Tree Removal

Healthy, safe trees are valuable community assets that help enhance neighbourhoods and support the urban forest. For this reason, the City does not remove trees based solely on personal preference, size, or leaf litter. If and when a tree is considered to be a safety hazard or has died, the determination may be made to remove the tree completely, including the stump.

Tree Removal Process:

  1. Request inspection or contact 311 to determine the viability of the tree. The arborist will determine if the tree is healthy and viable or if it should be removed. City trees are protected by City by-laws 135-2004 and 131-2019 and must be approved for removal by authorized City of Windsor arborists. 

  2. Following the inspection, a letter will be provided to the homeowner to share the outcome of the inspection.

  3. The City of Windsor will schedule removal of the tree if deemed necessary, based on priority. Priority can be affected by a number of factors such as storms, safety, or changes in the structure of the tree.

  4. The stump will be removed separately (could take up to 12 months following tree removal). Stump grinding will remove the stump to about 15 to 25 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) below the soil surface. Large, exposed surface roots may also be removed as part of the stump removal. After a large stump is removed, there will still be an extensive system of roots remaining in the soil across the area where the tree previously stood. In time, these roots will decay, and there may be continued settling of the soil/lawn surface after the tree removal. Likewise, mushrooms associated with wood decay fungi may appear across the lawn area as the old roots decay. 

  5. Soil and seed will be added following stump removal. Following stump removal, fresh, clean topsoil is used to fill the depression left behind, and a grass seed mix is applied to the area. It is then the responsibility of the resident to tend the newly seeded grass with regular watering to assist in providing an opportunity for the re-establishment of new grass cover. Stumps removed during the winter months will receive soil at that time and grass seed in the early spring season. Forestry does not lay new sod to cover over removed stumps. Ongoing lawn maintenance following tree removal is the responsibility of the resident/homeowner.

The tree removal process outlined above can take approximately two years. 

Following the stump removal, homeowners are eligible to request a tree planting.