Tree Maintenance Program

The City of Markham is responsible for the planting, care, pruning and removal of all City-owned trees. City-owned trees are pruned through an ongoing tree maintenance program, where trees that have been deemed as a “hazard,” are pruned or removed immediately. In 2020, the City is launching its tree maintenance program which will result in street trees across all eight Wards being pruned on a cyclical basis, every seven to 10 years.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Parks and Forestry Supervisor Miles Peart explain the Tree Maintenance Program and what residents can expect this year and moving forward:

All trees located on City-streets will be pruned over the next few years. Tree maintenance will occur in all eight Wards.

See which streets we will be offering tree maintenance to first.

City staff consider the following when planning for tree maintenance:

• Volume of service requests,
• Tree size and maturity,
• and Consistent service across all Wards and neighbourhoods.

All requests from residents regarding tree service are assessed and scheduled in order according to safety priority.

When will tree pruning start?

Tree pruning will begin in February 2020 and will continue throughout the spring and fall.

Tell me more about the program?

We have launched a comprehensive community tree maintenance program focused on our trees which require the most work first. Our plan will be to complete a substantial amount of work within the next three years. We ask for your patience and understanding as our contractors continue to work their way through the City.

Pruning of City-owned trees is performed by both City staff and tree care contractors.

Pruning is a common tree maintenance procedure where dead, damaged or potentially damaged, and hanging branches are removed from a tree.

No. Reducing the size of trees, especially from the top is very harmful to the health of the tree and in most cases leads to increased risk in the long-term.

Large growing shade providing trees are planted on our streets intentionally so that the many benefits they offer can be enjoyed throughout the community, as we strive to meet our 30% canopy cover goal in Markham.

Well pruned trees are healthier and live longer. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and safer. Improper pruning can create lasting damage and can even shorten a tree’s life span.

Trees are pruned for many reasons including:

• For safety;
• To provide adequate height clearance for pedestrian and road traffic;
• To maintain an adequate clearance of sidewalks, traffic signs and streetlights;
• To reduce the risk of hazards (branches that could cause injury or property damage); and
• To promote proper tree form and good branch structure

Request tree maintenance or report tree damage here.