Care and Maintenance of Trees on Private & Public Property
Policy related to the care and maintenance of trees on private property falls under the Regional Municipality of Niagara’s Regional Woodland Conservation By-law No. 2020-79
Generally, the Regional by-law prohibits clearing woodland except under specified circumstances. Cutting or removing individual trees within woodlands is permitted, but a permit is typically required.
The Tree and Forest Conservation By-law applies to:
- Woodlands that are 1.0 hectares or more in size
- Woodlands with an area of less than 1.0 hectare upon delegation of such authority by a local municipality in Niagara
- Heritage and significant community trees identified and designated by the Council of a local municipality if authority is delegated to the Region
There are several exemptions to the by-law, including the removal of diseased or dead trees, issuance of a Building Permit, clearing for agricultural purposes, and construction of drainage works under the Drainage Act.
Caring for Our Urban Forest
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and sustainable urban forest for our community. Our approach prioritizes public safety, while also supporting the long-term growth and resilience of our tree canopy.
Currently, the Town focuses on the following core tree care activities:
- Pruning: Removing dead, damaged, or hazardous branches and improving tree structure.
- Removal: Undertaken only when a tree poses a safety risk, threatens infrastructure, or is deemed beyond recovery.
- Tree Planting: Implemented to replace removed trees and enhance canopy cover, where site conditions and resources allow.
All tree health concerns are assessed by qualified staff using industry best practices. Please note that residents are not permitted to prune, treat, or remove trees located on Town property.
While the Town does not currently offer specialized treatments (such as pest or disease management), developing an Urban Forestry Management Plan, identified as an action item in the Town’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, is planned for the near future. This plan will help guide how we care for and expand our urban forest over time.
In order to ensure an efficient use of resources, Staff schedule tree work considering priority and geographic location. If you have concerns about the health or safety of a Town-owned tree, or would like to inquire about tree planting opportunities, please contact the Town at 905-468-3266.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our community safe while supporting a thriving urban forest for future generations.