Calgary sends forestry crews to Edmonton after severe storms wreak tree damage

Calgary's sending specialized disaster-relief crews to Edmonton starting Wednesday, July 29, after back-to-back severe storms overwhelmed the city's tree-removal capacity.

Twelve certified urban forestry staff—including arborists, technical tree fallers, forestry ground crews, horticulturalists, and trained labourers—will work alongside Edmonton crews for up to seven days. Their focus: clearing dangerous trees, removing debris, reopening public spaces, and helping control Dutch elm disease.

Edmonton's dealing with over 3,000 storm-related issues. Downed elm branches are particularly urgent because they provide habitat for beetles that spread Dutch elm disease, making prompt removal critical for the city's urban forest.

The mutual aid agreement marks an example of Alberta municipalities coordinating during emergencies. "The City of Edmonton and its Parks and Roads Services team is extending their appreciation and deepest gratitude to the City of Calgary and its teams," Edmonton said in a statement Tuesday evening. "This rapid mobilization is a powerful example of Alberta municipalities working together in times of need."