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Trees are one essential part of protecting our local environment, improving air quality, aesthetics, and climate change mitigation. We have many programs and bylaws that encourage tree planting in West Perth or protect trees from removal.
County Council has enacted By-law 3836-2021 for the purpose of improving the forest, soil, fish, wildlife and water resources in Perth County by conserving and improving the woodland and woodlots. This By-law prohibits the destruction or injury of any living tree located in a woodlot or woodlands within the County as defined by the By-law.
Any property owner planning to destroy or injure trees in Perth County woodlands or woodlots shall file a Notice of Intent as detailed in the By-law. Failure to do so will result in a Stop Work Order being issued and anyone who contravenes the By-law is guilty of an offence and is liable for the associated fine of up to $100,000.
Property Owners with woodlands and woodlots are encouraged to review By-law 3836-2021 to ensure that they understand the impact this By-law has on woodland and woodlot trees. Any questions in regards to By-law 3836-2021 or the destruction or injury of trees should be directed to Marvin Smith, By-law Enforcement Officer, Perth County 519-291-2236.
| Municipal Tree Concerns |
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To request an inspection, pruning or removal of a Municipal-owned tree use the report online button below. Tree damage after a stormTo report fallen trees or large limbs creating obstructions to roadways/sidewalks and/or causing an immediate hazard please call OPP at 1-800-310-1122. Municipal tree damage after a stormAfter a storm, the Municipality cleans up fallen trees and branches on public property. We respond to service calls based on the potential risk to people or property. On your property, you are responsible for removing and disposing of dead, hazardous trees or branches. Tree Problem on HWY 8 and HWY 23Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO INFO) 1-800-268-4686 Tree Problem on County RoadPerth County Report Tree Concern 519-271-0531 ext. 311 |
Tree Planting and Grants
We encourage landowners to plant trees on their property, with a few considerations in mind:
- Call before you dig: Make sure you know what's underground before digging a hole, to make sure you don't hit any services or tree roots will grow into any water pipes.
- Plant native species: Plant species native to this area will be better suited to drought, will provide better habitat, and have a better chance of survival. For a full list of recommended trees, see below.
- Trees can get BIG: Plant trees inside your property line with your neighbours, and prepare for conversations about trimming if branches start overhanging neighbour's property.
- The Municipality doesn't sell trees: Although we don't do tree sales, we have the West Perth Healthy Forests Grant, and partnerships with local Conservation Authorities on spring and fall tree planting and tree sale programs. Local nurseries also carry wonderful ranges of trees for every application.
| West Perth Healthy Forests Grant |
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The Municipality of West Perth's Environment, Forestry and Trails Committee decided to reinvigorate the commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and improving water quality and habitat for local and migratory species by enacting the West Perth Healthy Forests Grant in 2020. This grant is intended to provide a financial incentive to landowners within the Municipality to encourage urban tree planting and rural forest restoration across our community. The grant is provided to landowners through tree orders placed through Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. This grant launched spring 2021 and is set to continue into spring and fall 2022. West Perth Healthy Forests Grant provides West Perth landowners with $5.00 subsidy for large stock trees, and $0.50 subsidy for seedling trees. In some cases, this covers 30% of the cost of the tree!
This grant is provided in partnership with ERTH Corporation. Thank you to ERTH for their generous sponsorship of the West Perth Healthy Forests Grant. |
| Upper Thames River Conservation Authority |
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Landowners who reside in the Upper Thames River watershed and own a minimum of 1 hectare (2.5 acres) are eligible to participate in the Tree Planting on Private Lands program of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Trees purchased through this program may be planted by the landowner or through the UTRCA’s full planting service. Tree orders are now open for 2023! Download the order form here. Orders are due March 1, 2023. For pricing and availability, please contact Brenda Gallagher, Forestry Technician at 519-451-2800 x260 or visit their website at www.thamesriver.on.ca |
| Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority |
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Each year, Ausable Bayfield Conservation, landowners and municipalities plant tens of thousands of trees to improve forest conditions within the watershed. Landowners who reside in the Ausable Bayfield watershed may be eligible to participate in the tree planting program and receive funding. Tree Orders are now open for 2023! Download the order form here. Orders are due by February 28, 2023. For pricing and availability, please contact Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist, at 519-235-2610, or visit their website at www.abca.ca |
| Maitland Valley Conservation Authority |
| Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has planted more than 1,350,000 trees since 1951! Landowners who reside in the Maitland Valley watershed may be eligible to participate in the tree planting program and receive funding.
For pricing and availability, please contact Geoff King at 519-335-3557 ext. 235 or visit their website at www.mvca.on.ca |
| Recommended Tree Species |
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We encourage landowners to plant native species of trees and other vegetation. Planting native species helps to re-establish ecosystems that existed before the development of the land (in our case, we are deciduous mixed forests, or Carolinian species). Pockets of native habitats in urban areas, and increasing areas of natural areas in rural West Perth provide natural links for species across the landscape. Native species are specifically adapted to our region's weather and climate patterns, meaning they require less water and fertilizer than non-native species and have a higher survival rate during periods of drought or extremely harsh winters. Native species are also more resistant to pests and fungal infections, as they will be heartier than non-native species. SO.... What should you plant? NATIVE DECIDUOUS TREES: For information on shrub and groundcover/garden plants, check out the Grow Me Instead Guide from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.
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