Trees

Markham’s Urban Forest

The urban forest has an estimated 3.29 million trees, covering 21% of the City's ground coverage (Markham Forest Study 2022: Technical Report), with different tree species, ages, and sizes. It includes wooded natural areas and hundreds of thousands of trees along roads, parks, yards and other open spaces. The urban forest comprises trees managed by the City and the region of York and those that homeowners, businesses, and landowners privately own.

The urban forest and trees are continuously growing assets, providing increasing benefits for the well-being of our Markham communities, including social, economic and environmental benefits.

Did you know? The City of Markham has an official tree. The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a large growing, shade tree that can live 200-300 years. Learn more about this champion of trees here, at the Markham Bur Oak Information Page (page under development).

Urban Forest Management Plan

The City is developing a strategic 20-year urban forest management plan (UFMP) that will review public and resident interests, existing industry best management practices, current City service levels, and the state of our urban forest. The UFMP will provide recommendations and guide the City towards proactively managing our forests and green infrastructure.

The UFMP is expected to be finalized in Q1 of 2025. Check back later for more information.

Maintenance and Care of Publicly Owned Trees

Operations Forestry within the City's Parks, Horticulture & Forestry Department is responsible for planting, caring, pruning and removing all trees on City of Markham property. This includes trees found on the City right-of-way, streets, boulevards, within parks and woodlots, City facilities and real estate, as well as a small number of City-owned cemeteries. For more information, please follow the links below:

• Interactive Markham Street & Park Tree Inventory (page under development)
• Proactive Street Tree Maintenance – Block Pruning Program
• Tree Planting, Stump Removal, Planting Requests and Care (page under development)
• Dealing with Pests and Diseases
• Report a Damaged Street, Park or City Facility Tree

Trees in new developments, such as new subdivisions or new parks, are planned and reviewed by the City Urban Design and Planning Department until construction is completed. After this, they are added to the City of Markham tree inventory and maintained by Forestry Operations. While under construction, these trees are planted and maintained by the developer. More information specific to under-construction or newly developed areas can be directed to the City Contact Centre.

Responsibilities of York Region

York Region is responsible for all trees located along regional roads, streets and boulevards as well as York Regional forests and trails. Questions or concerns can be directed to the York Region’s Access Us contact centre. For information, please follow the links below:

• Regional Roads and Interactive Map
• York Region Street Trees
• York Regional Forest Management
• York Regional Forest Tracts & Trails

Privately Owned Trees, Stewardship & Tree Care Tips

Markham residents, businesses and landowners play a crucial role in maintaining the health and longevity of our City urban forest. It is estimated that 55% of all trees located within the boundaries of Markham grow and exist on privately owned land. Private land owners are essential in maintaining and enhancing the Cities’ tree canopy goals. For information on how you can enjoy, contribute or become more knowledgeable on current urban forest practices, please follow the links below:

• LEAF Tree Planting Program – Discounted tree planting services for homeowners and businesses
  • More information at yourleaf.org/Markham-homeowners
• Tree Care Tips
• Pollinators in Our Community
• Markham Cycling and Trail Maps
• York Region Trail Guide
• Celebrate, Participate and Get Involved:
  • Earth Month & Earth Day
  • Tree Canada
  • 10,000 Trees for the Rouge
  • Friends of the Rouge
  • Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

Urban Forest Protection, Tree Permits and By-Laws

As a community, we all have a role to play in protecting and preserving trees well into the future. To ensure these values are up held, the City has developed the Tree Preservation By-Law 2023-164 for the protection of all City owned and privately owned trees.

Protected trees include City owned trees of all sizes and privately owned trees of 20cm DBH (diameter at breast height) or greater. Anyone contravening the Tree Preservation By-Law and found guilty of an offence will be subject to penalties.

For more information on the By-Law, tree preservation and the private tree permit process please follow the links below:

“Call Before you Cut!” – Information Page

• Apply for a Private Tree Injury or Destruction Permit
  • Conditional List of Acceptable Replacement Tree Species - Approved for Private Tree Permit Conditions
• Search for an Existing Private Tree Injury or Destruction Permit
• Markham’s Tree Preservation By-Law 2023-164
• York Region’s Forest Conservation By-Law 2013-68