In our semi-arid climate, drought tolerant plants thrive. There are many beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers with low water requirements. Plants which have adapted to our climate are usually more pest resistant.

Most plants are given a hardiness rating according to temperature zones, with Zone 1 being the coldest to Zone 8 being the mildest (in Canada). Our Kamloops climate ranges between Zone 3 at its highest levels, to Zone 6 at the valley bottom.

Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Within these zones there are areas known as micro-climates, where the climate differs from the surrounding area. Hedges, walls, and fencing may offer protection that can alter growing conditions.

Whether an area is sunny or shady, windy or protected, exposure will determine what plants will flourish where.

Try to plan for year round interest and enjoyment by considering more than just flowers. Think about the colour and texture of leaves, bark, and fruit, along with overall branching and shape of various plants.

Plants vary in the amount of care required to keep them looking attractive. Select plants that realistically meet your gardening time constraints.

Plant for mature size, do not prune for size.

The 2023 Tree Coupon Program has now ended. 

Coupons will not be available for pickup at City facilities.  Coupons are only available at the time of purchase of an eligible tree and cannot be picked up at one store and used at another store. Coupons also cannot be picked up for use at a later date. 

Residents will need to supply proof of address in the form of a driver’s licence, City of Kamloops utility statement, or property tax statement.

Coupons are available at the following participating locations, for use before June 15, 2023:

• Art Knapp Plantland
• Canadian Tire - Aberdeen
• Canadian Tire - North Shore
• Country Garden Greenhouses & Nursery
• Lyons Garden and Landscape Centre
• Purity Feed Co.

Special thanks to our participating nurseries and retailers who work hard to handle the flurry of coupons, guide customers in appropriate tree selection, and provide billing for reimbursement.

Be sure the tree you select qualifies for the tree coupon! Your tree must meet one of the following qualifications:

• ornamental tree that is reasonably expected to grow to an approximate mature height of at least 4.5m (15ft)—this excludes hedge cedars or other hedge vegetation.
• fruit tree of any size

• Limit of one tree per property within City of Kamloops municipal boundary (see map).
• The redemption value is $20 towards an eligible tree purchase with a subtotal less than $100, or $50 towards an eligible tree purchase with a subtotal of $100 or more
• The coupon does not cover tax for the purchase of the tree(s). All tax must be paid by the coupon bearer.
• Coupons are valid for the purchase of trees only.
• The coupons are not transferable or redeemable for cash.
• Tree will be planted on applicant’s private property, not on public property.
• Careful tree selection, planting, and maintenance are the responsibility of the applicant.
• The City of Kamloops is not responsible for plant material warranties.
• The City of Kamloops, or its authorized representative, may conduct a brief follow-up survey by way of email, phone call, or site visit.
• Identification of all utility and underground service locations are the responsibility of the applicant. Please contact BC 1 Call (BC1C.ca) and Dig Shaw (DigShaw.ca) to confirm location of underground utilities.

• Make mostly thinning cuts. Remove branches right back to the parent branch or trunk.
• Avoid creating stub ends.
• Make your cuts just outside the branch collar (a slight thickening where the branch joins its parent branch or trunk). Flush cuts destroy the tree's defense zone.
• Remove no more than 20% of the green.

1. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
2. Remove suckers and watersprouts.
3. Remove badly placed branches that are crossing or rubbing each other, growing into the centre of tree or branches that are growing into walkways, roadways, or buildings.
4. If desired, trim slender branch tips a few inches, to a bud or parent branch