Report a tree problem

To report fallen trees or branches causing a hazard, or blocking a road, sidewalk, or trail please call 519-837-5626.

Street trees in Guelph

Before reporting a problem, check the street tree map.

Enter your address to see if a tree is City-owned, privately-owned or shared. The map also shows the species, size, and condition of street trees in Guelph.


View a detailed tree ownership map
Please contact us if you believe the tree ownership map is incorrect.

Trees on private property

You, your neighbours, and local businesses

If a tree trunk is completely on your property, the tree belongs to you. As the property owner, you are responsible for trimming, removing, and disposing of dead, hazardous trees, or branches – regardless of who planted the tree.

Guelph’s Tree Bylaw applies to all trees on properties larger than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres).

Tree disputes on private properties

If a tree is growing on the boundary between two private properties, both property owners must agree and consent to injure (prune) or remove the tree. If property owners can’t agree, they can consult a private attorney.

Guelph’s Tree Bylaw applies to trees on private properties larger than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres). The City mails notices to neighbouring properties whenever we issue a permit to a property owner planning to remove a tree(s).

Please report concerns about unlawful tree removal to the City’s Bylaw team.

If necessary, the City may trim or cut trees on private property if they pose a safety risk to people using roads or sidewalks.

Trees on City property and shared street trees

Guelph parks, trails, and boulevards

If the tree trunk is completely on City property, the City takes care of trimming and maintenance.

If a tree is growing on the boundary between City and private property, it is a shared tree. Legally, there is shared ownership and responsibility, and the City typically takes care of maintenance.

Please report any concerns you have about shared or City trees. We will assess the tree for potential risks or hazards within 15 business days. We prioritize safety issues first, then schedule other tree work.

We will complete the work as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience.

Tree damage after a storm

After a storm, the City cleans up fallen trees and branches on public property. We respond to immediate hazards and prioritize service calls based on the potential risk to people or property.

Trees along Hanlon Parkway/Highway 6 North

Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO INFO)
416-235-4686 or toll-free at 1-800-268-4686
TTY: 905-704-2426 or 1-866-471-8929

Trees in Wellington County

Wellington County Roads Division

Help care for street trees

After planting a new street tree, the City will water it regularly for the first two years. After that, we appreciate your help watering street trees once a week using about 10 to 15 litres of water. You can water more often during drought conditions—there are no restrictions for watering trees.

If you like, you can add up to 10 centimetres of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, prevent weeds and protect the tree stem. Keep mulch at least 10 centimetres away from the stem. Piling mulch around the stem can damage or kill the tree.

Do not prune or stake trees, and please don’t remove any existing stakes. We typically remove them after one growing season.

If you live in a new subdivision and you have a concern about a tree on private property, please contact the builder or developer.