Parks and rec staff prepping for new trees next year

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 15, 2025.

New tree saplings will be planted in these freshly dug holes in Southridge Crescent Park SW next spring. Crews are proactively digging holes before the ground thaws in preparation for next spring's planting season. - HANDOUT PHOTO

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Parks and recreation crews have been busy proactively preparing for next spring’s tree planting by digging holes for saplings before the cold weather settles in.

Crews have been preparing holes for new trees in 10 parks across the city, including Southridge Crescent Park SW.

The proactive work will help save time and effort next spring as well as provide new saplings the optimal planting conditions.

“Once the ground thaws, crews will be able to utilize high soil moisture to ensure the trees thrive immediately after they’re planted,” reads a post on the City of Medicine Hat Facebook page. “We also won’t need to wait for the ground to dry out enough to excavate.”

The post asks residents to avoid areas where staff are digging to provide enough space to work safely.

The city says the holes will be covered with plywood and staked down during the winter to make sure no open holes are exposed.

Parks and recreation staff also ask residents to call them at 403-529-8333 ext. 6 if plywood is removed or damaged during the winter.