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.
Tree Planting and Care
Whether you want to plant a new tree or just want to know how to care for the ones we have, this page has helpful information and tips to keep our trees healthy and our city green.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Thinking about planting a tree on your property?
There are many trees that are native to Southern Ontario and well-suited to local conditions. For a list of native species and planting tips, visit the Ontario Tree Atlas. The City may have other species of trees not listed in Ontario Tree Atlas.
If you have any other questions, please email us. Please ensure your address is included in the email subject line.
Street trees are visually inspected for health structure and risk. Mature trees are inspected more frequently to maximize public safety and protection of property.
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.
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.
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