Back to Search
Burlington, Ont.—April 22, 2026— Yesterday, Burlington City Council approved the expansion and permanent adoption of the City’s Significant Tree Maintenance Rebate Program to better support residents in caring for established trees on their property.
“Significant trees” are defined by the City's private tree by-law as trees that are equal to or larger than 75 centimetres in diameter.
The program is designed to encourage proactive maintenance and reduce removals of significant trees, and support canopy retention and the City’s goal of 35 per cent canopy cover by 2060.
The City has also doubled the annual funding for the program, increasing it from $25,000 to $50,000, which means more residents can receive support.
Program details:
-
The rebate will subsidize 50 per cent of maintenance costs, up to $1,000 per tree, per property.To apply, residents must live within the City’s urban boundary, where the private tree by-law applies.
-
Before starting any work, residents are encouraged to speak with a qualified tree professional to determine the specific needs of their tree. All work must be approved by the City before proceeding.
-
Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a significant tree rebate grant.
The application form and details will be available on the City’s tree rebate website soon and prior to the program opening. The City will share the application window dates in advance once they are confirmed.
For more details about the program, visit: burlington.ca/treerebate
Quick facts:
-
In 2025, Council approved a $25,000 pilot fixed-fee maintenance subsidy program to support the care of significant trees on private residential properties. Pilot program applications were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and were limited by available funding. A total of 37 applicants were approved for a maintenance rebate.
-
A post-pilot survey was conducted in fall 2025 to evaluate resident experience, program accessibility, and effectiveness, with findings suggesting a strong support for the program.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“During Earth Week, we’re reminded of the important role trees play in building a healthier, more resilient community. This is a way for us to help residents with the cost of maintaining significant trees which provides benefits for the whole community. The expanded program supports the City’s broader Urban Forest Master Plan goals by encouraging proactive maintenance that helps extend the life of mature trees and reduce the likelihood of decline or removal.”
Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan
“By making the Significant Tree Maintenance Rebate Program permanent and expanding its funding, we are strengthening our commitment to protecting mature trees and supporting the residents who care for them. This program helps ensure that established trees on private property can be maintained and preserved, so they continue delivering environmental benefits for generations to come.”
Links and Resources
-30-
|
|
Subscribe