Forestry
Memorial Park - Servicing improvements, site restoration, and new plantings are underway in the north-east corner of Memorial Park.
The baseball diamond will remain open. A portion of the Park Drive parking lot will be fenced off but will remain open to visitors.
Work is expected through end of November.
Forestry
The Town of Stouffville recognizes the vital role that trees and the urban forest play in sustaining the well-being of our residents and environment. Our goal is to protect, maintain, and expand the town’s tree canopy to ensure a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable community. Whether you're in our urban spaces or rural areas, trees are essential in making Stouffville a great place to live.
Tree Removal & Planting
As part of the Town's tree maintenance program, staff monitor and manage trees on municipally-owned property. Dead or damaged trees are removed to ensure safety, and replacements are planted where conditions allow. However, in cases where replanting is not possible due to conflicts with utilities or other factors, we strive to plant a replacement tree in an alternate location. This ensures that Stouffville’s tree canopy continues to thrive.
Spot a Tree That Needs Attention?
If you notice a tree on municipal property that may need an inspection, such as a damaged or diseased tree, please contact us at customer.service@townofws.ca to request an evaluation.
Tree service requests are monitored daily. Requests will be addressed based on a priority sequence, which may be influenced by the scope of the work to be performed, contractor availability, volume of requests in the queue, and seasonal demand.
Trees on Municipal Property
The Town of Stouffville is dedicated to maintaining a diverse and sustainable urban forest. Our forestry management program includes regular inspections of trees in public spaces such as streets, parks, and other Town properties. If a municipal tree poses a safety hazard or is beyond saving due to disease or other factors, it will be removed and, where possible, replaced.
Each year, the Town plants approximately 200 to 300 trees in new locations or as replacements for removed trees. By doing so, we work to maintain the beauty and ecological balance of our public spaces.
Tree Protection By-laws
Stouffville's Tree Protection By-law ensures that trees in designated areas are preserved.
Public Tree By-law
Residents are not allowed to remove, prune, or otherwise injure public trees – they are asked to contact the town for concerns with trees on public property and the town will assess and take the required action(s). Property owners must comply with the Town's regulations and obtain a permit if required. If your tree is part of a woodland or woodlot, you may need a permit from York Region before any removal. Contact York Region Forestry at 905-830-4444 ext. 73000 for more details.
Private Tree By-law
The Private Tree by-law is in place to protect Private Trees, Mature Trees, and Heritage Trees within the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s settlement areas, including Vandorf-Preston Lake, the Community of Stouffville, Gormley, Ballantrae-Musselman Lake, and the Hamlet of Bloomington. Residents or developers will need approval from the Town before removing, cutting, or relocating Mature Trees. This applies if you're submitting a Site Plan, Subdivision Plan, or Consent Application under Sections 41, 51, or 53 of the Planning Act, 1990.
If any trees on your property were removed, cut, or damaged within 60 months prior to submitting your development application, it's presumed that this was done in violation of the by-law. However, you can provide evidence to prove otherwise. The Town also reserves the right to adjust the 60-month period if necessary.
Residents are encouraged to keep healthy trees on their property whenever possible, as they provide countless benefits to both the homeowner and the environment.
Tree Maintenance Tips for Residents
Maintaining your trees is essential for their health and longevity. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
Water trees during dry periods and apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and encourage growth. A garden hose set to the slowest rate of flow possible is best used to get a deep soaking of the roots over the course of 3-4 hours.
Mulching a tree is the best and most cost-effective way to help an urban tree to thrive. Try to avoid ‘Volcano Mulching’. The trunk needs to be exposed at ground level and mulch should not contact the trunk of the tree to avoid moisture and rot problems and to avoid the creation of adventitious root growth. A layer of natural (not dyed) mulch 4-6 inches deep is ideal to be placed around the entire dripline of the tree with the base of the tree trunk to be left without mulch in a 3-4 inch ring around the trunk.
Heavy objects can compress the soil around a tree, reducing the flow of air and water to the roots.
For private trees, regularly prune dead or diseased branches to promote growth and ensure safety. Pruning is best done in the fall or winter when the tree is dormant. Consider calling an ISA Certified Arborist for pruning larger branches, and research proper pruning techniques. Public trees are pruned and maintained by Town staff or Town contractors.
For private trees, when digging near a tree, take care not to damage exposed roots, as root damage can affect tree health and stability. Before starting any excavation, contact Ontario One Call and obtain utility locate clearances. Residents should not excavate within the root zones of public trees. Public trees on Town property are managed by Town staff or Town contractors.
Monitor your trees for signs of disease or infestation. Under the Pesticides Act, 2009, it is illegal to use certain chemicals for residential lawn care. Contact an arborist if you suspect your tree is infected.
York Regional Forest & Recreational Opportunities
Stouffville is fortunate to have a large portion of the York Regional Forest within its northern boundaries. This forest provides opportunities for recreation, including hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation. The Town works with York Region to ensure that this forest is preserved for future generations while offering residents a chance to connect with nature.
Regional/Provincial Roadway Information
York Region is responsible for tree concerns on Regional Roads:
North & South Bound Roads
Woodbine Avenue, Warden Avenue, Kennedy Road, McCowan South of Bloomington, Ninth Line South of Aurora Road, York Durham Line (Shared between York and Durham Region)
East & West Bound Roads
Vivian Road, Aurora Road, Bloomington, Stouffville Road
For more information, visit york.ca/transportation
Get Involved in Stouffville's Tree Programs
We encourage residents to get involved in the care and expansion of Stouffville’s urban forest:
Help care for newly planted trees in your neighborhood by adopting a tree.
Join your fellow residents in community planting events organized throughout the year.
Donate a tree in honor of a loved one or to mark a special occasion. Donated trees will be planted in parks or public spaces.
A not-for-profit organization with various programs to plant trees on private property. Full service tree planting program, do-it-yourself tree planting program, and more.
Visit yourleaf.org or call 1-888-453-6504 for more information.
111 Sandiford Drive, Stouffville ON, CA
customer.service@townofws.ca
(905) 640-1900
Accessible formats available upon request. Contact 905-640-1900 or customer.service@townofws.ca for assistance.
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