 When you think of Hamilton, think green! The Forestry Section has stewardship of hundreds of thousands of municipal trees across this vast City of Hamilton. We care for, trim and maintain more than 120,000 trees located in parks, open spaces and cemeteries. In addition, our foresters maintain over 300,000 street trees located within the road allowance of the 3,088 kilometres of City roads.
On call 24/7, our Forestry team is vitally important in responding to emergency storm damage across the City. We also work under agreement with Hamilton Hydro to maintain clearance of the energized conductors. This work is undertaken year round by permanent Forestry Staff, who have proven that they are qualified to work around hydro in a manner which will keep themselves, their fellow workers and the public safe. They are a proven link in maintaining an uninterrupted supply of power to our houses and businesses.
The Forestry Section is responsible for a number of different duties and services, including:
Tree Maintenance
Trees that are deemed to be the responsibility of the New City of Hamilton are trimmed to remove dead limbs and maintain clearance over sidewalks, roadways and away from structures. Trees will be removed only if they are dead or dangerous, the only exception being Crab-apple trees which are considered a nuisance species as per the Tree Bylaw.
Trimming occurs in a ten year "Grid Cycle" for the area which was formerly the City of Hamilton, or on a request only basis for the former outlying areas. The portion of the New City under this grid program is divided into 118 areas, 77 of which are located below the escarpment and 44 which are located above the lower City.
Trees are only removed when they become a liability to the New City and its residents. Requests for tree removal due to seed production, leaves dropping and clogging eves troughs or the inability of the homeowner to continue raking leaves cannot be accepted as valid reasons for removal. The subsequent homeowner may appreciate a shade or ornamental tree on their property.
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Street Tree Planting Program
Street trees represent one of the simplest, yet effective ways to improve the quality of our urban environment. The benefits of increased tree planting, such as a cooled microclimate in summer, reduced wind-chill and snowdrift in winter and better air quality, help support many of the City of Hamilton’s VISION 2020 goals. City of Hamilton residents may now request to have a free tree planted on the city owned portion of their property.
A representative from the Forestry Section will investigate each tree planting request to determine site suitability. Please be aware that not all tree planting requests can be accommodated as planting may be restricted at some locations due to site limitations such as the location of underground and overhead utilities, lot size, and existing trees.
All street trees will be planted on the City owned road allowance adjacent to a resident’s property. These trees are considered to be the property of the City of Hamilton and are protected under existing by-laws. Future tree maintenance will be performed by qualified City of Hamilton staff.
Please visit our Street Tree Planting website. Please view our pictorial Tree Database to choose from a list of available tree species. Species selection ultimately depends on tree availability and the tree’s suitability to the preferred site. You may complete an on-line request form or contact our Customer Contact Centre at (905) 546-CITY (2489) to complete your request.
Additional information:
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Clearing of Energized Conductors for Hamilton Hydro
Urban Forestry crews trim trees to clear the hydro lines on a 10-year cycle. Maintaining adequate clearance of hydro lines passing in front of your house is a priority. The distance we give to the overhead energized conductors varies according to the voltage carried by the line. The clearance of the service lines feeding your house is of lesser importance and can often wait. These three strand wrapped triplex lines feeding your homes and businesses require minimum clearance. Please call Hamilton Hydro at 905-522-6611 to have them convert any old three strand service lines to the safer triplex system. The City of Hamilton, Forestry Section, will only clear hydro lines for Hamilton Hydro customers; we do not clear for Bell or Cable service lines.
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Storm Damage (Tree Failures)
In spite of the ongoing maintenance we provide to street and park trees, storms causing tree failures and damage do occur. Forestry staff respond to storm damage locations on a 24 hour a day, seven day a week basis. Storm damage calls are inspected by competent tree Investigators who evaluate the damage, record information and take photographs as well as dispense information required to process claims and reconnect power if hydro is involved.
Jobs are then prioritized before being dispatched to available crews. Priority is always given to limbs / trees on energized conductors, road blockages which may impede the movement of emergency services and tree failures which pose potential danger to people or where structures are damaged.
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Sewer Street Tree Root Program
Effective January 8th, 2003, the Sewer Street Tree Root Program is being administered by the Water and Wastewater Division. Any inquiries pertaining to this program should be forwarded to (905) 546-4426.
Note: All tree root invoices to be sent to the City of Hamilton, Water and Wastewater Division, Wastewater Collection Section, 330 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton, ON, L8L 5W2 for processing.
Site Plans
The City of Hamilton's Suitable Tree Species List Suitable Tree Species List (Commercial) (updated February 16,2004)
The City of Hamilton's recommended Tree Species & Recommended Use Index. |