Trees

Private Tree Protection Bylaw

In 2016, the Town of Aurora Council approved a revised bylaw regarding the destruction of trees on private property and enacted the Private Tree Protection Bylaw, bylaw number 5850-16. 

This bylaw regulates the cutting and injuring of trees within the Town of Aurora. It also helps preserve the valuable urban tree canopy now estimated to cover 28 per cent of the Town's overall land.

Changes and guidelines to the new bylaw:

• Number of trees that can be removed from a private property in a 12-month period without obtaining a permit has been reduced to two (2) trees from four (4) trees.

• A permit to be obtained prior to removal of a single heritage tree or a single tree in any heritage district as described by the Bylaw.

• For larger properties, owners shall be permitted to remove two (2) trees per .25 ha. of property in a 12 month period without obtaining a permit. (For example: Owner of a 1 ha. property can remove eight (8) trees in a 12-month period without obtaining a permit.)

For more information, please call (365) 500-3134.

Tree Bylaw Landscape Map
Tree Removal Permit Application

Municipal Street Tree Block Pruning

Aurora has a vast inventory of municipal trees under the management of the Parks Division. Every year parks staff undertake a major annual pruning of roadside trees throughout the winter months that currently operates on a seven-year pruning cycle. Tree pruning is completed to provide overhead clearance for vehicles and sidewalk pedestrians.

The Town has two fully trained and experienced municipal arborists on staff, responsible for 90 per cent of our forestry operations. Due to the extensive tree inventory, we encourage residents to call our office with reports of problem trees, or trees on municipal boulevards which requiring pruning. Our staff will respond to any problem associated with a municipal tree on short notice.

If you have any questions regarding the work please do not hesitate to contact the Parks Division at (365) 500-3134.

Boulevard Trees

Trees have been planted within the municipal road allowance in your neighbourhood. The species and locations are pre-approved by the Town through either a municipally approved planting plan prepared by the developer, or as selected by the Town's arborists. The Parks division encourages a diversity of trees on our boulevards and in our community. In addition to the often planted Maple species, you may also see Honey Locust, Gingko Tree, Hackberry, White and Burr Oak, Ash, Ivory Silk Tree, Linden, Turkish Hazel, Buckeye, Chanticleer Pear, Pioneer Elm, and Kentucky Coffee Tree.

Generally, trees are planted in front of each house; exceptions to this are semi and townhouse units where space may be prohibitive. Setbacks from light standards, electrical and other services, driveways, sight triangles, etc. may also prevent some trees from being planted. Trees planted in new subdivisions will typically be under warranty for two years, and during this time, the developer's contractor is responsible for maintenance. At the end of the warranty period, the Parks Division will assume responsibility for their care. Boulevard trees in established neighbourhoods are planted and maintained entirely by the Town's Parks Division.

You can assist the Town to create a healthy urban forest by looking after the tree planted close to your property. Here are some tips for how to care for your boulevard tree:

• Water the soil around the base of the trees thoroughly at least once a week, during dry periods only, to help establish roots.

• Maintain the woodchip mulch in the shape of a broad, low saucer, as shown in the diagram. While mounding up the mulch or soil around the base of the tree may look aesthetically pleasing, it causes the water to run away from the roots, starves the surface roots of oxygen and may encourage mold and pests to invade the bark.

• Remove weeds, grass and any other plants from the woodchip mulch to reduce competition for water and nutrients with the forming tree roots.

Call the Parks division at (365) 500-3134 if your tree appears to be dying, damaged or requires pruning.

Memorial Tree Planting

The Town of Aurora has a Memorial Tree Planting policy to enable the planting or designation of memorial trees on municipal lands within the Town. If you are interested in planting a memorial tree on municipal lands within the Town, please see the link below to review our Memorial Tree Planting Policy. If you have any questions or require further information please call (365) 500-3134.

Backyard Tree Planting Program

The Backyard Tree Planting program is a partnership involving Aurora, York Region and LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests).

Through a full-service Backyard Tree Planting Program, a LEAF arborist meets with the participant in their backyard to select the best species and location. They teach the homeowner proper tree care and the benefits of trees. LEAF staff will return to plant the trees in spring or fall. The cost of this program ranges from $150 to $200 per tree (and this amount includes the consultation, tree, and planting service).

The Do-It-Yourself Program, participants complete an online workshop (education portion) and receive email advice on species selection from a LEAF arborist, picks up their tree in the spring or fall from a community event, and then plants the tree themselves. The cost for this program ranges from $25 to $35 for small trees (for pick up) to $100 to $150 for large trees (for delivery).

To learn more visit yourleaf.org