Since the provincial government passed the Ontario Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act in 2009 -- which banned the sale and use of more than 250 products and 80 pesticide ingredients -- the City has adopted an “Integrated Plant Health Care” strategy to increase the heartiness of grass and deter weed growth where possible.

The following steps are taken by the City to combat weed growth, while remaining compliant with The Act:
• Adjusting the frequency and timing of when City-owned lawns are cut, to reduce the number of weeds that spread seeds (dandelions flower in both May and August).
• Mowing grass at a 3 to 4” height to promote stronger grass roots, create shade at the soil level, and discourage the germination of seeds to weeds.
• Increasing the fertilizing and aerating of high-traffic grass areas.
• Treating hard surface areas such as walkways with a high-pressure steam system called “Aquacide” to control the spread of weeds.
• Covering garden and shrub areas with mulch to help retain water and prevent weed seeds from coming in contact with soil.
• Through the development planning process, trees are replacing some of our shrub borders in new developments to reduce the areas prone to weed growth.
• Reducing the number of hard surfaces utilizing unit pavers, which permit weed growth along seams between the pavers.
• In the areas where the above-mentioned methods are not practical, City staff will manually/mechanically remove weeds.
• Using applications of non-banned substances (fatty acids) to control weed growth on hard and granular surfaces in parks and on selected sports fields.

We try to have the garbage cans emptied at least once a week at each playground or parkland location to prevent overflow. If you have noticed that there is an overflowing garbage can that needs to be emptied, please contact 3-1-1.

Tree inspections are conducted by a certified Arborist from the City's Urban Forestry team. The Arborist takes into consideration a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the percentage of canopy loss, the structural integrity of the tree, as well as the risk to both public and private properties. In some instances, damage to the tree may not be noticeably visible. The City is committed to preserving trees and green spaces and to only removing those trees that require removal.

No, the public is not permitted to do any work on a tree located on public (City) property.

No, Urban Forestry staff will determine the type of tree that is best suited for the location.

An inspection can take up to 90 days. This estimate is based on resources and weather conditions.​

Yes, you will receive a door hanger indicating that Urban Forestry staff have completed the inspection of the tree on public property.​

The timeframe for completion will be dependent on the condition of the tree and the severity of the work required.​

The City does not support the removal of healthy trees for driveway widenings. The City also does not remove stumps on public (City) property. Members of the public are also not permitted to conduct any work on trees located on public (City) property

​Please contact your service provider. The City may attempt to remove the wire, however we are not responsible for any damages incurred as a result of the wire being removed and/or cut.​

​An application to injure/remove a tree can take up to 30 days for processing. You will receive a letter from the City in the mail unless otherwise stipulated on your permit request.​

If you have exposed tree roots on your property, you are encouraged to soil and seed the area which may assist with the overall health of the tree.​

An Urban Forestry staff member will inspect the tree, and if it is determined to be healthy, the tree will not be removed. The Region of Peel is responsible to maintain the water pipes from the road to the shut off valve in front of your home. 
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