Proposed Tree Management Policy

The Town's urban tree canopy is a source of civic pride and a major component of Pelham's environmental health and future sustainability. Not surprisingly, the care and maintenance of municipal trees are a priority throughout the municipality.

The existing policy S802-01 states that the Town of Pelham provides the community with safe and healthy trees on municipal property maintained and inspected regularly. However, it does not provide specific guidance for staff or direction regarding its application previously found within the Tree Planting, Maintenance and Replacement Guideline approved in 2000.

The 2000 Tree Planting, Maintenance and Replacement Guideline provides several labour and financial challenges to the department. The prescribed inventory development has not been completed, and the five-year inspection cycle is not feasible with the current staff complement. The proposed revision of Policy S802-01 is meant to provide an integrated set of objectives and procedures to form a comprehensive guide for the management of publically owned trees in a fiscally responsible manner. The proposed seven-year inspection and pruning cycle will require one additional seasonal staff member.

Please review the Town's proposed Tree Policy on the right-hand side of the page under the documents tab.