Should Newmarket have final say on removal of residents' trees?
Town will explore bylaw that would control removal of trees on private property

Yorkregion.com
Teresa Latchford
Nov. 22, 2017

Residents hang on both sides of the branch when it comes to a tree protection bylaw on residential property.

The Town of Newmarket has recently made changes to its tree protection policy designed to help balance tree protection and development in town. It was originally approved in 2005 but throughout the years, certain experiences have brought a number of loopholes to light and changes needed to be made.

The town has recently added a new bylaw that protects public trees on town-owned property, such as those located in public parks or on residential boulevards. This allows the town to fine those who are caught damaging or making serious changes to any public tree.

In the new year, residents can expect to see a draft bylaw come forward that would require residents to request permission to remove trees located on their own properties, according to planner Meghan White. She anticipates this third branch will be the one most talked about.

“I think homeowners should have the right to remove trees on their own property under any circumstance,” she said. “(This) makes it seem like everyone wants to chop down all their trees for a clear yard and seems to neglect the fact that many people feel that trees add value and character to property.”

She pointed out there are a number of reasons to remove a tree including if it is causing damage, a family member has an allergy or a homeowner simply wants to remove and replant.

Fellow residents expressed concern over the government having control over the property they paid for and continue to pay taxes for, as well as costs associated with the bylaw, such as the town arborist and permit fees for tree removal.

However, some residents, like Anne Macht Scott, welcome new rules that would better protect the urban canopy of the town.

“Two years ago the house next door to us was purchased by a foreign buyer who had every single tree cut down in the first week, about 10 or more mature trees over 30-feet tall,” she said. “Neighbours called the town but nothing could be done. The house still sits empty and treeless.”