Tree Preservation

Trees are essential to our health and well-being and are a major contributor to creating a sustainable community. A healthy acre of trees absorbs enough carbon dioxide over one year to equal the amount produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.

The Town has several programs and initiatives in place so that Georgina’s green spaces remain vibrant and continue to flourish.

York Region's Forest Conservation Bylaw protects forests in York Region. Under the bylaw, landowners require a permit before they can remove trees from treed areas greater than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres). A permit must be obtained before any trees are injured or removed. To determine which permit applies to your planned tree removal, visit York Region Forests. You can email York Region Forestry or phone 1-877-464-9675 for more information.

If you have a tree on your property (that is on the Town road allowance, i.e. boulevard) and it is not doing well, contact the Town at 905-476-4301 and the Forestry Division will come out and determine if the tree is in fact dead or diseased and needs to be removed and replaced.

Tree Presentation Policy Update

Currently, the Town has a Tree Preservation and Compensation Policy passed in 2016, which applies to certain types of development applications. Staff are in the process of reviewing this policy for updates to promote the development of healthier and more resilient communities, and to better align with the comments and concerns of our surrounding residents. 

Tree planting programs

Interested in adding more green to your landscape? There are many planting programs available in York Region, including those offered by York Region, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Organization (LEAF).

Need a tree, some shrubs or even a forest? One of these programs might just have what you’re looking for:

LEAF Backyard Tree Program

Residents are eligible to receive subsidized tree planting services in their backyards with the help of the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF). LEAF offers a variety of programs, including a full service and do-it-yourself tree planting program, and edible and native garden kits.  The full service program includes a consultation with an arborist, site assessment, delivery and planting of a 5 to 8 foot tree in your backyard. Yards must meet LEAF’s program requirements to be eligible. For a limited time offer, eligible property owners in York Region can save $100 when buying a new tree through LEAF to replace their dying, dead or removed ash trees. There is a limit of five rebates per property and rebates are issued on a first come, first served basis due to limited supply. Restrictions apply. 

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) Landowner Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP) offers grants and technical assistance to property owners within LSRCA jurisdiction looking to plant native trees and shrubs to maintain and enhance the Lake Simcoe watershed.

York Region Tree Planting Programs

Own land in York Region? Start growing memories today for you and your family. York Region offers several different Tree Planting Programs for large and small properties.

Tree preservation and compensation per Development (Planning) applications

All planning applications before the Town of Georgina are subject to the below Policy OID-01 as it relates to tree inventory, preservation, protection and compensation. Planning applications include Committee of Adjustment applications, as well as all Plans of Subdivision, Zoning Bylaw Amendment, Official Plan Amendment and Site Plan application. The services of a certified Arborist may be required in order to comply with the Policy.

For further information on this policy, contact the Landscape Architectural Planner in the Operations and Infrastructure Department at the Georgina Civic Centre.

Contact Us

26557 Civic Centre Rd,

Keswick, ON  L4P 3G1

T: 905-476-4301 / 705-437-2210

F: 905-476-8100

info@georgina.ca

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.