Urban Forestry

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Tree canopy

A healthy urban forest improves the quality of life for City of Burlington residents. By providing a framework for protection and enhancement of all trees on public and private property, the City of Burlington’s urban forest will continue to grow with the goal to reach 35 per cent tree canopy cover by 2041. A multi-faceted approach is required to meet this goal, which is addressed through the four guiding principles:

Proposed Guiding Principles for Tree Protection and Enhancement

• Tree Planting and Replacement

• Protection and Preservation

• Asset Maintenance

• Community Outreach, Education, and Collaboration

The trees within Burlington's

A healthy urban forest improves the quality of life for City of Burlington residents. By providing a framework for protection and enhancement of all trees on public and private property, the City of Burlington’s urban forest will continue to grow with the goal to reach 35 per cent tree canopy cover by 2041. A multi-faceted approach is required to meet this goal, which is addressed through the four guiding principles:

Proposed Guiding Principles for Tree Protection and Enhancement

• Tree Planting and Replacement

• Protection and Preservation

• Asset Maintenance

• Community Outreach, Education, and Collaboration

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 Urban Forestry section is responsible for the city’s ongoing operations and maintenance of municipally-owned trees, Forest planning and health, and Forest Protection. Key programs include: preventative maintenance through Grid Pruning, Tree Planting and Stumping programs, and the administration of public and private tree protection bylaws.

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.

  • Spring Tree Giveaway

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    The tree giveaway is now full, there are no longer anymore trees available.


    The City of Burlington is offering free trees to residents of Burlington to pick up and plant on private property. The tree giveaway will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Roads, Parks and Forestry Operation Centre Parking Lot, 897 Cumberland Ave., Burlington, on Saturday, April 29.

    Property owners can submit their request for a tree through the completion of the online form beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 31 until it closes at 1 p.m. Friday, April 21, or while supplies last.

    Please visit springtreegiveaway.eventbrite.ca for more information and to register.

    There is a limit of one tree per property. There are a limited number of species and trees available – make sure that you are familiar with the requirements of each species available and that it is the right, long-term fit for the location you have in mind.

    Each Species has an associated pick-up window as follows:

    • Pick up 9 to 10 a.m. Flowering dogwood
    • Pick up 10 to 11 a.m.: American Beech
    • Pick up 11 a.m. to noon: Bitternut Hickory
    • Pick up noon to 1 p.m.: Red Pine
    • Pick up 1 to 2 p.m. Canada Plum

    For more information about these species and other native trees, you can consult Ontario’s Tree Atlas www.ontario.ca/page/tree-atlas/ontario-southwest (Southwest region)

    For further information about the tree giveaway, please visit the Eventbrite page: springtreegiveaway.eventbrite.ca

  • New online guide available to help navigate tree protection and tree permits in Burlington

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    The City of Burlington has created a “Guide to Tree Protection” to help property owners and applicants navigate tree protection and the City’s tree by-laws, with a focus on the Private Tree By-law. The free guide is available online at burlington.ca/forestprotection.

    Information in the Guide includes:

    • What rules are in place to protect trees?
    • Which trees are protected under the City’s tree by-laws?
    • When do I need or not need a tree permit?
    • How do I work around trees without hurting them?
    • What do I need to get a Private Tree Permit?

    The Guide also features helpful illustrations that highlight key points to working around trees and aspects of the permit application. These illustrations will help applicants understand what is needed when applying for a tree permit.

    What is the Private Tree By-law?

    The Private Tree By-law protects trees on private property within the City’s Urban Planning Area Boundary. If you live within the Urban Planning Area Boundary, you will need to apply for a permit to injure or remove a tree 20 cm in diameter or greater measured at 1.37 m from the ground. Heritage trees and endangered, threatened, and at-risk species are also protected and may require additional approvals in addition to your tree permit.

    View the Private Tree By-law (040-2022).

    What is the Public Tree By-law?

    The Public Tree By-law regulates publicly owned trees. You will need to apply for a permit to injure or remove any tree of any size anywhere on public property. The Public Tree By-law is applicable city-wide which includes both the Urban and Rural Planning Area Boundaries.

    Contact the City before submitting a permit to remove a public tree at 905-335-7777 or city@burlington.ca.

    View the Public Tree By-law (068-2013).

    For more information on tree by-laws, to apply or to view the guide, visit burlington.ca/forestprotection.

    Steve Robinson, Manager of Forestry

    “Submitting a complete and accurate tree permit application can save you time and money. It is our hope that as people plan their spring or summer renovations and construction, this guide will give applicants the extra information they need to ensure there are no errors or missed items on their application.”

  • Tree Planting Tips

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    Watch these videos to help ensure your new tree gets the best chances of surviving the planting and growing for generations to come. Proper planting and after care can greatly improve your new tree’s health and success.

    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5_4VIshzHI
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RkiPLPzggE

  • Corporate Tree Protection and Enhancement Policy

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    The Corporate Tree Protection and Enhancement Policy was presented and approved by the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee on February 3 (Council to approve later this month)

    The development of a corporate-wide tree protection and enhancement policy provides a framework for the improvement of several bylaws, policies, guidelines, and city-wide programs, so they are clear and consistent in their approach and aligned with the City’s strategic direction as it pertains to the Urban Forest.

    The Corporate Tree Protection and Enhancement Policy is organized into 4 categories
    with corresponding policy statements which inform each category:
    1. Preserve and Protect
    2. Maintain and Monitor
    3. Establish, Replace and Enhance
    4. Engage and Collaborate

    The establishment of a corporate wide tree protection and enhancement policy will provide a framework for the consistent management of the City’s Urban Forest. Long term, this will support the City’s Vision to Focus goal of achieving 35% canopy cover by 2041, and in doing so, will directly benefit the City’s efforts toward fighting the effects of climate change.

    Read the full report

  • Forest Protection FAQ's

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Thanks for all of the questions and comments we received through both the Get Involved Burlington platform, Service Burlington and during the Oct 28 Virtual Public Information Centre. Please see the FAQ below for responses to some common questions. If you don't see the answer to your question, please contact Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or city@burlington.ca

    Q - Has the tree by-law resulted in an increase in Burlington's tree canopy since its inception and what is the predicted annual change?

    A - An analysis of the urban tree canopy has not been completed since the private tree bylaw has been enacted (January 2020). The Forestry Department will be embarking on an update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (20-year plan) in January 2022. At that time, canopy analysis will be completed to determine relative canopy coverage City-wide as well as other indicators of Urban Forest Health. Metrics identified within the Urban Forest Master Plan will assist in developing programs and/or by-laws to achieve the City's goal by 2041 of 35%.

    Q - Should there be an accommodation for property owners whom already exceed the City's canopy goal, or have a different approach to replanting conditions due to space limitations?

    A - Staff are investigating the feasibility of evaluating existing canopy cover and retained canopy cover (post-tree removal) with the use of GIS technologies. Analysis of the net impact to the subject property and neighbouring properties is a consideration. Similarly, staff are investigating the feasibility of stocking value of a given property (how many trees a property can reasonably grow) which will be used in the determination of compensation requirements.

    Q - Can trees be planted on another property? Especially when there is a privacy loss when trees are removed?

    A - Currently replacement trees are planted on the subject property where they are removed. Staff are reviewing the ability to plant on alternative properties. Tree planting initiatives that are funded by cash-in-lieu dollars collected as part of the private tree by-law, provide a process whereby private land owners will be able to come forth to obtain a tree (or trees) for their property. This program is aimed to launch in spring 2022.

    Q – Why do you need a permit or have to pay for trees that are diseased or a hazard and need to be removed?

    A - The current Private Tree By-law already has exemption clauses for dead, terminally diseased and high risk or imminently hazardous trees. These trees are not subject to a permit fee nor compensation requirements. The metrics collected through the issuance of a permit provides the City with a means to understand how the City's canopy is changing and provides an idea of potential pests and diseases or other tree related issues which will inform planning and health related programs. Staff do note that the City's property standards by-law also has provisions in place for hazard trees to ensure safety. An order under this by-law can be issued to remove the hazard from your property. There is currently no City funding to subsidize the cost of maintenance for privately owned trees on private properties.

    Q - Is there certain criteria for trees that are growing in the wrong place?

    A - Certain criteria would need to be met to be considered 'the wrong tree'. The City is reviewing certain aspects within the By-law as it pertains to maintenance.

    Q - Are regulations applied to property developers who are prone to take down all sorts of trees in their projects?

    A - Single family residential construction and other smaller scale construction projects are regulated by the City's private tree bylaw. Multi-unit residential developments and larger scale construction are regulated by site plan approval and other applicable law under the Planning Act. Site plan guidelines must be followed for these applications which include provisions for compensation for tree loss. Where trees are proposed to be removed to facilitate a new build, a plan for replacement would be identified with the application which can be in the form of replacement trees or cash-in-lieu payment.
    Q- Is there an opportunity for local businesses to support forestry initiatives?
    		 A - Forestry staff are actively seeking out areas within commercial zones to plant trees within the municipal right of way. In future, it is the intent to collaborate with local businesses to plant trees and naturalize areas of their campus to increase the urban tree canopy.

    Q - What enforcement measures are done to make sure developers adhere to the by-law?

    A - Forest Protection Staff investigate matters that pertain to violations of the private and public tree by-law. There are current provisions set out in both by-laws for ensuring compliance. Staff brought forward recommendations in May for Council to consider on improving enforcement within the private tree by-law. Single family residential construction is regulated by the City's private tree by-law and all applications are reviewed against the requirements.

    Q - Norway maples are an invasive species and could impede the growth of other native species. Why is it not acceptable to remove these trees without paying a fee or permit from homeowners private properties? Will the context of these tree removals be taken into consideration?

    A - Staff understand there are concerns with Norway Maples. Norway Maples were planted widely in many municipalities including Burlington as it was a reliable species for street side landscapes due to its tolerance to a variety of soil types, quick establishment, along with several other characteristics. Norway Maples make up a large amount of the City's current canopy both on public and private property. Removal of Norway Maples without the need for replacement requirements would not be in keeping with the City's canopy targets. Staff understand there is the ability for these species to establish in naturalized areas (e.g., woodlands, or ravines) and become invasive and outcompete native species. The current by-law has a provision for exempting the removal of invasive species as identified within the Invasive Species Act and Weed Control Act. Currently Norway Maple is not listed as a prohibited or restricted species under either Act. Careful consideration will need to be made when determining the approach to this tree species and altering current requirements under the by-laws. Staff are also looking into developing a replanting list of suitable species that homeowners can use a guide.

  • November 22 at 1:00 p.m. Council Workshop

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    This meeting is a workshop and no delegations will be registered. Only staff directions and motions to receive and file will be permitted. Visit the City Meeting calendar to view the workshop.


    Tree Preservation & Enhancement Policy Development and the Private Tree By-law (CWC-11-21)




  • The Recording of the Forest Protection Public Information session is Now Available

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    For those that may have missed the Virtual Public Information session on October 28, the recording is now available. For closed captioning, use the CC icon.

  • Public Engagement Opportunities

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    We are looking for public input on proposed Tree Protection and Enhancement Guiding Principles as well as proposed amendments to the Private Tree Bylaw. We are requesting feedback from residents, businesses, developers and forestry professionals on the proposed policy statements and bylaw amendments.

    There are two opportunities to provide feedback: online survey and online public information session.

    The online survey is open now until Nov. 12, 2021 in the Survey section of this page

    Online Public information session:

    Date: Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021
    Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
    Location: Online.


  • Private Tree Bylaw Update #2

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    Forestry staff provided a supplementary report to support the May 6th committee meeting. At that time, staff received direction from council to consider 15 amendments to the existing Private Tree By-law, related to Policy, processes, and program administration

  • Private Tree Bylaw Update #1

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    Forestry staff provided an update to Council as to the status of the current City of Burlington Private Tree By-law 02-2020 within the Urban Boundary and highlighted proposed improvements for consideration.

Page last updated: 25 Apr 2023, 10:38 AM