The Township of Wellington North is committed to protecting and maintaining our municipal trees. Trees offer environmental benefits and enhance the aesthetic appeal of parks, cemeteries, and roadsides. The Township of Wellington North owns and is responsible for trees located on municipal property.
Tree Concerns (Report an Issue)
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 (*).
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 neighbor 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:
- You cannot enter (trespass) onto your neighbour's property without consent.
- You cannot damage your neighbour's property (in this case a tree).
- 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.
Green Initiatives
- 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.