Tree Planting and Care

 2021 Spring Tree Planting

We are pleased to announce that the City’s Spring Tree Planting Program is currently underway with great success!

The planting contractor will be planting trees within the municipal right of way until the end of June. The program will halt through the hot summer months and it is planned to resume in the fall, barring any COVID-19 related complications.

The City promotes the planting of large growing tree species, where permitted by local site conditions.  As part of the planning process, City staff have selected tree species that are appropriate to individual planting locations.

This selection is based on specific criteria:

Site Considerations: front lawn right of way vs. boulevard, meeting legislated requirements to maintain sightlines in accordance with the O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways, utility setbacks, infrastructure clearance (fire hydrant, light post, etc).

Tree Considerations: mature tree height and canopy size, soil volume requirements for root development, tolerance of high winds, tolerance of road salt spray and soil pH, growth habit, growth rate, tolerance of drought or wet sites, etc.

Environmental Factors: Diversity of the species within the neighbourhood, proximity to the lake and naturalized areas, density of canopy in the area, soil composition, etc.

Residents receiving a tree in the 2021 planting season will receive a doorhanger in advance of the tree planting operation. If residents have any questions or concerns with respect to the species or location chosen, they are encouraged to contact Roads, Parks, and Forestry at (905) 333-6166.

This year the plantings may occur without staking in accordance with the most recent industry recommendations. Stakes will only be installed on trees in high wind areas or if the contractor feels the planting requires additional support.

Please note the contractor is responsible to organize the work in the most efficient route available to them at the time. Coordination involves obtaining and organizing utility locates as required by law, procuring tree stock, working around site restrictions, poor weather, etc. Due to the variables involved in the planning process, the City cannot provide the exact date the contractor will attend to your property. Refer to the map below for an approximate timeframe for tree planting throughout the City.

2021 Tree Planting Schedule and Map

2021 Stump Removal

The City’s contractor will be working diligently toward removing stumps within the municipal road allowance to make way for more tree plantings across the City.

The stumping process involves grinding the stump, removing the stump grindings and replacing with soil. The newly placed soil is tamped, and grass seed is placed and watered.

The City’s stumping contractor is responsible to organize the work in the most efficient and safe route available to them at the time. Coordination involves obtaining and organizing locates as required by law, working around site restrictions, poor weather, etc. Due to the variables involved in the planning process the City does not know the exact day the contractor will attend your address. Refer to the map below for an approximate timeframe for tree planting throughout the City.

If the tree in front of your home or business was removed prior to December of 2020, it will be removed this year. Please refer to the map below that indicates 8 zones and the approximate timeframe the City’s stumping contractor will be completing work.

2021 Stump Removal Schedule and Map

Request a Free City Tree

The City of Burlington’s Tree Planting program offers free trees to residents. Trees are planted in the municipally owned right of way in front of your property. The measurement of the right of way varies depending on the survey or neighbourhood you live in.

Residents and business owners can submit their request through the completion of our online form. Once received, a staff member from the City’s Forestry section will conduct a site inspection to determine the best tree(s) for the location.  

Requests for tree planting are accepted at any time throughout the year. You can indicate your tree species preference at the time of form submission.  Staff will try to accommodate resident requests; however, species choice is not guaranteed.

• Applications that are received between January 1st and June 1st will be reviewed for planting within the same growing season on a first in, first out (FIFO) basis. 

• Applications that are received between June 30th and December 31st will be reviewed for planting the follow growing season on a first in, first out (FIFO) basis

When the tree is planted will be determined by the results of the location inspection and the suitability and availability of the chosen tree species, as well as the current number of requests.

Request a Free City Tree Planting

Tree Care

In an effort to keep the trees healthy, the City's Roads, Parks and Forestry Department asks you to help maintain your boulevard tree by following these tips:

Water the tree to keep to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. Over watering can cause root rot or actually drown the tree.

Keep lawn mowers and string trimmers away from the stem of the tree. Injuries make the tree more susceptible to insect and disease infestations and weaken the trunk. Severe bark damage can result in the eventual death of a tree.

Woodchip mulch should be left in place to protect the tree from damage, reduces water loss and allows water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily.

Do not plant flowers in the mulched area or pile soil or grass clippings around the base of the tree.

Do not remove support stakes within the first 2 years of the tree being planted.

Do not prune or trim trees. Maintenance to city-owned trees should only be undertaken by City staff or contractors on behalf of the city, who are trained in arboriculture best practices. If you feel tree maintenance is required, please contact the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department to arrange for an inspection.

The City of Burlington undertakes a variety of programs to ensure the urban forest is maintained in a healthy and safe condition. 

New Tree Planting Care Tips

To keep the trees healthy, the City's Roads, Parks and Forestry Department asks you to help maintain your boulevard tree by following these tips:

• Water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. Over watering can create as many issues for the newly planted tree as drought can. Water the tree once every 3 to 5 days with a good soaking. Consider any rainstorms that have happened or are forecasted.
• Keep lawn mowers and string trimmers away from the stem of the tree. Injuries make the tree more susceptible to insect and disease infestations and weaken the trunk. Severe bark damage can result in the eventual death of a tree.
• Woodchip mulch should be left in place to protect the tree from damage, it reduces water loss and allows water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily.  An approximately 10 cm (4”) layer, placed from just off the trunk to the outer dripline, can improve moisture retention.

o   DO NOT volcano mulch or place dirt or grass clippings abutting the trunk of the tree. Any debris touching the trunk of the tree traps dirt and moisture at the trunk promoting rot. Please see the diagram below of a typical volcano mulching and the mulch placement that better supports the health of the tree.

o   Image Source: https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/mulching-trees-and-shrubs

• Do not install plants in the mulched area. Any plants (including grass) compete for resources that are all vital during the trees establishment period.

Do not prune or trim trees. Maintenance of city-owned trees should only be undertaken by city staff or contractors on behalf of the City who are trained in arboricultural best practices. If you feel tree maintenance is required, please contact the Roads, Parks and Forestry Department to request an inspection.

If you have any other questions, please email rpf@burlington.ca. Please ensure your address is included in the email subject line.

Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is essential in developing a tree with a strong structure and desirable form. Pruning involves the removal of live as well as dead and/or defective branches from the tree. This can include poorly attached branches, low branches that will interfere with vehicle and pedestrian traffic, diseased branches and a number of other defects.

Pruning of city trees is provided at least every seven years. The seven year cycle is primarily based on the characteristics of trees and the fact they are living organisms and their health can be affected by many external factors. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, weather and temperature fluctuations, sudden change of weather pattern, severe storms, amount of rainfall, insect infestation, acid rain, and wild animals. 

Inspection

Street trees are visually inspected for health structure and risk. Mature trees are inspected more frequently to maximize public safety and protection of property.   

Tree Removal

Each year, the removal of some of our trees is necessary as they die or become a hazard. Whenever possible, a new tree is planted in place of the one removed.

Wildlife Trees

When a tree needs to be removed, we will try to leave it as a snag or wildlife tree. This is the large stump of a dead or dying tree left to act as a home for wildlife that are good for our ecosystem. Examples of the wildlife that create homes in these trees include insects, birds and mammals. 

Nurse Logs

Fallen trees are left on the ground in naturalized areas to help other trees and the natural environment. These trees are called nurse logs.

A nurse log is a fallen tree which, as it decays, provides many benefits to seedlings and mature trees with water, shelter, mycorrhizae, disease protection and nutrients. Downed logs also provide shelter sites and food sources for insects including pollinators, mammals, birds and for amphibians such as salamanders. All these elements are important in maintaining a healthy, well-functioning ecosystem.

Please do not disturb fallen logs or trees in wooded areas. Logs and branches should be left where they are found to help the natural ecosystem and environment.   

Tree Maintenance Around Hydro Lines

Hydro One is responsible for clearing trees and other tall vegetation along transmission lines throughout Burlington's rural area, and along the large transmission corridors in both the urban and rural areas. This clearing is conducted in accordance with the Province's Electricity Act for safety reasons.

Hydro One Community Relations
Email: Community.Relations@HydroOne.com
Tel: 1-877-345-6799; (416) 345-6799
www.HydroOne.com/Projects/VegetationManagement

See map for Hydro One Property for areas south of Dundas Street.