Trees

Town Trees are pruned by Town Staff on an ongoing basis. Trees deemed as a "hazard" are pruned or removed immediately. Tree trimming and maintenance will only be conducted by Town staff. A tree branch obstructing visibility of intersections or roads signs or shading a portion of the road causing ice to form will be removed for safety reasons.  Branches obstructing or interfering with pedestrian traffic or maintenance equipment will be removed.

Due to the Town's extensive tree inventory, we encourage residents to contact our office with reports of problem trees, or trees that requiring pruning. Our staff will respond to any problem associated with a municipal tree.  

You can contact Town staff regarding your tree concern or with questions by reporting your concern, or contact the Public Works department by email, or phone at 519-925-2600 x 261. 

Town staff will try to save trees through pruning and maintenance before the consideration of removal. If a resident thinks a street tree located on Town property should be removed, a request must be submitted. An inspection will be carried out by Town staff.  All debris caused by the removal of the tree will be removed and site will be cleaned.  Street trees that are removed will be placed on a replacement list for future replacement. Trees will be replaced during the annual tree planting contract in the spring and/or fall, as budgets permits. 

If a street tree needs to be removed because it is dead or appears stressed, you can report your concern or contact the Public Works department by email, or phone at 519-925-2600 x 261. 

The Town will remove tree stumps if any portion of the stump in located on the town property and if:

1. Stump is interfering with Public Utility or sidewalk.
2. The tree was removed by the Town.
3. If stump is partially located on private property, the Town will bear full cost of removal but will have adjacent property owner sign a consent form to authorize removal.

Tree replacements will be selected from a list of species (provided by a local nursery) that suit the site conditions.  Replacement trees will be planted in the same location as they were initially removed from. The type of tree and location will be determined by the Town to ensure that the tree will not interfere with underground utilities, sidewalks, present and future sight lines, and snow removal.

The responsibility for maintenance and care of the new tree will be the responsibility of the homeowner.  A care guide will be provided to the homeowner from the contractor or nursery as to the care in the first few years of planting.  A tree agreement will be signed by the homeowner upon planting a new tree.  

Trees will be planted during the annual tree planting contract in the spring and/or fall, as budgets permit

There are a few things you can do to care for trees on your property. In order for a tree to flourish, it needs more watering during long periods of dry weather. This is especially important for young trees. Young trees require more water and care when first planted to ensure that they grow and thrive in the first years after being planted. 

Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) is an invasive pest that attacks broadleaf trees, with native Maples being the preferred host.

There have been no sightings of ALHB in Shelburne to date, it is important to be on the lookout for this invasive pest

Learn how to identify the Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) and what you can do by visiting the Ontario Invading Species website on their Asian long-horned beetle page or read Common Pests of Trees in Ontario from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Emerald Ash Borer is a pest that has killed Ash trees in southwestern Ontario. It is prohibited the movement of firewood and any material made from Ash trees outside of designated areas.

The Emerald Ash Borer attacks both healthy and stressed Ash trees it will travel a few kilometers per year on its own; however it can be easily dispersed long distances by people moving infested materials, such as firewood, logs, lumber, and woodchips.

Learn how to identify Emerald Ash Borer and what you can do by visiting the Ontario Invading Species website on their Emerald Ash Borer page or read Common Pests of Trees in Ontario from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

See the Town's Notice on Emerald Ash Borer. 

Gypsy moth is an insect that has been munching through tree leaves in Southern Ontario in greater numbers than in years previous and has reached outbreak levels and continue to expand their range.

Gypsy moth caterpillars can be found on mostly hardwood tree species, such as:birch, maple, oak, poplar, willow and others. This species is known to infest trees in woodland or suburban areas.

Learn how to identify Gypsy Moth and what you can do by visiting the Ontario Invading Species website on their Gypsy Moth page or read Common Pests of Trees in Ontario from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Maple bladdergall mite

Causes small wart-like growths on the top surface of the leaves of silver and red maple. 

Maple spindlegall mite 

Causes spindle-shaped growths on the upper surface of the leaves of sugar, silver and red maple.

Crimson erineum mite

Causes red granular patches on either surface of the leaves of sugar, silver, and red maple.

Although the damage caused by Maple Gall Mites may look severe, they actually do not interrupt the functions of mature trees.

Learn how to identify Maple Gall Mites and what you can do by reading the Common Pests of Trees in Ontario from the Ministry of Natural Resources. 

The Town follows guidelines under Ontario Regulation 69/09 Section 25, if a street tree is infested with disease or pest.  If an unlisted pesticide is required for that treatment, a written opinion will be obtained from a certified Arborist or a person registered under the Professional Foresters Act, 2000.   The written opinion must be held on file by the Town for 24 months following the application of an unlisted pesticide.  Notification must be provided to all homeowners that abut the subject property at least 24 hours prior to use.

The Town will use different management techniques to address disease and pest population starting with the least harmful to the environment.