2006 TREE PLANTING
REVISED TREE PLANTING GUIDELINES (4 June 2006)
1. 1 new tree per city lot or 2 new trees per corner lot on the ROW (one tree in front and
the other on the side)
(NOTE)
This does NOT apply to requests for a replacement tree. This may mean that such
requests result in more than 2 trees per lot. Inspectors are encouraged to use
discretion when actioning such requests, to advise residents on the appropriate
spacing for trees, to substitute small sized trees when planting in situations where the
spacing is 4-7m from the dripline of an existing tree or to suggest that the resident
consider planting a tree at their expense.
Two trees per lot is based upon Council’s direction to include as many participants as
possible under the Trees in Trust program.
NOTE that ALL plantings will be reviewed at the end of each planting season and
Inspection staff will be required to justify any anomalies associated with the trees that
they authorize.
2. No planting on corners or anywhere where it would create a sight line concern.
3. Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5m for deciduous and 4.5m for conifers from any
private walkway or driveway.
4. There must be a minimum spacing of 3m between two existing driveways.
(NOTE that such cases where a tree is impacting more than 1 property as in the
above example or in front of duplexes where the tree has to be placed in the middle of
the greenspace both homeowners MUST sign the Request For Tree Planting form.
IT IS THE INSPECTORS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT BOTH
RESIDENTS ARE CONTACTED, NOT THE RESIDENT WHO IS
INITIATING THIS REQUEST AND THIS MUST BE INDICATED ON THE
WORK ORDER.
5. For deciduous trees in boulevards maintain a minimum distance of 2.5m away from
the curb and 1.5m from the sidewalk, privacy fence, hedge or sound wall.
6. Maintain a minimum of 2.5m from fire hydrants and no plantings in front of hydrants.
7. Maintain a minimum of 3m from all hydro transformers
8. Maintain a minimum of 1m from all Bell and Cablevision Posts.
9. Maintain a minimum of 10m from bus shelters, community mailboxes etc.
10. Maintain a minimum of 1.5m from old stumps greater than 10cm in diameter.
11. Maintain a minimum of 7m away from any part of other trees i.e. trunk or canopy
drip-line currently existing on the site when planting a new tree.
2006 TREE PLANTING
REVISED TREE PLANTING GUIDELINES (4 June 2006)
12. Maintain a minimum of 4-7m away from any part of other trees i.e. trunk or canopy
drip-line currently existing on the site when planting a replacement tree.
NOTE that closer spacing for replacement trees at the end of their life cycle will be
considered IF there is sufficient space to allow the new tree to grow and NOT
interfere with the canopy of the existing tree and IF the existing tree is +- 5 years
from removal. Such replacement trees must be potted trees no larger than 25mm (1”)
in diameter and dependent upon site conditions such trees CAN be planted closer to
the existing tree
13. Wherever possible ensure a minimum grass or open earth area of 9m2 and an
acceptable soil depth of 1m and quality soil (no sensitive marine clay), to support the
development of a healthy tree.
14. Ensure no future conflicts with building projections, overhead or underground
utilities or street lighting that would pose future maintenance problems or impeded
full development of the canopy. i.e. no large sized trees under hydro lines
15. When replacing a tree 10cm or less in diameter the stump box on the notification can
be left blank and the stump can be removed at the time of planting. To ensure that the
tree is removed in a timely manner the removal will be actioned by the Tree Inspector
at the time of inspection. The tree is to be cut as close to the ground as possible. A
work order can be written for the Hiab to remove the stump and reinstate with topsoil
and seed or it can be left at ground level and will be removed at the time of panting if
the tree is to bereplaced. Consult with the Planting team if in doubt.
16. Ensure that the resident knows that the planting is always subject to utility clearances
and that the agreed upon placement could be changed AND that the tree will be
protected by the Tree by-law and it cannot be moved after it is planted
17. A map for reference purposes MUST accompany all requests for park plantings AND
INCLUDE THE PARK ADDRESS. Reference to street addresses may be included
for orientation BUT MAPS MUST BE INCLUDED or the planting will not be
actioned.
18. If any vegetation (shrubs, perennials, annuals etc.) exists that the resident indicates
they will remove PRIOR to the city planting a tree they MUST BE ADVISED that
once they have REMOVED the vegetation (and any support structures) they should
call back and the request WILL BE PROCESSED AT THAT TIME.
19. No trees are to be planted on vacant lots; there must be a house on the property in
order to get a tree. The rationale for this is that future construction will damage the
tree AND future site plan approvals may require resident to plant their own tree.
2006 TREE PLANTING
REVISED TREE PLANTING GUIDELINES (4 June 2006)
20. The Trees in Trust program will always have a minimum selection of tree species on
the form. Park replacement plantings can be selected from a wider species list.
Consult with the Planting team if in doubt.
21. Planting requests in parks that are NOT replacements are to be given to the Forestry
Services Program Coordinator to ensure compliance with Park Planning, park master
plans and construction activities. NOTE that the field work for such requests i.e.
contact with the applicant, measurements; information on species selection etc. is to
be done by the Inspector prior to handoff.
22. Planting requests on widened road allowance that are more than a linear planting of
trees i.e. reforestation plantings or multiple rows of trees are to be coordinated with
the Forestry Services Program Coordinator to ensure compliance with ROW
management activities and the capital budget program.
23. Planting anomalies that must be included on the Work Orders or that should be
communicated directly to the Planting team include:
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Requirements for Tree Guards
Presence of inter-lock, tree grates or vaults
Requirement to cut asphalt or concrete
Difficult to access locations. NOTE that such locations may require potted
trees or special species to suit the location.
21. Non-salt tolerant trees are not to be planted on arterial streets.
22. Even if the homeowner does not like the look of city tree it does not immediately
justify its removal. Give a weak tree a chance and don’t give up on them too soon.
Consider liquid fertilizer, or bark tracing small wounds or a site consultation with
other Forestry staff.
23. All notifications must have numbers
24. All planting notifications needs a Civic Address!! This is required because the
Locator’s come from out of town and are not familiar with Ottawa.
25. Provide information regarding the size, species and history of the removed tree. This
is required because the planting location in proximity to the stump can change
because of this information.
26. If a tree i.e. a sugar maple that died from verticilium wilt, we should not be planting
another tree of the same species in the same vicinity.
2006 TREE PLANTING
REVISED TREE PLANTING GUIDELINES (4 June 2006)
27. Note that certain individuals have used the City’s Trees in Trust program to fulfill
their obligation under conditions of site plan or to landscape properties that they are
developing. The program is not intended for this purpose and such requests should be
denied. When in doubt, consult with the management team.
28. In areas of sensitive marine clay certain residences have finalized legal agreements
with the city that prevent tree planting. The planting requests are monitored by the
Planting team to avoid planting trees at these locations which to date are located in
Wards 2, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 & 18. The Inspectors should be aware of these locations
in their respective Wards.
PLANTING IN AREAS OF SENSITIVE MARINE CLAY
In areas where it has been confirmed that sensitive marine clay exists fast growing, high
water demand trees MUST NOT be planted closer to a building than a distance equal to
their height at maturity. Only one of the small sized trees listed below can be placed a
minimum distance of 7.5m from any building when planting along road allowances.
Newly planted trees must be a minimum of 2.5m from the curb and have a small sized
canopy at maturity to allow sufficient space for snow and ice control purposes. NOTE
that coniferous trees are the one exception to the height rule since they are rated as a low
water demand tree species. However the mature spread of such trees (4m+) increases the
potential for conflict with the snow and ice control program and such trees require a
placement a minimum of 4.5m from the curb.
Forestry Services has received requests from residents who have had foundations claims
with the City where they have requested a replacement tree. Current Forest policy allows
for the replacement of a tree in such circumstances, but only on the adjacent private
property and after a signed release is received from the resident.
In future either scenario may be feasible, in such cases please discuss the request with the
City Forester prior to confirmation.
Species List
Species
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Crabapple (Malus spp.)
Japanese Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
Green Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens)
Water Demand
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Low
2006 TREE PLANTING
REVISED TREE PLANTING GUIDELINES (4 June 2006)
The listed trees are to be offered in any reforestation program in a sensitive marine clay
area where trees will be planted in proximity to structures. In accordance with the above
criteria, and where sufficient space exists, any new trees can be placed on the ROW,
however, should the space not allow for the placement of a tree on the ROW the city, if
requested, will action a tree planting on the adjacent private property IF the resident signs
a legal waiver absolving the city of any future liability. It is understood that the tree will
become the property of the resident and that they will assume complete ownership and
responsibility for the tree.