Private Tree Protection Survey

This survey will ask you questions about private tree protection in Hamilton. It should take approximately 8 minutes to complete.

Please review the Open House Presentation prior to completing the survey.

Survey deadline: April 23, 2026

Notice of Collection: The City of Hamilton collects your information under the authority of Sections 227 of the Municipal Act for the purpose of Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw Review and Updates to Existing Woodland Bylaws and Existing Tree Protection Guidelines. Your opinion collected will be used to inform the development of recommendations to City Council as part of the Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw Review and the updates to existing Woodland Bylaws and Tree Protection Guidelines. Questions about this collection should be directed to: Senior Project Manager, Policy & Preservation 100 King St W, 14th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1A2, 365-384-0204, louise.thomassin@hamilton.ca

What Ward do you live in? Not sure, use the Find my Ward map.

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Trees on Private Property

How concerned are you about the loss of mature trees on private property?

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How concerned are you about the loss of tree canopy cover on private property across the city?

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How important is it to you that the City of Hamilton has policies to manage and protect trees on private property?

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To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

"The City of Hamilton should have a role (including setting rules, providing guidance or enforcing protections) in managing trees on private property.”

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Which statement best reflects your view?

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Property owners should make all decisions about trees on their land.

Property owners should make most decisions, with minimal city oversight.

The city should share responsibility with property owners for protecting trees.

The city should have strong authority to regulate tree protection on private property.

Not sure/no opinion

Private Tree Bylaw

Which types of trees, if any, do you think should be protected under a Private Tree Bylaw? Select all that apply

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Trees above a specific diameter (e.g., large, or mature trees).

Trees of designated species (e.g., rare, native, or significant species).

Trees located in environmentally sensitive or protected areas.

Trees with cultural or community significance.

No trees on private property should be regulated.

Not sure/no opinion

The City of Hamilton is considering a Private Tree Bylaw that will protect trees 45-centimetre diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater. Trees with a DBH less than 45-centimetres will not be subject to the proposed bylaw and a permit will not be required to remove the tree(s).

Do you think the proposed 45-centimetres DBH of the tree for regulating tree removal is appropriate?

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In which situations, if any, should a tree that meets the size threshold be allowed to be removed without a permit? Select all that apply.

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The tree is a safety hazard, as confirmed by a Certified Arborist.

The tree is diseased or dying.

The tree is an invasive species.

The proximity of the tree is or may be causing damage to buildings or infrastructure.

Removal should be allowed based on owner preference.

None of the above.

Not sure/no opinion.

Other (please specify)

10.

Should the city be looking at special programs or assistance to help residents offset costs for maintaining large, mature trees?

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11.

If a Private Tree Bylaw is approved, a permit & fee would be required to remove a private tree 45cm and greater that does not meet an exemption. Municipalities in Ontario generally charge a non-refundable permit fee between $141 and $410 for their respective Private Tree Bylaws charge (note: permit fees are generally used to recuperate staff costs).

In your opinion, what would be a reasonable permit fee to charge?

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The Private Tree Compensation Model for smaller development (<10 units)

The Private Tree Bylaw is proposing a compensation model that would apply to all development 10 units or less:

Where 4 or less trees are being removed, 1:1 replacement
Where 5 or more trees are being removed, 3:1 replacement
Where trees are being removed in a natural heritage system, 3:1 replacement

12.

How supportive are you of this compensation approach for smaller development (<10 units)?

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13.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

“If a large, mature tree is being removed on private property, a new tree should be planted.”

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14.

If you oppose this approach, is it because the compensation approach is:

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The Private Tree Compensation Model for larger development (10+ units)

For developments 10 units or more (typically large developer driven developments) that are not subject to the Private Tree Bylaw, the following compensation model is being proposed:

For each Tree removed that is 10cm to 29cm DBH, 1:1 replacement
For each Tree removed that is 30cm DBH or greater, 3:1 replacement
For each tree removed that is 10cm or greater within natural areas (designated through the City’s Official Plans), 10:1 replacement

15.

How supportive are you of this compensation approach for lager development (10+ units)?

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16.

If you oppose this approach, is it because the compensation approach is:

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17.

Which outreach tools would be most useful to you to learn about the Private Tree Bylaw and how it works? Select all that apply.

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Updates on the city’s website

City’s social media platform (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, X)

Signs outside city community centres

Virtual presentations

In-person presentations

Pop-up booths in public spaces

Not sure/no opinion

Other (please specify)

18.

Is there anything else you would like the city to consider regarding trees on private property?

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