Forestry

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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

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

  • Fall 2024 Tree Giveaway

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    The City of Burlington is giving away 500 trees to residents. Trees are free but residents will need to register ahead of time and select their preferred tree.

    The registration page is available on Tuesday, September 3 at 9 a.m.

    Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
    Time: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pick-up time is dependent on species selected
    Location: Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations Centre, 3330 Harvester Rd., Burlington

    PICK UP 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Basswood (Tilia americana)

    PICK UP 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

    PICK UP 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.:

    The City of Burlington is giving away 500 trees to residents. Trees are free but residents will need to register ahead of time and select their preferred tree.

    The registration page is available on Tuesday, September 3 at 9 a.m.

    Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
    Time: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pick-up time is dependent on species selected
    Location: Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations Centre, 3330 Harvester Rd., Burlington

    PICK UP 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Basswood (Tilia americana)

    PICK UP 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

    PICK UP 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana)

    PICK UP 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

    PICK UP 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. : Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)

    The trees will be in 3-gallon pots with a height range of 40 – 200 cm. A City staff member will place the tree into your vehicle.


  • 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:

    1. 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.
    2. Forestry Investigator Visit: An investigator will visit to assess the property and help select the right tree.
    3. 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:

    1. 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.
    2. Forestry Investigator Visit: An investigator will visit to assess the property and help select the right tree.
    3. 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.

Page last updated: 11 Jun 2026, 12:06 PM