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The Urban Forestry Section of the Parks Department is responsible for the planting, care, pruning and removal of all trees on Town of Markham property. Approximately 800 trees per year are planted on Town boulevards.
Requests for boulevard trees received by March 31 are planted in spring and early summer. Requests received by July 31 are planted in the fall and early winter, weather and supply permitting.
Boulevard and Park Tree Maintenance
Town trees are pruned on an ongoing block pruning program and on a homeowner request and assessment basis. Trees deemed by Town arborists as a "hazard" are pruned or removed immediately.
Does your boulevard tree require maintenance?
If suspect that your boulevard tree needs maintenance, call the Contact Centre at 905-415-7535 to request an inspection.
If deemed necessary, forestry staff will carry out the following practices to increase the boulevard tree's chances for survival.
- A fertilizer will be applied to those trees exhibiting signs of decline but still appear viable.
- Dead wood will be pruned to allow trees to recover and prevent a vector for disease and insects.
- Trees that are dead or have declined to the point of becoming a hazard will be removed and replaced.
- Homeowners will be requested to perform thorough waterings during extended dry periods.
Ways you can help maintain your boulevard trees
Residents may not undertake any work on trees situated on the road allowance adjacent to their homes. However, residents are encouraged to maintain the health of these boulevard trees.
- Water your tree during dry periods and just prior to winter freeze-up. A soaker hose is an effective method to ensure slow percolation.
- Mulch at the base of the tree is an excellent way to promote a healthy root zone while preventing mechanical damage. Avoid mounding soil up against the trunk of the tree. Organic mulch placed 5 to 8 cm deep around the tree is recommended.
- If your tree is newly planted, please do not remove any stakes that have been placed around your tree. They help keep your tree straight until the root system is fully developed.
- Please do not remove or prune Town trees (pursuant to Bylaw 68-92 (
150k/6p)). Trees in new developments are planted under the direction of the Development Services Commission 905-475-4861. Trees in older neighbourhoods are maintained by the Town of Markham Urban Forestry at 905-415-7535.
Trees in New Developments
Trees planned for new developments and parklands are coordinated through the Urban Design Department of the Development Services Commission.
The Trees for Tomorrow Streetscape Manual ( 3.84MB/65p) is a significant resource tool for developers, contractors, residents and staff. It outlines design and technical guidelines, and identifies selected tree species suitable for new developments.
Inquiries should be directed to the Development Services Commission at 905-475-4861.
Natural Areas
Trees and all other vegetation within natural areas contribute to the natural ecosystem of that area. Forested areas including the understory and fallen trees have their place in nature by decaying naturally and provide organic material and protection of the forest floor. They also provide a natural habitat and environment for animals, birds and insects. Unless there is a danger to the public, natural areas are left undisturbed. We encourage the community to adopt these areas and help to keep them clean of garbage.
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect native to Asia and is known to kill healthy ash trees. While it poses no risk to public health, it is a significant risk to Canada's trees and forests. It has no natural controls in North America that would prevent its spread.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of the EAB in Markham in July 2011.
Should you suspect that an ash tree on municipal property is infested with EAB, please call the Town of Markham’s Contact Centre at 905-415-7535 or the CFIA hotline at 1-866-463-6017.
Additional Information
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Although at the present time there is no evidence of the Asian Longhorn Beetle in Markham, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the first infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Canada, in an industrial area bordered by Highway 400, Highway 407 and Milvan Drive in the City of Vaughan.
The beetle is an invasive quarantine insect native to Asia, and is known to kill healthy deciduous trees. While it poses no risk to public health, it is a significant risk to Canada's trees and forests. It has no natural controls in North America that would prevent its spread.
The CFIA is implementing an aggressive campaign to control and eradicate this unwanted pest with the full cooperation of the Regional Municipality of York
, the City of Vaughan, the City of Toronto and other federal and provincial partners.
What to Do
Should the beetle be found and captured, residents are urged to call the CFIA hotline at 1-800-442-2342. CFIA staff will assess all reports and send inspectors if necessary. Residents are urged not to transport the beetle, or remove potentially affected trees.
Please contact the Town of Markham Contact Centre at 905-415-7535 with any questions or concerns. More information is also available on the CFIA Website http://www.inspection.gc.ca/
Additional Information
Background
- Native to Korea, Japan and southern China
- Transported in untreated wood packing materials. Adults may emerge in transit, at port or final destination ports.
The Threat
- Canada's temperate climate is suitable for the establishment of the insect.
- The insect has no known natural enemies within Canada's forests.
- The majority of Canadian broadleaf trees are susceptible. Most hardwoods are at risk, including all maples, poplars, sycamore, elm, willow, cherry and various fruit trees.
- The insect presents no threat to public health, however it poses a significant risk to Canada's trees and forests.
Area
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) during the week of September 15, 2003 confirmed the first infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Canada.
- The first infestation has been found in an industrial area bordered by Highway 400, Highway 407 and Milvan Drive in the City of Vaughan.
- Toronto
Action Plan
CFIA, The Regional Municipality of York, the City of Vaughan, and the City of Toronto, along with other federal and provincial partners have implemented an aggressive campaign to control and eradicate this unwanted pest. Town of Markham forestry staff are monitoring for any signs of the beetle within the Town of Markham.
Should the beetle be found, or residents have a question about any beetle, residents are urged to capture the beetle and contact CFIA immediately at 1-800-442-2342.
Residents are urged not to transport the beetle, or remove potentially affected trees.
Recognition
Images of the Asian Long-Horned Beetle are posted to the Region of York website at www.york.ca/Departments/Transportation+and+Works/Forestry/Forest_Asian.htm or The CFIA site www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/anogla/tech/anoglae.shtml
Next Steps
Should the beetle be found and captured, residents are urged to call the CFIA hotline at 1-800-442-2342. CFIA staff members will assess all reports and send inspectors if necessary.
