Before removing a tree, you need to make sure the tree is entirely on your property. If the tree is entirely on your property and removal is necessary, we recommend that you consult a certified arborist before removal. An arborist can assess the tree's health and advise on the safest course of action.
Trees and Forestry
What's on this page
↓Overview
↓Report a street tree concern
↓Tree removal
↓Tree trimming and pruning
↓Tree care tips
↓Additional resources
Street trees are an important part of Milton’s urban forest, helping to create healthy, attractive, and sustainable neighbourhoods. The Town plants and maintains street trees to enhance streetscapes, increase tree canopy coverage, and provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to the community.
This page provides information about the Town’s street tree program, including tree planting, maintenance responsibilities, and how residents can support the long-term health of trees growing within municipal road allowances.
If you are concerned with the health of a street, park or woodlot tree near your property (but on Milton land), you can report your concern.
Removing trees on private property
Removing trees on Milton property
Street trees that belong to the Town and cannot be removed by residents. If a street tree appears dead, unhealthy, damaged, or is causing concern, please report your concern.
Young tree removals
To help manage removals efficiently, the Town removes dead young trees and stumps through scheduled programs rather than one at a time. Dead young trees and stumps are typically removed in the fall, and replacement trees are planted the following spring.
Removing trees on Halton Region property
If your property is more than 0.5 hectares in size and/or contained entirely within the Regional Greenlands System, then you need to review the Region of Halton regulations with regards to tree removals.
The Town of Milton trims and prunes young street trees in urban neighbourhoods every year, mainly in the warmer months – spring, summer and early fall. Generally, trees are pruned every five to 10 years, until they are fully mature.
This work is done for:
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Tree health – addresses dead wood/branches and growth defects
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Safety – maintains clearance over roads, sidewalks, homes, street lighting, etc.
There are a few things you can do to care for trees on or near your property, especially during the first few years after planting.
Trees need regular watering. Follow these watering tips the ensure your tree gets enough water during dry spells:
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Water your tree once to twice per week during periods with little or no rain. 40L per watering is a good amount for most trees. A tree watering bag is an easy way to water a young tree.
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Water your tree less frequently when the weather is cooler
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Identify your tree and research how much water it needs
If the leaves on a tree begin to turn yellow, this may be an indication of too much water.
Adding soil and mulch around your tree
Avoid adding too much mulch (or any soil) to the base of your trees. This can cause the trunk to decay and possibly cause the tree to die. When adding mulch, you should:
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Use an organic mulch of shredded bark or wood chips to retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures and reduce competition from grass and weeds
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Create the Right Mulch Ring: Spread the mulch in a ring around the tree, starting a few inches away from the trunk. Make sure the ring is 2-4 inches deep. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, as it can lead to moisture-related diseases.
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Maintain the Mulch: Periodically check the mulch ring and replenish it as needed. The mulching should resemble a "donut" around the tree trunk.
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Avoid adding stones, pavers, or bricks around the tree. These activities will lead to tree stress and potentially kill the tree if left in such a condition.
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Protect trees from weed trimmers by using flexible tree trunk protectors and mulch rings.
Tree stakes are only required to support your tree for two full growing seasons. Remove stakes after this point to let the tree continue to grow. We will remove tree stakes from trees on Milton property.
If you feel that tree stakes have been left too long on a young tree, please contact us and we will add it to our stake removal program.
TreesAreGood.org is a resource from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) that helps property owners understand the value of trees and the importance trees provide. The website offers practical information and resources to help people care for their trees and make informed decisions when hiring qualified tree care professionals.