Trees

On May 24, 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.

The owner acknowledges and agrees that nesting birds will not be harmed or disturbed, and that nests or eggs of migratory birds are not disturbed, destroyed or removed in contravention of any applicable legislation, including but not limited to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, S.O., c. 41, as amended or successor thereto and the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994, c. 22, as amended or successor thereto.

Tree Bylaw Landscape Map
Tree Removal Permit Application

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.

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.

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.

Memorial Tree Planting Policy and Application  

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

The typical processing time for applications is thirty (30) days from the submission of a complete Application. The length of time to process the application may be impacted if additional information is required or if the Tree Permit Application is to be reviewed in conjunction with other development applications.

When the Manager of Parks receives an application for a permit, he/she shall prepare a report forthwith to be heard by Council. Council will decide whether to approve or refuse the tree permit. The owner may appear before Council to make representation regarding the application by notifying the Clerk.

1. Council may revoke a permit issued pursuant to this Bylaw if it was issued because of mistaken, false or incorrect information received from the owner.
   
   Posting of "Notice to Destroy Trees"
   
   The Owner shall post a "Notice to Destroy Trees" sign on the subject property, in a location visible from the street edge, for a minimum period of two (2) weeks prior to the Council meeting. The sign shall be supplied by the Town and shall advise the following:
   
   a) The date of the Council meeting in which the application for the Tree Permit will be considered.
   
   b) The name of the Town official to contact for further information.
   
   Once a Permit is approved

1. The approval of a Tree Permit shall be valid for only one (1) year from the date of issuance.
2. The approved Tree Permit shall be posted on the lot from which the trees are to be injured or destroyed in a location visible from the street edge for the period during which the tree(s) is being injured or removed.
   
   Appeal of an Application
   
   An owner can appeal an application to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) 
   
   The following are the circumstances under which an owner may appeal an application to the Ontario Municipal Board:
   
   a) If Council refuses to issue a permit, provided it is within 30 days after the refusal;
   
   b) If the municipality fails to make a decision on an application, within 45 days after the application is received by the Clerk; 
   
   OR
   
   c) If the owner objects to a condition in the permit, provided it is within 30 days after the issuance of the permit.
   
   Offences

1. Any persons who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence and is liable:
   
   a) On a first conviction, to a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or $1,000 per tree, whichever is greater; and
   
   b) On any subsequent conviction, to a fine of not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or $2,500 per tree, whichever is greater.
2. Any corporation that contravenes any provision of this Bylaw and is guilty of an offence is liable:
   
   a) On a first conviction, to a fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or $5,000 per tree, whichever is greater; and
   
   b) On a subsequent conviction, to a fine of not more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or $10,000 per tree whichever is greater.
   
   Frequently Asked Questions
   
   When is a permit is not required?
   For the injury or removal of up to two (2) trees within a twelve (12) month period, each with a diameter greater than 20 cm (8 inches) or for the injury or removal of any tree with a diameter of 20 cm (8 inches) or less.
   
   How do I measure the diameter of a tree?
   You can estimate the diameter of the tree by using the template attached in the tree kit and placing it around the trunk of the tree approximately 140 cm (55 inches) above the existing grade. For an accurate measurement of the diameter, measure the circumference of the tree at 140 cm (55 inches) above the existing grade and divide by 3.14.
   
   What if there are multiple trunks on my tree?
   A multiple trunk tree will be considered as one tree. The diameter of the tree shall be determined by combining the diameter of the three (3) largest trunks or stems measured approximately 140 cm (5 inches) above the existing grade.
   
   Do I have to apply for a separate permit for every tree I cut down?
   No, under one application you can include as many trees as you wish.
   
   My neighbour is cutting down trees. What can I do?
   If a neighbour has been issued a permit to remove trees, the permit is to be posted in a visible location on the property during the period the trees are being removed. If you do not see a permit, you may contact the Parks division at 365-500-3134 to find out if your neighbour has obtained a permit or is required to obtain a permit. An Enforcement Officer may be sent to inspect the site to determine if the neighbour's tree removal may be in contravention of the Tree Permit Bylaw. The telephone number for Bylaw Enforcement is 905-727-3123.
   
   Do I have to apply for a separate Tree Permit if I have already applied for a Building Permit, Pool Enclosure Permit, Site Pan, Official Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Subdivision, Minor Variance, Consent or Topsoil Removal Permit?
   Yes, but only if the proposed development will cause the injury or removal of a tree that is regulated by the Tree Permit Bylaw.