedlings within a few days after pickup. |
Where To Plant |
It is important to plant your seedlings in an area that will provide them with room to grow. Avoid planting your seedlings too close to buildings, buried service lines, pipelines, or overhead powerlines. Certain site characteristics will also play a role in the health of your seedlings. Avoid planting in areas that have:
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How To Plant |
If you are planting a large number of seedlings, consider using a tree planting shovel rather than a generic spade. A tree planting shovel is specially designed to make a slit in the ground that will help you plant seedlings more efficiently. See the graphic below from the Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society which demonstrates the proper planting technique:
Digging Your Hole When digging a hole for your seedling, it should be as deep as the roots so that the roots can grow straight. The hole should be about twice the width of the root ball. Preventing Injury Because planting seedlings is a repetitive task, there is a risk for strain injuries if proper care is not taken. Consider these tips to prevent injury:
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Caring For Your Seedlings |
Your seedlings need sufficient water to grow successfully. Without adequate rainfall, you may need to water your seedlings throughout the summer months. You can decrease the amount of watering toward the end of August to allow your seedlings to winterize. You may consider mulching around the base of your seedlings to help regulate soil temperatures and conserve water. |
References and Resources |
Information on this page was provided by the Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society (AWES). Follow this link for more information about planting tree and shrub seedlings. Further resources:
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