Preserving the trees in the City of Burlington is an important part of the environmental health and beauty of our city. Our Public Tree Bylaw (By-law 068-2013) sets standards to help ensure that City trees near your home grow strong and have a long, healthy life.
To view the standards for trees on private property, check our Forest Protection and Tree Permits page.
Prohibited activities
There are several activities which can harm a tree's long-term health. The following actions are prohibited by our Public Tree Bylaw. These standards apply to trees on public, City-owned property. Contact us if you aren't sure if a tree is on public property or not.
Objects attached to trees
You cannot use any part of any public tree to secure or support any object, structure or animal. These include:
- Birdhouses
- Hammocks
- Pet leashes
- Slack lines
- Signs and posters
- Swings
Landscaping objects and materials
It is against the Public Tree Bylaw to do any landscaping or raised planters around the trunk of any City tree that includes large rocks, masonry and tree-surrounds. This also applies in ravine areas behind homes. Disposing of gardening debris and grass clippings can harm trees and is considered illegal dumping.
Pruning or removing City trees
Only City staff or a private contractor hired by the City can prune or remove any part of a City tree. We regularly prune City trees on a seven-year cycle.
Fertilization and pest control
Never place, apply, or spray any substance other than water on or near any public tree.
Certain construction activities
If construction is happening around your home, you may require special permission to work around a City tree. Please contact us for details. Staff will work with you to ensure the tree stays safe.
Construction activity can have negative impact on all or part of a tree. Damage can lead to poor health and eventual death of the tree. Construction related damage may not be seen until several years after a project is completed.
Certain types of mulching
“Volcano mulching”, where there is a thick layer of soil in contact with the tree trunk, is prohibited. This can cause bark decay and a root problem called root girdling.
Proper mulching technique
We encourage proper mulching around city trees. The proper way to mulch is in more of a doughnut shape so the tree trunk has room to breathe. The depth of the mulch should be about 5 cm, or slightly less for soils that are poorly drained, like clay. Once you apply the mulch, pull it away from the tree trunk by 10 cm to 15 cm. You should be able to see the tree trunk and the base of the tree.
Remember that while mulch can look good, the attractive colour tends to fade. This doesn't mean you should add more fresh mulch. Measure the mulch levels before deciding to add more or you might smother the tree.