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Requesting a City street tree in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton’s street-tree programme plants on the City-owned road allowance. Submit a request, then a Forestry Investigator checks space and selects a suitable species.
Key information
Hamilton’s street-tree programme plants on the City-owned road allowance. Submit a request, then a Forestry Investigator checks space and selects a suitable species.
On this page
Where and how many
A standard lot may receive one road-allowance tree a year; a corner lot can receive up to three. Larger or rural lots may allow more over consecutive years where spacing permits.
This is not private-yard planting. Trees on the public allowance belong to the City. Planting seasons are May to June and September to November. Request through the online form or 905-546-2489.
Site and species selection
A Forestry Investigator considers soil, pollution tolerance, overhead wires, space and distance from driveways, utilities and other trees. The public list includes native and some non-native species suited to urban conditions.
A grass boulevard narrower than 1.75 metres is not planted. Typical spacing from other trees is six to ten metres depending on species. A replacement needs the old stump removed and is placed at least one metre away from the former stump.
Care and waiting
The City maintains and trims its street trees. Follow the care card after planting, protect the trunk from lawn equipment and keep harmful chemicals away. Do not heap mulch against the trunk.
The main care text describes City watering every two weeks for two years, while a later FAQ assigns care to residents after initial watering. Ask Forestry about the actual schedule rather than assuming one visit means no further resident care.
Avoid volcano mulching illustration
Sources: City of Hamilton: official example
Proper tree mulching illustration
Sources: City of Hamilton: official example
Follow up without duplicate requests
If more than a year has passed, call 905-546-2489. Do not send another online request for an already-requested tree. The same number handles a dead or declining new-subdivision tree. The City’s canopy target is 40%, a goal rather than a measured current coverage claim.
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Standard lot | Up to 1 tree/year |
| Corner lot | Up to 3 trees/year |
| Planting seasons | May–June; September–November |
| Minimum grass boulevard | 1.75 m width |
| Replacement offset | At least 1 m from old stump |
What to do next
- Request
Provide property and contact details once.
- Assess
Forestry selects species and planting location.
- Care and follow up
Use the care card and call after a year if still waiting.
10 useful questions
Can the programme plant in my private backyard?
No. It plants on City-owned road allowance.
How many trees can a standard lot receive?
One per year, subject to space.
How many may a corner lot receive?
Up to three per year, subject to spacing.
Who selects the species?
A Forestry Investigator assesses the site and chooses an appropriate tree.
When are planting seasons?
May to June and September to November.
Can a narrow 1-metre grass strip be planted?
No. The stated minimum boulevard width is 1.75 metres.
Can a new tree use the old stump’s exact spot?
No. The new tree is at least one metre away after stump removal.
How far apart are trees normally spaced?
Six to ten metres, depending on species.
Should I submit a second form after a long wait?
No. Call the City if you have waited over a year.
Who trims a City street tree?
The City maintains its tree.
Official information and forms
This guide covers the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, including its named former municipalities. Check property-specific programme boundaries where stated. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.