Forestry Services

Unless authorized by the City’s forestry supervisor, a resident is not permitted to prune or otherwise alter in any way a City-owned tree.

Contact parks and forestry so staff can take the necessary information and answer your questions. Forestry staff investigate all pruning requests and will work on:

• removing dead or weak limbs to maintain a safe environment for the public
• ensuring visibility for traffic signs and providing required vehicle and pedestrian clearance
• addressing tree-related concerns of adjacent landowners by lifting, thinning, or cutting back City-owned trees as necessary

Pruning will be completed in a professional manner as established by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Tree maintenance sites are inspected as soon as possible, and work is completed on a priority basis. Anything posing a danger to the public is prioritized. Other requests are completed on a first-come basis according to equipment and staff availability.

Trees will only be removed if they are dead or pose a danger to the public.

Trees that might be hazardous to the public are removed first. Crews are in high demand during the summer months and non-hazardous work can sometimes accumulate.

We will inspect the site to ensure the property meets the necessary criteria. Your request, including name and address, will be added to our database and considered for the following year’s tree planting program.

The City follows policy from the International Society of Arboriculture Urban Forestry, and department practices. There are certain guidelines to follow when planting near or within intersections, driveways, streetlights, fire hydrants, communication boxes, underground vaults, overhead wires, curbs, and sidewalks.

Trees that are removed will most likely be replaced in the fall or the following year.

Review your home survey for your property lines. City trees are planted within two metres of the curb or one and a half metres from the sidewalk on the boulevard side. You can contact public works if you’re unsure of the property line.

No, and we will update the website if this policy changes.

Yes.

Your new tree should be watered at least twice a week for the first month. Newly planted trees don’t require fertilizer for the first year. A topping of mulch helps maintain moisture and is a protection barrier from lawnmowers and weeds.

Please do not remove branches or trees from naturalized wooded areas. These spaces should be left in their natural state and are not manicured by the City. The benefits of leaving woody material to decompose include habitat for organisms, recycling of nutrients and organic material, and regeneration sites for plants, water reservoirs, and tree roots.