Tree Maintenance

Annual tree trimming program – Roads and right of ways

We maintain an annual contract for Tree Trimming/Line Clearing annually. This occurs in selected areas of the City on a three (3) year rotation.

This program maintains:

• clearance between trees and distribution circuits so that continuity of service may be assured and the public is protected against hazards due to interference of trees with overhead lines;
• proper clearance between the trees and roadway/sidewalk areas to assure the public is protected from hazards due to trees interfering with the travelled portions of roadway and sidewalks;
• A healthy urban tree canopy by elevating, trimming, removing deadwood and inspecting trees set out within this program.

Only recognized arboriculture practices are used by the Contractor during this program. The health and appearance of trees are maintained at a level consistent with existing conditions.

Tree trimming program – Parks and public spaces

Tree trimming occurs on an ongoing basis throughout the parks system; concentrating on high traffic locations over a five (5) year rotation.

This program maintains:

• Lower canopy lifting to provide a minimum of nine (9) feet of clearance;
• Strategic structural pruning and thinning to promote good air circulation and reduce pests on all tree species including newly planted and established trees;
• Recognized standard arboriculture practices are performed by staff and contractors to ensure a healthy urban tree canopy and elongates the life of trees in Belleville
• Storm damage response

Tree trimming or removal on City property

Work orders provide a method for residents to report concerns or requests relating to trees on public property within Belleville; report an issue through our online portal. Be sure to identify whether the tree is located in the right-of-way or parks and the reason for concern.

We inspect and complete work orders in priority sequence.

Tree removal

In accordance with the Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation Policy, trees are removed when they are dead, diseased, damaged beyond repair, deemed to be hazardous, interfering with city infrastructure, or if they are an undesirable or noxious species. Once a tree is removed, the location is added to a tree planting list for the next calendar year, or a similar location if the location is deemed inappropriate.

Can I plant a tree on my property?

We encourage citizens to plant trees on private property.

Tree care

Pruning:

• Improves the health and vigour of the tree
• Allow more light penetration, thereby encouraging photosynthesis
• Encourage growth characteristics that accentuate the natural form of the tree
• Safety of the person or property, i.e. removal of dead limbs, limbs over houses, lines, branches in front of signs, and low branches over sidewalks.

Watering:

• Water newly planted trees at the base, making sure to wet the entire root ball area.
• Water the tree as often as twice a week, (approximately 35 to 50 litres) during the first growing season.
• Young trees (up to two years after planting) should continue to be watered at the base, but the diameter of the zone of wetted soil should expand outward as the tree grows. The soil should remain moist, but not wet to avoid oxygen deprivation.
• Regular deep soakings are better than frequent light wettings. Moisture should reach a depth of 12 to 18 inches below the soil surface to encourage ideal root growth.

Mulching:

• Helps control soil temperature, cool/moist in the summer and warm/insulated in the winter
• Retains moisture in the soil
• Helps provide extra nutrients as the mulch decomposes
• Radius of mulch around the tree provides an important barrier protecting them from damage during lawn maintenance, and when able should extend out to the dripline of the tree
• Suppresses weeds and grasses

Can I remove a tree on my property?

Damaged trees and fallen branches can be unpredictable. The City of Belleville recommends that residents seek qualified, insured tree care professionals to perform work on branches larger than 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter, or on trees within 4 metres of overhead lines.

I have an ash tree on my private property. What do I need to do?

There is no immediate need to cut down ash trees on your property. If you suspect an ash tree on your property is infested, you are encouraged to contact a certified arborist to confirm this. If your tree has died or is a hazard, you will need to arrange for its removal as the roots of this species rot very quickly and present a hazardous situation.

For your safety, larger trees should be removed by a qualified and insured tree professional.