Forestry
Burlington is committed to fostering a thriving urban forest that enhances the quality of life for its residents. The goal of achieving 35 percent tree canopy cover by 2060 reflects the City’s dedication to creating a healthier, greener environment.
The urban forest provides aesthetic value and also delivers a broad range of benefits to the community. From improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff to creating natural habitats for wildlife, the trees of Burlington help contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable city, providing socio-economic benefits, resulting in higher property values, noise reduction, and overall beautification of theContinue reading
Burlington is committed to fostering a thriving urban forest that enhances the quality of life for its residents. The goal of achieving 35 percent tree canopy cover by 2060 reflects the City’s dedication to creating a healthier, greener environment.
The urban forest provides aesthetic value and also delivers a broad range of benefits to the community. From improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff to creating natural habitats for wildlife, the trees of Burlington help contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable city, providing socio-economic benefits, resulting in higher property values, noise reduction, and overall beautification of the City and its neighbourhoods.
The City’s Urban Forestry section is responsible for the ongoing care and maintenance of municipally-owned trees, forest planning, health and protection. This includes key initiatives such as grid pruning, tree planting, young tree care, stumping programs, and the administration of the public and private tree protection by-laws
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Participate in the City’s Street-Side Tree Planting Program!
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The City of Burlington’s Street-Side Tree Planting program is designed to bring more trees to our neighbourhoods.
How to Get Your Street-Side Tree
Getting involved in our Street-Side Tree Planting program is easy, hassle-free and just three steps:
- Contact us! Call the City at 905-335-7777 or email city@burlington.ca(External link) and mention that you’d like to participate in the City’s Street-Side Tree Planting program.
- Forestry Investigator Visit: An investigator will visit to assess the property and help select the right tree.
- Planting: If the right-of-way is a good candidate for a tree a good candidate for a tree, staff will add your address to the list of planting locations for the upcoming planting season.
Program Guidelines
Eligibility for participation in the program is determined by factors such as property size, proximity to the road, and other relevant considerations. Not all properties will be a good candidate for a street-side tree.
Residents can indicate the tree species preference at the time of request. Staff will try to accommodate resident requests; however, species choice is not guaranteed.
Scheduling of tree planting will be determined by the location, suitability and availability of the chosen tree species, as well as the current number of requests.
It's best to contact the City so that staff can best determine feasibility for participation in the program.

The City of Burlington’s Street-Side Tree Planting program is designed to bring more trees to our neighbourhoods.
How to Get Your Street-Side Tree
Getting involved in our Street-Side Tree Planting program is easy, hassle-free and just three steps:
- Contact us! Call the City at 905-335-7777 or email city@burlington.ca(External link) and mention that you’d like to participate in the City’s Street-Side Tree Planting program.
- Forestry Investigator Visit: An investigator will visit to assess the property and help select the right tree.
- Planting: If the right-of-way is a good candidate for a tree a good candidate for a tree, staff will add your address to the list of planting locations for the upcoming planting season.
Program Guidelines
Eligibility for participation in the program is determined by factors such as property size, proximity to the road, and other relevant considerations. Not all properties will be a good candidate for a street-side tree.
Residents can indicate the tree species preference at the time of request. Staff will try to accommodate resident requests; however, species choice is not guaranteed.
Scheduling of tree planting will be determined by the location, suitability and availability of the chosen tree species, as well as the current number of requests.
It's best to contact the City so that staff can best determine feasibility for participation in the program.
Signup Banner
Who's Listening
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Phone 905-335-7777 ext 6167 Email steve.robinson@burlington.ca -
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Phone 905-335-7777 ext 6145 Email kyle.mcloughlin@burlington.ca -
Phone 905-335-7777, ext 6121 Email melissa.torchia@burlington.ca
Level of Engagement
- Inform
- Consult
Key Dates
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March 31, 2023
Forestry has finished this stageSpring Tree Giveaway registration opens at 9 a.m.
Please visit springtreegiveaway.eventbrite.ca for more information and to register.
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Sat April 29, 2023
Forestry has finished this stageThe tree giveaway pick up 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,
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
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Sept 3, 2024
Forestry has finished this stageFall Planting to begin
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March 25, 2025
Forestry has finished this stageUpcoming Public Engagement Session: Greening the Crosstown Trail
On March 25, residents are invited to join City staff and Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan at Mountainside Recreation Centre to learn more, provide feedback, and ask questions about this project. Community feedback will help guide the planning process and ensure the project meets local needs.
Public Meeting Information:
- Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- Time: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Mountainside Recreation Centre, Community Room 1
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2026
Forestry is currently at this stageKeep checking the page for more updates
Important Links
Document Library
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Burlington Executive Summary - 240308 - v1.4.pdf (24.9 MB) (pdf)
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Pollinator Meadow - Board 1.png (7.26 MB) (png)
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Pollinator Meadow - Board 2.png (16.4 MB) (png)
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Pollinator Meadow - Board 3.png (66 MB) (png)
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Pollinator Meadow - Board 4.png (33.2 MB) (png)
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Crosstown Greening presentation (95.6 MB) (ppt)