Contacts
The City coordinates a tree planting program that focuses on adding street trees and trees in parks, especially in and around children's play areas. Staff also work to establish planting partnerships with local businesses and community partners.
New - Backyard Tree Planting Program
Beautify your property and help grow our urban forest! The City of Pickering partnered with LEAF and the Region of Durham to bring residents a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting program. Experts will help you select the right trees and planting locations, while also providing the option of full-service tree planting to help ensure long-term survival. Native shrubs are also available! Homeowners, multi-units and businesses with adequate planting space may apply. Quantities are limited. Learn more at yourleaf.org
Outdoor Learning
Visit Pickering's outdoor classrooms to learn more about the trees you see throughout your neighbourhood, or to help you decide which tree species would be most suitable for your yard!
Maple Ridge Park
Staff and students from Maple Ridge Public School planted native trees and shrubs along the creek, and created the artwork and poems that are featured on the interpretive signage. Visit Maple Ridge Park.
Amberlea Park
38 different native coniferous and deciduous trees were planted as a circuit around Amberlea Park, each labelled with their common and botanical names. View our interactive park map. Visit Amberlea Park.
Bicentennial Arboretum
The Bicentennial Arboretum was constructed in 2011, in commemoration of the City's 200th anniversary and features 28 different native coniferous and deciduous trees as well as shrubs. Locate the arboretum in Google Maps.
Commemorative Tree Program |
Residents and friends of the City of Pickering have the opportunity to commemorate individuals through the donation of a public tree in one of the City's parks or open spaces. View our Commemorative Programs page for details. |
Emerald Ash Borer |
What is Emerald Ash Borer?The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive pest that attacks and kills ash trees in North America. It was first identified in Pickering in 2008 and has since spread city-wide. Infestation and ash mortality is expected to expand to the city's approximately 3,500 ash trees. Ash Tree Management Program
Large ash trees on private property are also at risk - see below Trees on Private Property. TreatmentIf EAB is detected early enough, or if the ash tree appears healthy, the tree may be treated with TreeAzin (a naturally occurring bio insecticide), which has shown to be effective in controlling EAB and keeping ash trees alive and healthy. To date over 1,000 trees have been treated. If a tree is heavily infested (more than a third of the crown has died off), the City recommends removal for safety reasons and to prevent the continued EAB spread. Tree Removal/ReplacementThe City prioritized the removal of ash trees and replaced them with various suitable species throughout 2015. To date, over 1,000 trees have been removed and replaced.
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Tree Protection |
The City's Tree Protection By-law 6108/03 prevents the destruction of healthy trees in the specified tree protection areas, in an effort to protect and preserve the environment. What you should know?A permit is required to remove any tree in a protected area in the City. Protected areas usually run through and adjacent to watercourses and green spaces. View Pickering's tree protected areas This By-law is actively enforced at all times by the Durham Regional Police Service, the City's Municipal Law Enforcement Services, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Cutting down a tree in a protected area without a permit can result in fines of $1,000 per tree or $10,000 whichever is greater. You can report any damage to trees in a protected area to our Customer Care Centre. A General Guide
Exemptions
Resources
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