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Tree Management

Boulevard and Park Trees:

All trees located on boulevards and in parks are owned by the Town. Residents should not prune these trees, as it may cause damage and violate municipal bylaws.

Request Services for Trees:

  • Tree Service Request:

Tree Service Request Form

  • Boulevard Tree Request:
    • Interested in a tree in front of your home or business? Fill out the Boulevard Tree Request Form. Trees are provided free and planted annually in the fall.

Boulevard Tree Request Form

Relevant By-Laws

  • Tree Removal By-Law: Regulates tree planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on municipal property.
  • Invasive Species By-Law: Prioritizes native plants and prohibits invasive plant species on municipal property.
Why are trees so important?
Trees are essential to our community and environment. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping us breathe better and stay healthy. In summer, trees provide shade, keeping our homes and streets cooler and reducing energy use. Trees also prevent soil erosion and flooding, offer wildlife habitats, and beautify our town, making it a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy nature. Caring for our trees means investing in a greener, healthier future.
Homeowner Responsibilities
  • Plant and care for trees on your private property to expand the tree canopy.
  • Protect and preserve native trees.
  • Do not disturb any trees on public property.
  • Trees on private property are the owner's responsibility, including maintenance and removal costs.
  • If tree ownership is disputed, the tree's base determines responsibility. If more than half grows on Town land, the Town takes care of it.
  • The Town may prune private trees if they affect public infrastructure, like blocking roads and signs.  
Municipal Responsibilities
  • Preserve, plant, and manage trees on public property.
  • Ensure proper tree care and maintenance.
  • Prevent damage or removal of public trees.
  • Tree pruning is completed to:
    • Maintain health.
    • Remove dead or broken limbs.
  • Clear branches that interfere with infrastructure, pedestrian/ vehicular traffic, traffic signage, etc.
    • Removal of Trees is completed when the tree is dead, structurally hazardous, or is unable to be maintained safely. The decision to remove town trees is at the discretion of the Managerial and Supervisory staff of the Public Works Department.
    • Tree Removal Process:
      • Stump Grinding: Done in the late spring/summer months.
      • Filling and Seeding: Clearing stump debris, filling the remaining cavity, and topping with grass seed. This occurs concurrently with the stump removal process.
      • Replanting: If the homeowner is interested in replanting a tree, they are required to fill out the Boulevard Tree Request Form.

Boulevard Tree Request Form
Tree Maintenance Near Electrical Wires
  • Trees near power lines can cause electrical hazards and service disruptions. ERTH Power handles necessary tree trimming.
  • Do not trim trees near power lines yourself. Contact ERTH Power at 1-877-850-3128, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, or email info@erthpower.com.
Native Tree Planting Initiative
Thank you to the Goderich Lions Club for sponsoring the 2025 Native Tree Planting Initiative and to Maitland Valley Conservation Authority for providing trees. Thanks also to residents for planting native trees. Watch for more future initiatives!