Trees throughout the city are an important part of the health and beauty of our city. This page has some helpful tips as well as a bylaw to regulate planting, maintenance and preservation of trees on or affecting public property (Public Tree Bylaw) which will help you ensure city trees near your home grow strong and have a long, healthy life.
If you are unsure of whether a tree is a city tree, please contact 905-333-6166 or email RPF@burlington.ca.
What activities around a city tree are prohibited?
Working in the area of a city tree, either above ground or below ground (the root zone), requires prior written consent from the City of Burlington's Roads, Parks and Forestry Department (RPF).
Pruning or Removing a City Tree
Pruning or removing a city tree is only to be performed by city staff or a private contractor under the direction of RPF. Regular pruning of city trees is done on a seven-year cycle to promote public safety and tree health.
Fertilization or Pest Control
It is against the bylaw to place, apply, or spray any substance other than water on or near any public tree.
Swings, Hammocks, Slack Lines, Pet Leashes or Any Similar Object or Attachment
It is against the bylaw to use any part of any public tree to secure or support any object, structure or animal. This includes nailing, pasting or attaching a sign, poster or birdhouse to a city tree, stake, post, guard or other object supporting a city tree.
Photo (right): Attaching swings or other items to trees are prohibited.
Gardens, Stones, Bricks, Blocks or Other Landscaping Material
It is against the bylaw to do any landscaping around the trunk of any city tree that includes large rocks, masonry and tree-surrounds. Please note that this also applies to treed ravine areas behind homes. Disposal of leaf litter, gardening debris and grass clippings can harm trees and will be considered illegal dumping.
Photo (left): Building raised planters around the base of trees is prohibited.
Construction
Whenever construction is happening around your home, whether it is a new build, renovation, pool installation or landscaping, you may require special permission to work around a city tree. Always call RPF staff at 905-333-6166 for details. Staff will work with you to ensure the tree stays safe and provides shade and benefits for many years to come.
Photo (right): Construction work under trees is prohibited.
Construction activity can have negative affects on trees. Virtually all parts of a tree can be hurt by construction, including roots (through cutting and soil compaction), trunks (physical damage such as abrasion), branches (cracks, breaking or poor pruning) and leaves (chemical or exhaust heat). Damage can lead to poor health and eventual death of the tree. Parking vehicles or equipment under the tree on unpaved surfaces can cause serious soil compaction, damaging the roots. Construction related damage may not be seen until several years after a project is completed.
The city has tree protection and preservation specifications that apply to all trees in need of maintenance within the City of Burlington's road right-of-way. These specifications include minimum tree protection zones based on trunk diameter, requirements for protective hoarding and required procedures within tree protection zones, such as root pruning and sensitive excavation.
Mulching
Proper mulching around city trees is encouraged. "Volcano Mulching" as shown is a prohibited activity. A thick layer of mulch in contact with the tree trunk can cause damage including bark decay and a root problem called root girdling.
The proper way to mulch around a tree appears more like a doughnut shape. The depth of the ring should be about five centimeters (two to three inches) maximum. For soils that are poorly drained, like clay, only use two inches of mulch.
Photo (left): Example of improper mulching.
Once the mulch is applied, pull the mulch away from the tree trunk by ten to fifteen centimetres (five to six inches). You should be able to see the tree trunk and the base of the tree.
It is important to keep in mind that while mulch can look good, the attractive color tends to fade. This doesn't mean you should add more fresh mulch. Measure the mulch levels before deciding to add more or you can end up smothering the tree.
If you have a question about an activity around a city tree or would like to know if a tree is on public or private property, contact the RPF at 905-333-6166 or email RPF@burlington.ca.