Trees and yards
Report damage and request trimming for city-owned trees, learn more about ash tree replacement, tree care tips, and yard maintenance standards.
Trees on public property (including parks, green spaces, trails and alongside roadways) are the city's responsibility to protect and maintain. We have a public tree bylaw that protects them from being cut down or harmed.
We're working to update our urban forestry guidelines and will publish them here when available.
Public tree services
Report tree damage |
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If a tree has been damaged by storm and poses an obstacle or risk to public safety, report it during business hours at 519-886-2310 or after hours at 519-579-9557. If you believe someone is intentionally harming a city tree, report it to our bylaw green spaces during business hours at 519-747-8785, or after hours at 519-570-9770 (ask for dispatch). |
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Request tree trimming or pruning |
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To request routine maintenance such as trimming, pruning, or disease/pest diagnosis, contact us during business hours at 519-886-2310. Pruning is done by certified arborists, who work to achieve our clearance standards:
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Request new tree |
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Each year we plant around 1,200 trees. Call 519-886-2310 to request a tree on public property. | ||||
Ash tree replacement |
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Emerald ash borer is a non-native insect that feeds under the bark of ash trees, disrupting the the circulation of water and nutrients. Infested trees usually take up to five years to die. The insect was first found in Waterloo in 2011. We're committed to maintaining ash trees where possible and following a sustainable plan for tree management and removal.
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Pest removal |
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We do not spray for insects because of the provincial pesticide ban. Visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website for more information We do not remove insect nests within three metres (10 feet) of the ground unless they pose a safety issue. Bees, wasps and hornets generally do not cause a threat to human safety and play important roles in our environment as pollinators, predators, scavengers and prey. Gypsy mothsDue to the high volume of gypsy moths this year, the city will be actively removing gypsy moth egg masses on city owned trees. We encourage residents to do the same on their personal trees. The city will be targeting areas where gypsy moths have been a problem. The current life cycle of the gypsy moth is in the egg mass stage. The best way to contain their spread is to:
Watch this video (2:31) on how to remove gypsy moths. This joint effort between city owned and personal trees will reduce the spread of gypsy moths within Waterloo. |
Taking care of public trees
Watering |
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Young trees need lots of water to grow. We provide a water bag for spring-planted first year trees. This bag can be topped up at any time. For subsequent years, a long slow soak is best so the water has time to move deep down into the soil and encourage deep rooting. Leave a hose to trickle slowly for at least 45 minutes or use about 20 gallons of water, poured slowly. Water about 2-3 feet from the base of the trunk a couple times a month or as needed during drought. When watering trees or lawns, follow the Region of Waterloo's watering schedule. Water from rain barrels or watering cans any day. To help keep soils moist we use organic mulch. Keep mulch and other materials away from the trunk to avoid disease, shallow rooting, and rodent damage. |
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Fertilizing |
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During the first year, a tree is spending a lot of energy growing roots. It is suggested to avoid fertilizer during the first year, especially those high in nitrogen. In future years a slow release organic fertilizer such as bone meal is recommended. |
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Requirements for digging around trees |
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Use the following table to determine how sensitive a tree might be to root disturbance:
If you have questions about how to proceed around a city tree, call us at 519-886-2310 for advice. |
Yard maintenance standards
Lawn watering regulations and restrictions |
Lawn watering is regulated by the Region of Waterloo's Water Conservation Bylaw. Visit their website to learn more about watering days, and to apply for exemptions. |
Front yards |
According to our lot maintenance bylaw, you must keep your front lawn free of "undesirable material" including:
Call our enforcement team at 519-747-8785 during business hours if you're concerned about the front yard of a property in Waterloo. |
Noxious weeds |
To comply with our lot maintenance bylaw, you must keep your yard free of three types of noxious weeds:
Be careful when removing these weeds. Visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website for tips on identifying and getting rid of giant hogweed, poison ivy and ragweed. Call our enforcement team at 519-747-8785 during business hours if you're concerned about noxious weeds growing on a property in Waterloo. |
Invasive plants |
Residents planting invasive species in private gardens are an increasing concern, especially where they grow close to public green spaces. The Grow Me Instead guide provides tips on growing species that are best suited to growing in our environment. View some of the common invasive plant species found within the Grand River watershed. You can report sightings and observations of invasive species through EDDMapS Ontario. |
Encroachment |
Encroachment is the unauthorized use of public land for personal purposes, such as placing a shed, fence or other structure beyond your property line. This includes birdfeeders, play equipment, wood piles, pools, trailers, composters and gardens. Our encroachment policy also regulates altering public land: you may not mow, prune or remove vegetation, plant trees or shrubs, or dump waste on public land. Penalties for encroachment are up to $10,000. Our encroachment policy (PDF) sets out the process to remove encroachments and restore land at the expense of the person who encroached on it. |
Pesticides |
In Ontario you need a license to use pesticides on your lawn. Visit the Ministry of Environment's website for more information. |