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, but inspections and work may take up to 90 days to be completed. Requests will be addressed based on a priority sequence, which may be influenced by the volume of requests in the queue and seasonal demand.

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.

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.

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.

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