Burlington offers guide for residents on how to deal with trees on your property

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Published December 6, 2022 at 12:31 pm

Not sure what to do when a tree on your property needs replacing? The City of Burlington has the answer.

The City has created a Guide to Tree Protection to help property owners and applicants navigate tree protection and the City’s tree bylaws, with a focus on the private tree bylaw.

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.

“Submitting a complete and accurate tree permit application can save you time and money,” said Steve Robinson, manager of Forestry.

“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.”

The bylaw protects trees on private property within the City’s urban planning area boundary. If you live within that, 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.

The public tree bylaw 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. It is applicable city-wide.

Contact the City before submitting a permit to remove a public tree at 905-335-7777 or [email protected].

For more information on tree by-laws, to apply or to view the guide, visit the City webpage.

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