The Town of Ajax Mature Tree Conservation Program

 
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Town of Ajax Mature Tree Conservation Program

What is the Program?
The Town’s Mature Tree Conservation Program supports the community by offering rebates to residents that maintain their mature tree using qualified arborists to complete the work. Eligible maintenance work includes pruning, cabling, and bracing. Rebates will typically return 25% of tree maintenance costs, with a maximum amount of $1,000.

To apply, please confirm your tree’s eligibility and submit an application form. Applications will require an invoice for the work completed. Applicants must apply no later than six months after the completion of their tree maintenance.

 Why We Preserve Mature Trees
Through photosynthesis and other processes, trees provide services such as pollution filtering, carbon dioxide reduction, air cooling, and storm water management. Larger, mature trees can perform these services on a greater scale than smaller trees, which is why preserving them is vital for Ajax’s growing urban environment. Pruning and structural maintenance can reduce decay and improve strength, nutrient circulation, and sunlight availability.

Tree maintenance also helps prevent branch breakage during storms and high winds, which is a leading cause of power outages and property damage in the Durham region. With power outage prevention identified as a priority concern in the community, this project aims to support safety and security within the Town. For more information on the benefits of mature tree maintenance, click here. 

 
Am I eligible?

Tree eligibility:

  • A tree must have a diameter at breast height (1.4 meters above ground) of 40 centimeters. How do I measure this?
  • Applications may only be submitted for one tree per property, per year
  • Applications must be submitted no later than six months after the maintenance completion
  • The tree must be located within the Town of Ajax

Qualifying services include:

  • Branch pruning
    • Responsible pruning of branches to improve tree structure, durability, and longevity
  • Cabling and bracing
    • Various methods to physically support trees and allow wood development

All eligible maintenance work must be completed by a certified arborist, defined as qualified by any of the following institutions:

  • The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
  • The International Society of Arboriculture
  • The American Society of Consulting Arborists
  • or a Registered Professional Forester

*Under special circumstances, the Town may grant authority to a qualified tree expert who is not an arborist if their experience is deemed appropriate for the work being completed.

The arborist invoice must include the following information:

  • Arborist name and/or company affiliation
  • Arborist license number or equivalent
  • Amount paid
  • Services and/or materials supplied
  • Property owner’s name (i.e. applicant)
  • Date of work completion
  • Before and After photos of the tree maintenance work (optional) 
How You Can Benefit 
Mature trees are essential in urban areas for their environmental, social, and financial benefits; they improve air quality, absorb carbon dioxide, and support biodiversity while mitigating the risks associated with climate change and extreme weather.

Mature trees are integral components of urban communities in Ajax. Their presence enhances natural heritage while promoting mental and physical well-being for residents.

The financial benefits of mature trees offset their maintenance costs by increasing property values, reducing energy costs, and lowering stormwater management expenses, making them a strategic investment for a healthier, more sustainable town. 

 

Image: Carbon jargon: How trees capture and store carbon - Carbon Neutral Blog

Environmental Benefits
A tree’s ability to filter air pollution, store carbon, release oxygen, and manage stormwater is directly related to its canopy size. Unshaded urban areas can have an air temperature as much as 5° C greater than shaded areas and surfaces up to 13.9° C hotter. Maintaining mature trees for healthy and strong canopies supports environmental and community wellbeing, particularly against a warming climate.

Stormwater management is another service provided by urban trees. Large trees store stormwater from areas that otherwise cannot absorb water, preventing flooding and protecting homes. 
Financial Benefits

Maintenance aimed at extending a tree’s life and prolonging its benefits can lower costs associated with energy usage, storm water management, healthcare, and infrastructure damage. Within a tree’s life cycle, the cost benefits are greatest throughout the mature phase when maintenance is present. Without maintenance, a tree’s cost benefits begin to fall between semi-maturity and maturity.

Late-stage maintenance, such as crown thinning, structural pruning, fertilization, cabling, and bracing can reduce canopy weight and humidity. In doing so, the likelihood of branch breakage is reduced, and removal costs can be deferred. 
Communal Benefits

Trees have been shown to improve focus and learning, especially in children. Their presence encourages time spent outdoors, improving community involvement and physical wellbeing. Their air filtering properties also support respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Preventing Property Damage and Power Outages

According to Ajax utility provider Elexicon Energy, 10% of all power outages are caused by tree contact. In recent years, downed trees and limbs have left tens of thousands of Elexicon customers without power. Since these outages are a result of infrastructure damage, including fallen conductors and power lines, reinstating electricity can be a costly and time-consuming effort. By preemptively removing at-risk tree limbs, much of the threat of this damage is reduced.

According to a Consumer Reports survey, seven percent of settled insurance claims were caused by fallen trees. Some home insurance policies may not provide coverage for property damage caused by unhealthy or rotting trees, which can be assessed and prevented through regular maintenance. If a tree or branch falls on your vehicle, liability coverage alone might not cover the costs. Tree maintenance can prevent home and auto insurance claims, helping to save time and resources. 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
How do I measure the diameter at breast height?
  1. Mark the point of the trunk that is 1.4 meters above ground level.
  2. Measure the circumference (in centimeters) of the trunk at this height (tip: use a string or tailor’s measuring tape).
  3. Divide the circumference by pi (3.14)
What work is eligible for the program?
  • Branch pruning
    • Responsible pruning of branches to improve tree structure, durability, and longevity
  • Cabling and bracing
    • Various methods to physically support trees and allow wood development 
How do I apply?
Click here to fill out an application. You may also contact the program’s coordinator at sustainable@ajax.ca with any questions
What information must be found on the submitted invoice? 
  • Arborist name and/or company affiliation
  • Amount paid
  • Services and/or materials supplied
  • Property owner’s name (i.e. applicant)
  • Date of work completion 
  • Before and After photos (optional)
Can I receive a rebate for work done longer than six months ago? 
No. Only work completed within six months of the application will be eligible for a rebate. 
Will all applications receive the same rebate amount? 

No. The Town will allocate resources at its own discretion and in accordance with the nature of the work completed. Most rebates will cover 25% of the invoice cost, with a maximum of $1,000 provided. 
Does the program apply to maintenance work mandated by the Town?
No. If you have received an order from the Town to service one of your property trees, this work is not eligible within the program. 
I can't afford to pay for the job upfront. Can rebates be paid directly to my arborist? 

No. The program’s terms require that rebates are delivered directly to applicants. You are encouraged to review your eligibility prior to receiving the maintenance work to ensure that you can receive a rebate upon completion. 
I've submitted my application. When will I hear back? 

Please allow up to two business days for a response from the town, after which you will be contacted about approval and rebate status. Rebates will be delivered via cheque, which can be sent to your preferred address or picked up at Town Hall. Please note that rebates are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain. 
How can I identify my tree and learn about native species?

If you’re unsure of your tree’s species and want to learn more about local native species, the following resources can help:

Tree Identification:
Apply Now 

Apply for Rebate Application

For more information, please contact sustainableajax@ajax.ca