To report an immediate hazard, please call 3-1-1.
Forestry staff are responsible for the maintenance of all municipal trees, and are committed to ensuring City-owned trees remain in good health.
If you think a City-owned tree is unhealthy, you can request a Forestry Inspector to check its condition for issues like dead branches, disease, infestation, or pruning/trimming needs:
After Forestry Services completes tree removal, pruning or other maintenance activities on City-owned trees, wood and branches are piled for pickup and a separate crew will return to collect those materials.
If the pile is still there after 3 business days, you can:
Submit a request for brush or wood pickup.(link is external)
Forestry Services grinds down stumps on municipal property, including parks and road allowances. This work is done between May and November. Please note that the City does not remove stumps on private property.
Request stump removal on municipal property(link is external)
If you are uncertain if a tree is privately or municipally owned, you may:
Request a Forestry inspector to determine tree ownership(link is external)
Plant a tree by your home
The City’s Trees in Trust program needs your help to find suitable locations for street trees. Street trees are available by request on a first come, first served basis. If your City-owned street frontage lacks a tree and you have the time and commitment to help care for one, please contact us.
Before you begin
Things to consider:
- The program applies only to homes with street frontage (the space between your property line and the roadway).
- The property owner must pledge to assist with the proper tree care (watering) for the first three years of the tree's life. Instructions will be provided.
- Trees will be a minimum size of 50 mm diameter, or 2 to 3 meters in height.
- There is a limit of one tree per single fronting household or two trees per corner lot.
Eligibility
The following criteria will be used to assess potential planting sites:
- Is there enough space? (other trees or obstacles must be a minimum of 7m away)
- Are there overhead or underground utilities?
- Does the soil quality appear to be acceptable for tree growth?
- Are there any conflicting uses on the planting site?
- Has the request been made by the homeowner? (i.e. the person who pays taxes on the property)
- Is there an obvious conflict with traffic safety requirements or City maintenance (i.e. sightlines or snow removal operations)
Cost
There will be no charge to the homeowner (supply and planting will be provided by the City).
Apply
To participate in the program please submit a service request(link is external) or call 3-1-1.
Contact
Should you require additional information please email forestry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application).