Boulevard Tree Protection

Water Newly Planted Trees
Watering will enhance a new tree's chances of survival. There's no magic number here! Instead keep the top 12 inches of soil in and around the root ball moist.

Report Damage & Issues
Contact the Parks Department to investigate and take necessary actions as soon as possible.

Report Disease and Insect Damage
Contact the Parks Department to investigate and take necessary actions as soon as possible. Samples from the tree in question might be taken if required.

Enjoy the Benefits of Your Tree
Trees capture carbon dioxide in the air and store it in their trunks, roots, and branches.

Trees improve air quality by absorbing particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.

Trees reduce storm water flow by retaining rainfall in their foliage for a period of time.

Trees provide shade and cool the overall temperature of the City.

Spread Mulch Around Tree Base
Spreading a 2" layer of mulch around the tree trunk and root system can prevent moisture loss and reduce soil compaction, just remember not to pile mulch against the tree trunk as it can encourage bark rot.

String Lights and Ornaments
A person may place strings of lights and ornaments in a public tree during the months of October, November, December and January so long as doing so does not injure or damage the public tree, and the location of lights and electrical cords do not violate any other Regulation or By-law and does not create a safety hazard. Lights or ornaments left in public trees after January will be removed at the homeowner's expense should they interfere with the City's Tree Maintenance Program.

Prune Boulevard Trees
If public trees require pruning, contact the Parks Department who will forward concerns to the Forestry Section to investigate and take necessary action as soon as possible.

Remove Boulevard Trees
Contact the Parks Department detailing your reasons for the removal request. Generally healthy trees won't be removed unless the following:

• Pose a Hazard to public.
• Interfere with overhead utility infrastructure.
• Diseased

Damage Boulevard Trees
Avoid use of lawnmowers, cord trimmers and equipment near tree trunks. Avoid fastening hooks, screws or decorations into trees.

Raise the Soild Grade Around Trees
Adding soil to create raised flower beds is a common activity that raises the soil grade and negatively impacts the tree. Majority of trees' roots are located int he first 6"-18" of soil and these roots need oxygen to survive. Adding soil can suffocate and kill the roots which can weaken the tree or even kill the tree.

Plant Boulevard Trees
Must be approved by the Parks Department prior to planting.

*The above Don'ts are prohibited by By-law No. 7285 and will carry specific penalties for violators. Trees on private property interfering with public right of ways is the responsibility of the property owner. If you are aware of such trees, please report their locations to the Parks Complex at 204-729-2148.

Plan Ahead
Contact a City Arborist prior to proceeding with any construction near City trees. Ensure trees are avoided during construction plans.

Install Tree Protection Fencing
Fencing must be erected prior to construction. Use 2x4 posts to frame a Tree Protection Zone around trees within 3-5 meters of construction and attach snow fencing.

Report Any Damage Done to Trees
Contac the Parks Section to investigate and take necessary actions as soon as possible.

Water Trees
Provide water (slow soak over the root zone, water tree when 1-2 inches of the topsoil has dried) to the tree during and after construction.

Remove Boulevard Trees
Contact the Parks Department detailing your reasons for the removal request.

Prune Boulevard Trees
If public trees require pruning to allow access for construction, contact the Parks Department who will forward concerns to the Forestry Section to investigate and take necessary action as soon as possible. Make sharp clean cuts on roots.

Raise the Soil Grade Around Trees
Adding soil to raise the soil grade can negatively impact the tree. Majority of trees' roots are located in the first 6"-18" of soil and these roots need oxygen to survive. Adding soil can suffocate and kill the roots which can weaken the tree or even kill the tree.

Compact the Soil
Compacted soil reduces oxygen and water movement throughout the soil. This can cause stress, decline or death to the tree.

Stockpile Construction Material or Demo Debris Near Tree
Keep construction and demo material out and away from the Tree Protection Zone.

*The above Don'ts are prohibited by By-law No. 7285 and will carry specific penalties for violators.