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• Benefits of Trees

  Trees are a vital component of building healthy and sustainable communities. Beyond offering shade and enhancing natural beauty, trees provide a wide variety of economic, social, health and environmental benefits.

  Economic B​​enefits

  • In the winter, trees shield your house from the wind, reducing your heating costs
  • In the summer, shade provided by trees reduces the need for air conditioning
  • Mature trees increase the value of residential properties
  • Trees absorb rainwater, making your home less vulnerable to flooding

  Health and S​​​ocial Benefits

  • Trees act as visual and sound barriers, protecting communities from the impacts of nearby traffic and commercial activities
  • Trees provide natural traffic calming in residential neighbourhoods and offer privacy to residential homes
  • Trees have been shown to reduce stress, promote safe and healthy environments, and help define communities
  • Shade from trees provides protection from harmful UV rays

  Environmental Be​​nefits

  • On average, a single tree produces several hundred pounds of oxygen annually, and filters harmful pollutants from the air
  • Trees provide a natural habitat and source of food for wildlife, including birds and small mammals
  • Trees protect and improve watercourses by absorbing and purifying groundwater, as well as reducing impacts from soil erosion​
• Native vs Non-Native Species

  Why Plant Nati​​ve Species?

  Native species plants require less water, are more resistant to disease and inclement weather, and thrive naturally in our environment. Compared to non-native species, they are easier to maintain and contribute to local biodiversity. 

  Not all non-native species are invasive or hazardous to the local ecology; however, they typically require more resources in order to thrive outside of their natural environment.

  Native Tree and S​​hrub Species

  Evergreens White pine (Pinus strobus) White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) White spruce (Picea glauca) Eastern hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis)	Shade trees Red oak (Quercus rubra) Pin oak (Quercus palustris) Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) Red maple (Acer rubrum) Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Shagbark hickory (Carya ovate)
  Small trees Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) Red mulberry (Morus rubra) American mountain ash (Sorbus Americana) Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)	Shrubs Red Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) Gray dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) Honeysuckle (Lonicera) Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) American hazel (Corylus Americana)
  Vines and groundcovers Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Bunchberry (Cornus Canadensis)

  Invasive S​​​pecies

  Invasive species of plants pose serious risks to the health of native species plants, local ecology, and human habitation. They ​​are aggressive in their consumption of resources and space. They may kill nearby native plants, introduce disease to the area, and hybridize with other plant species during their reproduction. Inv​asive plant species are difficult to control due to their natural aggressiveness, high rate of reproduction, and lack of natural predators in the environment.

  Common Invasive Trees and Shrubs

  • Dog-Strangling Vine
  • Manitoba Maple
  • Norway Maple
  • Garlic Mustard
  • Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn
  • Amur, Morrow, and Tatarian Honeysuckles
  • Japanese Knotweed
  • Giant Hogweed
     
• Planting Tips

  ​Planting a tree has long-term implications for the future enjoyment of your property. Taking time to plan where and how to plant your tree will yield benefits for many years as the tree matures. 

  Similarly, planting a tree without attention to its location and expected growth may have negative consequences. Here are some things to consider when planting trees and shrubs on your property:

  Choose the Righ​​t Tree

  • Begin with a native species (see the Native vs. Non-Native Species page for details)
  • Choose the tree that best suits your landscaping plans. Consider things like seasonal colour, leaf density, fruit production, wildlife attraction, common diseases and vulnerabilities, shade, wind reduction, and maintenance.

  Choose the Right Location

  • Consider the expected size of the tree once it has matured.
  • Ensure that there are no possible obstructions or risk of property damage in the future, such as structures or walls and overhead utility wires. 
  • Avoid planting too close to existing trees or shrubs.​

  Plant Within Your Property Boundaries

  • Ontario case law has determined that trees with trunks straddling property lines are shared property. Therefore they require the permission of both property owners to remove.
  • When picking a location to plant your tree, remember that the root zone is usually measured at 1.5 times the height of the tree. Try to pick a suitable location that is adequately distanced from neighbouring properties.
  • If you are unsure of your exact property boundaries, refer to a property survey.

  Call Before You Dig!

  • Find out where any existing utilities are located underground before you risk damaging gas, cable, electricity, water, or cable connections to your home.
  • Visit Ontario ​One Call ​for more information and to request a utility locate.

  Consult an Arborist or Visit a Tree Nursery

  They can help you identify what species of tree would work best on your property.

• Municipal Trees

  The Township is responsible for maintaining trees along streets and parks within the municipality. This includes trimming and pruning for health and safety purposes, removing dead, dying or diseased trees, and planting replacement trees.

  Boulev​ard Trees​

  Trees planted within the boulevard are the responsibility of the Township to maintain. The boulevard is the land between the traveled portion of the road allowance and your property line.

  Please take care to protect boulevard trees near your property. Be careful not to harm the trunk or exposed roots when using lawnmowers or weedwhackers near the base of the tree. Occasional watering and mulching is encouraged and welcome.

  If you suspect a boulevard tree is diseased, damaged, requires pruning, or is at risk of falling over, please contact the Park, Recreation and Culture at 905-833-5321 or parks@king.ca​ . The Township asks that residents do not perform any remedial work on boulevard trees near their property. Pruning or cutting a municipal tree is not advised.​​

  Trees in Parks

  The Township is responsible for maintaining all trees in municipally owned parks, open spaces, and cemeteries. The Township asks that residents do not ​​​​interfere with trees in these spaces - if you have a concern about the health or safety of a park tree, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department at 905-833-5321.

  Planting Memorial Trees in Parks

  The Parks Department administers the Memorial Bench and Tree program for all Township parks. If you are interested in having a memorial tree planted in a Township park, please complete the Community Services Memorial Bench and Tree Program Application Form. 

• Diseases & Hazards

  Managing Diseases and Hazards

  To maintain the health and longevity of your tree, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and threats posed to your tree by disease and injury.

  As a private property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your tree does not pose a risk to the lives or property of others - you may be liable for injuries or damage caused by your tree if it falls down.

  If you suspect your tree is a potential hazard, strongly consider having the tree removed as soon as possible. If you are unsure of your tree's condition, contact a certified arborist to conduct an inspection of the tree. Depending on its condition, an arborist may be able to save a portion of the tree and provide valuable advice about how to prevent further damage.

  Hazard Trees

  A hazard tree is any tree that poses a threat to people or property. Common hazards include:

  • Broken or hanging branches
  • Root problems that risk the stability of the tree
  • Rotten wood or other threats to the structural integrity of the tree
  • Cracks, splits or fissures in the wood

  Hazard trees are often at risk of falling over and causing damage or injury. If you observe any of these conditions or believe your tree to be hazardous, consider having a portion or the entire tree removed. Consult a certified arborist if you are unsure.

  Diseases

  Threats to trees from disease come primarily from fungal infections and pest infestations. 

  Emerald Ash Borer

  The most common and threatening pest in Ontario today is the Emerald Ash B​orer.

  The Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native invasive species that attacks and kills ash trees. The insect is estimated to have infested and killed approximately 70 million ash trees in North America since it was first discovered. I​t is widely expected that it will eliminate virtually all ash trees in Southern Ontario.

  The Township of King has developed an Emerald Ash Borer Mana​gement Strategy to identify and mitigate damage caused by the invasive pest. The Region of York, in partnership with other York Region municipalities, is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring the health and longevity of urban forests across York Region.

  If you suspect that an ash tree on your property has been infested with Emerald Ash Borer, contact a certified arborist. They will be able to provide you with an assessment of the tree's condition as well as advice on tree protection, removal and replacement.

  Asian Longhorned Beetle

  A secondary infestation threat also exists from the Asian Longhorned Beetle. 

  This non-native invasive species targets healthy deciduous trees such as maple, birch, elm, poplar, and willow. The insect was first identified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in the City of Vaughan in 2003. Since then, quarantine measures implemented by the CFIA have effectively contained the insect, resulting in the declared eradication of the pest by the CFIA. However, the City of Mississauga has reported an emergence of the insect in 2014, leading to new concerns about its presence in Southern Ontario.

  While the insect is not known to be present in King, please notify the Township and CFIA immediately should you see one.

  Other Pests

  Caterpillars and other insects may create infestations and promote disease. If you notice large numbers of insects in and around your tree, you may have an infestation. A certified arborist will be able to provide an effective solution to infestation.

  Fungal Infections

  Fungal infections can occur when trees are damaged and the inner wood is exposed. While they are not always lethal to the tree, they may threaten their structural integrity over time and shorten their lifespan, in addition to damaging the aesthetic appearance and overall health of the tree.

  Common signs of infection include spots and discolouration on leaves, sections of dead leaves or branches, and growths in and around the trunk.

  What do I do if I suspect my neighbour's tree is hazardous?

  Talk to your neighbour

  They may not be aware of the condition of their tree and will address the issue themselves. Always give your neighbours the opportunity to resolve the matter first - this approach maintains neighbourly relations and supports a positive community atmosphere.

  Consult a certified arborist or tree nursery

  If you are unsure of the condition of your neighbour's tree and they are unable or unwilling to address the matter, speak with an arborist or local tree nursery to determine if what you see is a genuine hazard. They may be able to provide advice without inspecting the tree directly.

  Contact the Township's By-law Enforcement Department

  If your neighbour is unable or unwilling to address a serious hazard tree that is at risk of falling down, contact the Township's By-law Enforcement Department through serviceking@king.ca. Dead or dying trees and shrubs​ need to be removed under the Township's Clean Yards By-law​. Please note that this should be a last resort - in the interests of good neighbourhood relations, it is better to resolve the matter privately.​

  A By-law Enforcement Officer will attend the property and request that the tree be inspected to determine its structural integrity and overall safety. If the tree is shown to be a hazard, the Township may order the property owner to remove the tree.​

• Property Boundary Trees

  
  ​Trees that straddle property boundaries can be a source of conflict if neighbours disagree about the condition and value of a tree. Listed below are some general points to keep in mind if you have a tree that sits across your property line:

  You cannot remove a shared tree without the permission of all owners
  A 2013 Ontario Superior Court decision​ determined that trees with​​ trunks straddling property lines are considered shared property, and therefore require the permission of all shared property owners to remove. Removing or intentionally altering or damaging a shared tree without permission could result in civil action against you, and harm your relationship with your neighbours.

  You have the right to trim and control all vegetation that extends over your property

  All tree branches, shrubs, and other foliage extending over your property can be trimmed without requiring your neighbour's permission, even if the plant originates from your neighbour's property. You may do this work from your property, however you cannot enter your neighbour's property to do the work without their permission.

  It is always best to talk to your neighbour before taking any action that could harm or damage their tree or shrubs. Avoid any actions that could threaten the health and longevity of the tree: over-pruning, removing branches or limbs, or damaging the bark of the trunk all risk exposing the tree to infection.​

  Dead or dying trees at risk of falling are a serious property standards matter

  The Township's Property Standards By-law #98-182 requires that property owners maintain their properties free from dead or dying trees that are at risk of falling over. It is your responsibility as a property owner to ensure that your tree does not pose a safety risk to you or your neighbours.

  If you are concerned about the condition of a neighbour's tree, speak to them first before contacting the By-law Enforcement Department - they may not be aware of the potential hazard. By-law Enforcement Officers will investigate calls for trees at risk of falling and advise property owners of their obligations under the Township's by-laws. See the Diseases and Hazards ​page for information on identifying diseases and hazards and how to address them.

  If you are unsure if a tree is considered shared, consult a land survey

  A survey will identify where a tree is situated relative to all property boundaries. Remember that the root structure of a tree is usually measured from the base of the trunk at a radius of 1.5 times the height of the tree. This means that if your tree is wholly on your own property, removing it may impact or damage your neighbour's property because the roots extend beyond the property line.

• Tree Planting Programs

  Whether it's one tree or one thousand, ​there are plenty of programs available to assist you with affordably planting trees in King. 

  Leaf Backyard Tree Program

  • Residents of King are eligible to receive subsidized tree planting in their backyards with the help of the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF). For $150-220 per tree, LEAF will provide consultation with a registered arborist, site assessment, delivery and planting of a 5 to 8 foot tree in your backyard.

  Region of York Planting Programs

  • The Region of York offers several different planting programs for large and small properties.

  Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

  • The LSRCA Landowner Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP) offers grants and technical assistance to property owners ​within LSRCA jurisdiction looking to plant native trees and shrubs to maintain and enhance the Lake Simcoe watershed.

  ​Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

  • ​The TRCA ​Private Land Tree Planting Program offers subsidies and assistance to property owners with 2 acres of land or more within TRCA jurisdiction looking to plant native trees and shrubs.​

  Trees Ontario 50 Million Trees Program

  • Trees Ontario promotes forest recovery and growth by reducing costs for property owners who are interested in large-scale tree planting. Read about Trees Ontario's 50 Million Trees program at the link below.

  Maples Leaves Forever

  • Maple Leaves Forever is a registered charity that provides subsidized Maple saplings and trees to property owners in Southern Ontario.​​