Who owns the street trees in Milton?
Street trees growing within municipal road allowances are part of Milton's urban forest; the Town plants and maintains them. Street trees belong to the Town and cannot be removed by residents. If a street tree looks dead, unhealthy or damaged, or is causing concern, report it to the Town.
The Town removes dead young trees and stumps through scheduled programs, typically in the fall, and plants replacement trees the following spring.
Source: Town of Milton, Trees and Forestry
How do I report a problem with a Town tree?
If you are concerned about the health of a street, park or woodlot tree near your property but on Town land, report it through the Town's online Trees and Forestry form.
Source: Town of Milton, Trees and Forestry
Does the Town prune street trees?
Yes. The Town trims and prunes young street trees in urban neighbourhoods every year, mainly in spring, summer and early fall. Trees are generally pruned every five to 10 years until they are fully mature, to remove dead wood and growth defects and to keep clearance over roads, sidewalks, homes and street lighting.
Source: Town of Milton, Trees and Forestry
Can I alter or damage a tree on the boulevard?
Milton's road allowance includes boulevards. Under the Road Occupancy, Fouling, and Entrance Permit By-law, no one may, without a permit, undertake a road occupancy, which includes any alteration of a Town road allowance's grading, landscaping or trees, or excavate, damage or alter any Town road allowance. On a first conviction, an individual faces a fine of up to $10,000.
Source: Town of Milton, By-law No. 035-2020, Road Occupancy, Fouling, and Entrance Permit By-law
Are trees in Milton parks protected?
Yes. Under the Parks By-law, no one in a park may remove, destroy or injure any plant material without the written authorization of the Director, or possess an axe, saw, chainsaw or other tool normally used for cutting or trimming trees.
Source: Town of Milton, By-law No. 072-2006, Parks By-law (consolidated)
How should I care for a young street tree?
Water once or twice a week during dry spells; 40 L per watering is a good amount for most trees. Spread organic mulch 2 to 4 inches deep in a ring a few inches away from the trunk, and do not pile mulch or soil against it or add stones, pavers or bricks around the tree. Stakes are needed for only two full growing seasons; the Town removes stakes from trees on Town property.
If stakes have been left too long on a young Town tree, contact the Town to add it to the stake removal program.
Source: Town of Milton, Trees and Forestry
Can I pay for a tree to be planted in a Milton park?
Through the Commemorative Tree and Bench Program, you can donate a tree to the Town's park system to honour a person, group or occasion. The tree costs $500 to $900 plus HST, depending on species and availability, without a plaque. Planting happens only in the spring or fall planting season, each tree has a two-year warranty, and the Town chooses the final location and species.
Source: Town of Milton, Commemorative Tree and Bench Program