Tree Management and Care

The Township of Wellington North owns and is responsible for trees located on public property.

If you have a concern with a tree on public property - it is dead, a downed limb, etc. - we invite you to fill out all of the information below and Municipal Staff will follow up as necessary. 

Required fields are marked with asterisks (*).

Tree Reporting Form

The Township of Wellington North does not regulate the trimming of trees on private property.

If the tree in question is dead/dying or has dead branches that could be hazardous, a Forestry expert and or Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may investigate and order the tree removed at the owner’s expense.

Where a tree on a private property is protected under the provisions of a county by-law or is located within a tree preservation protection area, pruning of the tree is permitted provided the pruning is in accordance with good arboricultural standards and does not damage the health of the tree. 

Why Tree Trimming is Important

• Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches
• Promote healthy growth and vitality
• Prevent safety hazards such as falling branches or interference with power lines
• Improve the aesthetic appearance of your property

Safety First: Hire a Professional

While trimming trees on your property can seem straightforward, it is always strongly recommended to hire a certified professional arborist. Tree trimming, especially when it involves large or hazardous trees, can be dangerous and requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Certified arborists are trained to handle tree care safely and effectively.

Legal Considerations:

• Property Line Trees: If your tree is near a neighbour’s property line, trimming should be done with care. Always consult your neighbour and hire a professional to avoid disputes.
• Trees Near Public Property: Trees near roads, sidewalks, or other public property may require consultation with municipal staff, please use our Tree Reporting Form to inquire. 
  
   

The Township of Wellington North recommends that you discuss this with your neighbour and if an agreement cannot be reached, to consult with a lawyer before undertaking any works. 

There are three main points to remember when dealing with trees on adjacent private property:

1. You cannot enter (trespass) onto your neighbour's property without consent.
2.  You cannot damage your neighbour's property (in this case a tree).
3. You have the right to maintain your property in a safe condition.

 It is therefore best for property owners to come to an agreement between themselves with respect to trees overhanging property lines. 

If you are unable to reach an agreement with your neighbour and want to determine your legal rights, you should contact a lawyer. 

The act of pruning trees on neighbouring private property affects private property rights and is a civil issue between private property owners. 

Where a tree on a private property is protected under the provisions of a county by-law or is located within a tree preservation protection area, pruning of the tree is permitted provided the pruning is in accordance with good arboricultural standards and does not damage the health of the tree. 

A qualified tree expert should always be retained to carry out tree pruning.

🌳 Mount Forest Green Team Initiatives

The Mount Forest Green Team is an active community partner working alongside the Township to support local environmental stewardship. Their efforts focus on tree preservation, community education, and hands‑on climate action.

🌲 Tree Preservation and Enhancement

The Green Team collaborates with the municipality to help protect existing trees and encourage additional tree planting throughout the community. They are also a member of Tree Trust, an organization dedicated to extending the life of mature trees.

Each year, the Green Team selects a notable municipal tree to receive specialized care. Qualified arborists provide longevity‑enhancing maintenance, while the community is invited to attend and learn through guest speakers and music.

🗺️ Municipal Tree Inventory

The group is developing a comprehensive inventory of municipal trees using a Geographic Information System (GIS). This project maps trees by GPS location and records details such as species and diameter at breast height (DBH), supporting long‑term planning and environmental management.

🌎 Community Clean‑Up and Waste Reduction

The Green Team organizes an annual town‑wide Earth Day cleanup in partnership with the high school CELP class and local businesses. Residents are encouraged to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle responsibly.
 

🤝 Meetings and Contact Information

The Green Team meets on the first Wednesday of most months at 7:00 p.m. at the Mount Forest United Church.
For more information, please contact Rhoda Seibert at 519‑323‑2105 or rhoda@xplornet.ca.

• Warden’s Tree Planting (2023 & 2024): In 2023 and 2024, staff from the County and Township came together to participate in the Warden’s tree planting initiative. 
• Conn Community Hall Tree Planting (2022): Township staff came together in 2022 to plant various trees at the Conn Community Park and Playground. 
• GRCA Heritage River Designation Event (upcoming 2025): This event will be planned in conjunction with the Grand River Conservation Authority's heritage river designation, with trees provided by the County’s Green Legacy Program.

• Completion of the transition to e-billing for Wellington North Power. 
• Implementation of e-billing for various services including DocuSign (digital signatures), Cloud Permit (building permits), PerfectMind (facility rentals and program registrations), and burn permits. 
• Implementation of electronic file system, Filehold, and digital submission options throughout various departments 

• In the past, the Township has partnered with the Green Legacy Program to distribute trees at the Kenilworth Municipal Office for residents to plant. Staff are currently reviewing opportunities to reinstate this program.