Trees

Want to increase your knowledge on Ajax's Urban forest? Check out these FREE resources and programs.

• Community Planting & Environmental Events
• Green Living e-Guide
• Emerald Ash Borer
• Tree Care Kit
• Tree Atlas
• Street Tree Care Guide 

Pruning & Removals

Tree pruning is an important practice for managing trees in an urban setting, it can help promote healthy plant growth, maintain the tree's structure, promote good visibility and prevent conflicts with the built environment.

The Town is responsible for pruning trees located only on Town-owned property and conducts inspections on a routine basis to determine if pruning needs to take place.

Individual requests can also be made by contacting the Ajax Operation Centre. A representative from the Forestry Department will assess the tree and determine if maintenance is required. Residents of the property adjacent to the tree and the person that submitted the request will be notified if any work will be scheduled to take place.

*Please note: Trees located within 3m (10ft.) of energized utility lines that require pruning can only be completed by the local utility company Veridian Connections , for concerns regarding trees near power lines please contact Kevin Philp at Veridian by phone at 1-888-445-2881, extension 3264.

Street Pruning

Town-owned trees located on boulevards and parks undergo pruning on a 6-8 year cycle. This is to help maintain the tree's structure, maintain good visibility and prevent conflicts with the built environment.  This work is completed by a professional urban forestry company under the direction of the Town of Ajax. The completion of the work is carried out in the winter months (October-March).

Woodlots

Presently, Town-owned woodlots without designated trails/paths do not undergo pruning, however individual concerns can be forwarded to the Ajax Operations Centre. A representative from the Forestry Department will then assess the tree(s) and determine if maintenance is required.

Removals

The Town will only remove trees that are on Town property and in poor condition or are a hazard to the surrounding area. Residents within close proximity of the removed tree will be notified 48 hours prior to the start of any work.

Individual concerns can be forwarded to the Ajax Operations Centre. A representative from the Forestry Department will then assess the tree(s) and determine if maintenance is required.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle is a non-native invasive insect, it attacks and kills most varieties of ash trees (white and green ash). EAB is confirmed in the Town of Ajax. Adult EAB beetles lay their eggs on ash trees in the summer. When the eggs hatch into larvae, they tunnel under the tree's bark to feed. The tunnels prevent the flow of water and nutrients, causing the tree to die.

How does EAB impact the Urban Forest in Ajax?

In 2012, Ash trees made up approximately 7% of the town's urban forest, on both private and public property. These ash trees are expected to be impacted or killed by EAB over the next 10- 15 years.

What is the Town of Ajax doing about EAB?

The Town is currently implementing its EAB Management Strategy, which aims to reduce the significant aesthetic, environmental and financial impacts of the EAB. This is being done through a combination of monitoring, treatment, ash tree removal and replacement, and public education.