Newly planted trees along City road allowance

Trees

Lakeview Park, Winter, Oshawa

Please be advised: Winter Block Pruning and Maintenance is taking place throughout the City of Oshawa at this time.

Forestry crews prune trees for health, structure, clearance over roads, driveways, sidewalks, & also remove dead branches.

If a tree is hazardous or dead it will be removed and replaced this coming year.

Trees are one of our most precious natural resources. They enrich our lives and provide social, ecological and economic benefits.

Forestry Services manages and maintains over 41,500 street trees and 560 ha of woodlot. City owned trees are located on public land areas like boulevards, parks, green spaces and city trails.

Forestry Services

Create a Forestry related Service Request or call 905-436-3311.

Street trees and tree care

Maintenance activities include pruning, removing unsafe trees, tree planting and pest management. Proper care of street trees will maintain their structure and prevent issues with the surrounding environment. Learn more.

Woodlots and green spaces

Request pruning and maintenance of a woodlot or greenspace area that is next to your property. Create a Service Request or call 905-436-3311.

Tree Pests and Diseases

Visit our Street Trees and Tree Care page for information relating to any insect, pest or disease that may be affecting your private or City trees.

Tree planting

The growth and rejuvenation of our canopy is a priority as we work to replace many of our street trees due to Emerald Ash Borer. More tree planting and program information can be found here.

Commemorative Tree Program

Pay tribute to a person or occasion by purchasing a park tree for installation in a City of Oshawa public park. Learn more.

Preservation and Protection

Subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program

Beautify your property and help grow our urban forest! We have partnered with LEAF to bring our residents a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program. Learn more at yourleaf.org. Choose from two options:

Full Service Tree Planting

30 minute consultation in your yard with a LEAF arborist
5 to 8 foot tall native deciduous tree OR 2 to 4 foot tall native evergreen tree
Delivery and full planting service
Mulch and planting/care guide

Do-It-Yourself Tree Planting

Online educational videos
30-minute virtual consultation with a LEAF arborist
5 to 8 foot tall native deciduous tree OR 2 to 4 foot tall native evergreen tree
Delivery (property owner plants)
Mulch and planting/care guide

Re-greening downtown Oshawa

Discover the City of Oshawa's planting practices to incorporate sustainable tree planting practices into the re-greening and revitalization of the downtown tree canopy.

Sustainable planting practices

To grow a healthy mature tree canopy, the City is implementing several sustainable planting practices downtown aimed at improving growing conditions that include the:

review of tree planting locations to limit conflicts with existing infrastructure, services and pedestrians;
planting of suitable tree species tolerant to urban conditions;
use of soil cell techniques and suspended paving to support the sidewalk above without compacting the soil below;
use of rubberized mulch around the base of the tree to allow water to absorb into the soil; and
installation of watering pipes to be used during times of drought.

How you can help keep our downtown tree canopy healthy

Do not trim or prune the tree. The City's Forestry Services has qualified arborists who will prune and maintain the trees as they mature.
To avoid damaging the bark, which can eventually kill a tree, keep the area around the tree free of debris, do not lean, nail or attach anything to the trunks such as signs or bicycles.
Leave the rubberized mulch at the base of the tree. The mulch is there to protect the tree from damage and reduce water loss.
If you notice that a City boulevard or park trees is damaged or diseased, submit requests to Service Oshawa online.

Tree related By-laws

The City of Oshawa Tree By-law restricts harming of trees located on City owned land.
The Regional Tree By-law applies to Woodlands within the region that are one hectare (2.5 acres) in size and greater. If you are planning to cut down or remove trees within a woodland area, you may need a permit from the Regional Municipality of Durham.

OEAC tree giveaway

Registration for the 2025 Tree Giveaway, hosted by the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee will open fall of 2025. Stay tuned for more information.