Trees and Yards

There are 2.96 million trees in Richmond Hill! The City is responsible for trees on public property. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Ownership of the tree is determined at ground level. Private trees are those that have more than 50 per cent of their diameter on the private side of the property line. City-owned trees are those that have more than 50 per cent of the trunk diameter on the City side of the property line.

If you are unsure as to the ownership of a tree(s), please refer to your property survey, usually with your home purchase documents. By reading the dimensions from the foundation of the house to the property line and measuring these distances on the lawn, the Private/Richmond Hill property line can be determined. If the tree(s) appears close to the City property line or you are unsure, please call the Urban Forestry Section at 905-771-8800.

Tree damage

Public Property

You can report fallen or damaged City trees on public property to Access Richmond Hill at access@richmondhill.ca, by phone at 905-771-8800 or through our online customer service portal.

Private Property

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Consider consulting an arborist to assess the condition of damaged trees.

More information

Service Charter

Learn more about our Service Charter.

Service Commitment

Reports of damaged trees that are of immediate danger to public and/or property will be reviewed in 1 day and resolved in 5 business days.