Town Tree Maintenance

Town streets and parks

The Town prunes and removes trees on municipal property. Tree health and structure can be greatly increased by regular pruning, especially when the trees are young. Immature trees that are left unpruned can develop many structural problems such as weak branch structure, crossing branches, and co-dominant leaders. 

Some branches may be removed to provide clearance for sidewalks, roads, traffic signs, traffic lights and buildings.

Town woodlands

Town arborists prune and remove trees in woodlands throughout the Town when necessary to protect the safety of people or property, or to promote forest health. 

Limb and trunk wood is left on site within the wooded areas. This encourages the natural regeneration of the woodland by providing biomass material for regrowth, provides habitat for woodland insects and animals, and leaves the sensitive woodland understory undisturbed.

You are permitted to prune your private tree under the Private Tree Protection By-law provided the pruning meets good arboricultural standards, which include ensuring that no more than one-third of the live branches or limbs of a tree are cut in one season. 

A qualified arborist should always be retained to carry out tree pruning.

What homeowners should know

Tree roots require three essential elements to grow and thrive: soil, air, and water. The easiest and most reliable place for roots to find these essentials is near the surface of the ground, such as in your yard or a neighbouring property. Roots naturally grow where conditions are most favourable, not underground around properly installed pipes.

Tree roots do not break or crush water or sewer pipes. However, roots are attracted to existing leaks, cracks, or faulty joints, where moisture and oxygen are already present. Aging pipes or substandard conditions—such as cracks in a sewer lateral and aged driveways without proper foundation—can attract roots.

Replacing aging pipes and repairing defective joints is the most effective way to prevent root intrusion and avoid further issues.

Roots brochure: Let's get to the root of the problem

Sewer Lateral Pipe Lining and Repair Subsidy (Halton Region)

Eligible homeowners may qualify for support through the Halton Region Sewer Lateral Lining and Repair Subsidy Program, which helps offset the cost of repairing or rehabilitating damaged private sewer laterals. 

Residents are encouraged to review program details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions by visiting the Halton Region website.

Trees that are removed from municipal property, including streets and parks will also have the stump removed. This is often completed at a separate date from the above-ground removal. 

Locates, markings on the ground indicating the location of underground infrastructure,   are needed prior to the removal of the stump, these are often different coloured lines drawn on the surrounding lawn and hardscape. 

Stumping is essential to prepare sites for future tree planting. 

Irrigation systems or low voltage lighting are not included in the locate process and should not be located on Town land.