The City of Medicine Hat is removing dead trees and planting new ones this summer, it says. Vasiliy Koval/Dreamstime.com

By Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat taking down dead trees, some killed by years of drought

Jul 23, 2024 | 2:05 PM

The City of Medicine Hat starting removing dead trees from a small east end park on Tuesday as part of its broader plan to maintain and enhance the city’s urban forest canopy.

While some of the trees died as part of their natural life cycle, several were killed due to stress brought on by years of drought conditions, the city said.

Southern Alberta was on track for severe drought conditions earlier this year and experts say there is still the possibility they still occur.

READ: Drought conditions in Medicine Hat averted for now

The process to remove the trees from the park is anticipated to finish this year, officials said.

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Meanwhile, city crews will carry out the same task in other areas throughout the summer, including the Gershaw Interchange.

Once tree removal is completed, focus will shift to tree replacement, a process that will introduce resilient and bio-diverse species into green spaces around Medicine Hat, the city said.

The areas receiving tree replacement will be chosen based on the location, best chance of survivability and to maintain diversity of tree species.

“The city’s tree canopy is a valuable asset which will be conserved and expanded through departmental and municipal policies and plans,” officials said in a news release Tuesday.

“The city is committed to maintaining the existing urban forests and is committed to taking steps to expand canopy cover in all viable public spaces,” the statement added.

“This includes the implementation of post-planting care to ensure survival.”