Trees are essential to our health and well-being and are a major contributor to creating a sustainable community. A healthy acre of trees absorbs enough carbon dioxide over one year to equal the amount produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.
The Town has several programs and initiatives in place so that Georgina’s green spaces remain vibrant and continue to flourish.
York Region's Forest Conservation Bylaw protects forests in York Region. Under the bylaw, landowners require a permit before they can remove trees from treed areas greater than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres). A permit must be obtained before any trees are injured or removed. To determine which permit applies to your planned tree removal, visit York Region Forests. You can email York Region Forestry or phone 1-877-464-9675 for more information.
If you have a tree on your property (that is on the Town road allowance, i.e. boulevard) and it is not doing well, contact the Town at 905-476-4301 and the Forestry Division will come out and determine if the tree is in fact dead or diseased and needs to be removed and replaced.
Tree Preservation Policy Update
Currently, the Town has a Tree Preservation and Compensation Policy passed in 2016, which applies to certain types of development applications. Staff are in the process of reviewing this policy for updates to promote the development of healthier and more resilient communities, and to better align with the comments and concerns of our surrounding residents.
Tree planting programs
Interested in adding more green to your landscape? There are many planting programs available in York Region, including those offered by York Region, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Organization (LEAF).
Need a tree, some shrubs or even a forest? One of these programs might just have what you’re looking for:
LEAF Backyard Tree Program
Residents are eligible to receive subsidized tree planting services in their backyards with the help of the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF). LEAF offers a variety of programs, including a full service and do-it-yourself tree planting program, and edible and native garden kits. The full service program includes a consultation with an arborist, site assessment, delivery and planting of a 5 to 8 foot tree in your backyard. Yards must meet LEAF’s program requirements to be eligible. For a limited time offer, eligible property owners in York Region can save $100 when buying a new tree through LEAF to replace their dying, dead or removed ash trees. There is a limit of five rebates per property and rebates are issued on a first come, first served basis due to limited supply. Restrictions apply.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (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.
York Region Tree Planting Programs
Own land in York Region? Start growing memories today for you and your family. York Region offers several different Tree Planting Programs for large and small properties.
Tips for watering and caring for a newly planted tree or shrub
Tips
- Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be watered immediately after planting to remove air pockets and settle the soils.
- Regularly water the tree for the first one to two years.
- When watering trees, use a hose or bucket and allow for the water to pernitrate into the ground, soaking the roots to promote a healthy root system.
- It is best to water trees and shrubs early in the morning or in the later afternoon to avoid water evaporation.
- The soil at the base of the tree should be cool and moist. Ensure you are not over watering and do not water when the soil around the base of the tree is wet.
- In the first two years, water twice a week in the growing season. After year two, reduce the amount of watering so the tree doesn’t become dependant and the roots will have become deeper in the soil.
- It is best to add a perimeter of mulch around the base of the tree to help with water evaporation.
Tree preservation and compensation per Development (Planning) applications
All planning applications before the Town of Georgina are subject to the below Policy OID-01 as it relates to tree inventory, preservation, protection and compensation. Planning applications include Committee of Adjustment applications, as well as all Plans of Subdivision, Zoning Bylaw Amendment, Official Plan Amendment and Site Plan application. The services of a certified Arborist may be required in order to comply with the Policy.
For further information on this policy, contact the Landscape Architectural Planner in the Operations and Infrastructure Department at the Georgina Civic Centre.