Tree ownership on or near a road allowance is determined by the location of the base of the tree on the property. The location is generally measured from the curb to the property line. This distance can vary from street to street and change along the length of the street.
If you are unsure if the tree is the City’s responsibility to maintain or your responsibility, please contact 311 to submit a service request to determine ownership of the tree.
Our database and mapping should be able to determine if the tree’s ownership is public (City of Toronto) or private.
You can also refer to your property survey to determine the property line's location with reference to the tree.
When verifying whether a tree has more than 50% of its main stem on private property or City property, measurements are taken at ground level, just above the trunk flare along the property line. Burls and other growths and/or anomalies are not included in the measurement.
City Tree – On the property line with more than 50% on City property:
If the tree is more than 50% on the City-owned road allowance, it is the City's responsibility to maintain the tree.
Private Tree – On the property line with more than 50% on private property:
If more than 50% of the base of the tree is on private property, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain.
This policy does not apply to trees located along laneways or unopened road allowances. In these cases, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain and address emergency situations such as broken limbs and/or storm damage, etc.