Emerald Ash Borer Update

Excerpted from the Fall 2011 Newsletter:

Emerald Ash Borer Update
On a sad note, I wish to inform you of the loss of many Ash trees in Ward 39. The Emerald Ash Borer insect continues to infect Ash trees in the entire City. Overall, an estimated 420,000 trees, which represents one third of Toronto’s entire tree canopy, will have to be destroyed.

If you have Ash trees on your property which are infected, you are responsible to remove them at your own cost. Should you wish to replace the trees that have to be removed, you could contact:

LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests): they offer a Backyard Tree Planting Program that provides native trees and shrubs to homeowners in Toronto at a subsidized cost. Visit www.yourleaf.org for more information.

For healthy Ash trees on private property, there is a chemical compound that can be injected into the tree every other year to prolong its life. For more information on this process, please contact 311.

What can I do with trees on my property?

At the office, we often receive questions concerning trees on and near your property. Here are some of the most common questions we are asked.

Can I plant a tree at my home?
There is no restriction on planting trees on private property, though residents are advised that once planted, removal of trees may be subject to permits as noted below.

You may not plant trees on city property (ie. the boulevard section, the section of grass closest to the road). You may, however, request that the City plant a tree on your boulevard. An application form with photographs of the 36 tree varieties available can be found here on the City site (link), or you may call 416-338-TREE (8733) to request a tree.

Can I prune/cut down a tree on on private property?
You are allowed to prune a tree as long as it does not cause the tree's death. If you'd like to destroy a tree which measure more than 95cm (38 inches) in circumference at the height of 1.4m (3 feet), you must apply for a permit from the City of Toronto (link). Exceptions may be made if the tree is in danger of causing damage, is terminally diseased, or is already dead. Trees smaller than described above may be removed without a permit. See the city's page on privately owned trees for more information (link).

The tree on my boulevard is damaged, what can I do?
If the tree a tree on city-owned property is damaged or diseased, or you're worried about a tree limb falling off of it, don't hesitate to call our office at 416-392-1374. We will help set up an inspection by the Toronto Urban Forestry Division, and action will be scheduled based on priority. You can also contact Urban Forestry directly at 416-338-TREE (8733).

Why hasn't the tree on my boulevard been pruned yet?
The regular pruning schedule for city-owned trees goes on a cycle of approximately two years, and in this time, trees can grow quite a bit. If the tree is obstructing the view of traffic or the glow of streetlights, you can request a pruning from Urban Forestry or through our office. Note that the tree will be inspected first before it is trimmed, and each of these processes may take up to eight to twelve weeks.

Useful links:
City of Toronto: Urban Forestry Services
Let Us Plant A Tree (boulevard tree info/request form)
Application to injure or destroy trees on private property
Full list of tree by-laws (Chapter 813)