 I live in a new subdivision, my street tree is dead. Who do I contact to have it replaced? |
The planting of all street and buffer trees in new subdivision is the responsibility of the Developer/Builder. Please contact your builder/developer directly for replacement of dead street trees, new tree planting and refunds.
The City of Brampton does not plant trees in new subdivisions. Once the subdivision is assumed by the City, all tree maintenance and replacement plantings is the City’s responsibility, it is usually a minimum of 2 years warranty period.
|
| Can I cut down my own private tree? |
Yes, but the tree must be smaller than 39cm in diameter at the approximate 3 – 4 foot (1 – 1.3 meter) height. If the tree is larger than 40 cm in diameter then you must fill out an application for a tree removal permit.
Click here for more information on the Tree Preservation By-law
|
| When do I need to apply for a tree removal permit? |
You need to apply for a tree removal permit when:
Click here to find more information on the Tree Preservation By-law including the application form
|
| Private Tree Failure on Public Property. Who is responsible? |
If a private tree falls into a street, only that portion of the tree that is on public property will be removed. The remainder of the tree is the responsibility of the property owner.
|
| I would like a tree planted in front of my house? Who do I contact? |
Trees are planted to help improve the City’s air quality, to provide beauty and to add economic value to your neighbourhood. The City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section annually plants between 1,000 – 1,500 trees and is responsible for street tree planting in established neighbourhoods, industrial areas, parks, road reconstruction and beautification projects.
The City contracts out the supply and installation of trees. Prior to planting, the Forestry Supervisor or designate marks all tree locations.
The following is a list of criteria used in selecting location and tree species:
- underground and above ground utilities
- wet or dry site
- shady or sunny
- mature height and shape
- tree projected longevity
- flowers or fruit
- susceptibility to diseases or insects
- sensitivity to salt
If you would like to a tree planted in the public boulevard, please contact the City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section of the Parks Maintenance and Operations Department at 905-874-2906.
|
| I would like my boulevard tree pruned. Who do I contact? |
The City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section is responsible for the care of all trees on City owned property. This includes the removal of hazardous or dead trees, as well as the removal of hazardous limbs and pruning for traffic and pedestrian hazards and clearances.
|
| Why should I not top trees? |
Topping is the senseless practice of removing a majority of a tree's branches and is not an acceptable arboricultural practice.
Important facts to remember about topping:
- Topping will not make trees safe, it creates a hazardous tree.
- Topping makes a tree more susceptible to storm damage.
- Topping makes a tree more prone to insect and disease problems.
- Topping is a waste of money.
Correct Pruning is the best thing you can do for your tree. It is illegal to top public tress. If you would like your City tree pruned, please contact the City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section of the Parks Maintenance and Operations Department at 905-874-2906.
|
| Who is responsible for trees encroaching street lights? |
The City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section of the Parks Maintenance and Operations is responsible for clearing all vegetation from streetlights. When a City tree encroaches a streetlight, the Forestry Inspector will assess the tree and determine the best method of pruning that clears the light but does not affect the health of the tree. In some cases, the tree may be removed to achieve adequate light levels. All efforts are made to protect the trees.
Should you have a streetlight/tree conflict, please contact the City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section at 905-874 – 2906.
|
| The tree roots are damaging my sewer pipe. Who is responsible? |
Root intrusion into sewer lines is a common occurrence in older homes and generally indicates the presence of clay piping which, over time separates at the seams, degrading to the point that moisture weeps into the surrounding soils.
The increased moisture promotes root establishment at this depth and root growth penetrates the pipe at the point of the leak, ultimately inhibiting the flow to the main sewer line located at the road.
Feeder roots such as those found blocking sewer lines do not exist at this soil depth (2 meters) unless there is a leak. Sewer line repairs on private land are the responsibility of the property owner. AS the pipe crosses onto the City owned portion of your yard, defects become the responsibility off the Region of Peel who maintain the water and sewage systems.
In the City of Brampton, each property owner is responsible for the entire sewer pipe up, to the property line beyond. Beyond the property line is the responsibility of the Region of Peel. Tree roots are often blamed for blocking sewer pipes; however, tree roots only penetrate sewer pipes that were previously damaged by other factors such as poor construction, aging and soil settlement.
Tree Roots and Sewer Facts:
- Most roots grow horizontally and upward through soil.
- Most roots are in the top foot of soil, few are deeper than 1 meter (3ft.).
- Many roots extend far beyond the tips of the branches.
- Roots grow best in the upper layers of the soil because the available water and nutrients are concentrated in these layers.
- Roots will not grow where moisture and oxygen are available.
|
| What to do with tree surface roots? |
The surface roots of a tree can make cutting or growing grass extremely difficult and frustrating . The roots of the tree, provides mechanical support as well as nutrients and water uptake for the trees. Many species will naturally develop surface roots; others develop surface roots because of soil compaction and improper watering.
Roots naturally grow in the top 10-20 cm of the soil. They also extend beyond the crown edge. The City of Brampton’s Urban Forestry Section does not remove surface roots on City owned street trees. Cutting tree roots is not a recommended practice, primarily because cut roots create an entry way for harmful insects and diseases.
Solutions:
Mulching
Apply a 10cm (4") layer of mulch over the surface root. This will benefit the tree by creating a better growing environment, keep weeds suppressed and keeps lawn mowers and string trimmers away.
Click here to view find more information on Mulching.
|
| Does the City supply mulch? |
No, the City of Brampton does not supply mulch.
|
| Does the City have a memorial tree program? |
The City of Brampton has a Tree Dedication Program that provides an opportunity for trees to be planted in neighbourhood parks to commemorate an occasions.
|
| What are the ten most common residential trees planted by the City of Brampton? |
- Red Oak (Quercus rubrua)
- Chantecleer Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’)
- Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ or ‘Glenlevin’
- Shademaster Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’)
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum )
- Norway Maple (Acer platanoides – ‘Schwedleri’, ‘Crimson King’, ‘Superform’, ‘Royal Red’)
- Ivory Silk Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’)
- White Ash (Fraxinus americanna)
- Maidenhair Tree or Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
|