The trees within Burlington's urban forest provide a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits, including improved air quality, reduced storm-water runoff, energy savings, noise reduction, natural bird and wildlife habitats, higher property values and overall beautification of City streets and parks.
The City's forestry operations includes the oversight of tree protection and preservation initiatives, including tree protection standards, pests and disease control and tree planting. City staff also offer tree care tips for the public.
We are very proud of our trees, especially those with historical significance on the Burlington Honour Roll of Trees. Whenever possible, we involve the public in the consultation process and surveys, such as the Private Tree By-law Feasibility Study.
Residents and landscapers, arborists and anyone in the construction industry is invited to attend a virtual public information session to learn about the City of Burlington’s proposed Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP).
The UFMP will provide the strategic direction important to managing the urban forest in response to new pressures and challenges related to urban development, climate change, extreme weather and invasive pests.
The online session will feature information from City staff and urban forestry experts. Participants will have an opportunity to provide input and ask questions.
Date: June 8, 2022
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Online, visit Get Involved Burlington.
An online survey will also be open June 8 until June 29 at Get Involved Burlington.
This year's tree planting and stump removal schedule and plans are now ready. View our Tree Planting and Care page for an update on this years programs.
The City is now implementing a Customer Relationship Management system to manage customer requests. As part of this change, we will be providing the Service Burlington Customer Experience team with access to the Roads, Parks and Forestry “Tree Plotter” program. Once available, Customer Experience Representatives will be able to view selected information about your active request and provide key updates on the status of related work. This will include Service Burlington being able to view your personal contact information, if it has been provided, to follow up with you and help to identify you as a customer of Forestry at the City.
This change will occur as of Sept. 27, 2021.
The City takes customer privacy very seriously, and must comply with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Should you have any concerns about this change, please contact Clare Cameron, Manager Customer Experience, via email, clare.cameron@burlington.ca or telephone at 905-335-7777, ext. 7356.
If I see a large branch of a city tree broken, should I call the city and let someone know? |
Yes. Anytime you see a serious issue with a city tree please call the City and let us know. Examples of issues of concern may include - a large broken branch hanging over a sidewalk, bus stop, or a park bench; or a tree that has split during a storm, or has uprooted. Please leave a name, number where we can reach you at, in addition to the location of the issue. Also, do let us know the size of the issue, i.e., "a hanging branch thicker than an adult's arm over a sidewalk." |
I have a very large old tree in my backyard. I am worried it may break in a storm and damage my house. Should I remove it? |
Not all old trees are a hazard, often they simply require maintenance from time to time. Large trees provide many important environmental benefits including air quality improvements, stormwater uptake, energy savings (shading and wind buffering), carbon uptake, as well as adding to property values. Contact a reputable tree care company who can send out a Certified Arborist, qualified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), to inspect the tree, looking for issues not seen by the naked eye. The Arborist may provide strategies including such as a Plant Health Care treatment plan; pruning; bracing; a tree preservation plan; or advise you of potential risks and options. |
I have a large ash tree on my private property. Should I remove it or treat it? |
Trees on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner. You may wish to consider contacting a reputable tree care company with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists on staff. Consulting with a Certified Arborist will provide you with options for consideration based on the health of the tree. |
I have a Mountain Ash in my backyard. Will the Emerald Ash Borer attack it? |
Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native invasive insect from Asia that attacks and kills native ash trees (Fraxinus). Mountain Ash (Sorbus) is not affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. |
What does the spray paint mean on my tree? |
Burlington Forestry uses different marks to help identify certain things for our forestry team:
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What can I do about sticky residue dropping from my tree? |
Sticky sap dripping from your trees can be caused by aphids which secrete honeydew that can cause a sticky coating on things below. Linden trees often attract aphids. We suggest using a garden hose, turn it to a jet spray and spray the tree every few days to help reduce the number of aphids. |
When does the City prune boulevard trees? |
The City of Burlington is on a seven-year grid pruning cycle for boulevard trees. The scheduled pruning of boulevard trees includes: raising the canopy above the road and sidewalks and removal of any hazardous limbs and large deadwood. We do need the help of the community to inform us of any significant hazards in the trees. If you see an issue which you consider to be a serious risk to people or property, please call us with your concerns and we will be happy to come out and inspect the tree. |
Does the city inspect boulevard trees for safety? |
Yes. The City inspects boulevard trees for safety as part of our seven-year maintenance cycle which includes grid pruning. During inspection we look for potential issues which include:
If you have concerns about a boulevard tree that you think may pose a serious risk to people or property, please contact the Forestry department and we will come out to inspect the tree. |
Can I remove firewood or debris from a city owned woodlot, parks or creek areas? |
There are many benefits for leaving logs and debris in city-owned woodlots, parks, and creek areas. Decomposing trees slowly add nutrients into the soil over time which helps to retain nutrients and moisture. The logs can act as nurse logs which support new tree growth. Halton Conservation supports this approach for environmental sustainability. Removing debris from woodlots and naturalized areas can cause significant damage to trees and plants already established in these areas. Because of this, we ask that residents refrain from removing wood or branches from naturalized areas. Additionally, unmaintained woodlots can provide tripping and other hazards which can result in your injury during wood removal. |
Trees on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner. You may wish to consider contacting a reputable tree care company with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists on staff. Consulting with a Certified Arborist will provide you with options for consideration, based on the health of the tree.