City of Markham’s Tree Maintenance Program off to a speedy start

Makrhamstaffnews.ca
May 22, 2020

The City of Markham is proud to announce that it is ahead of schedule for its new Tree Maintenance Program, having already completed 76% of planned pruning.

“The city-wide tree pruning program will enhance the health of our urban forest and address a backlog of service requests related to street trees,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Pruning will improve the health of our trees, allowing them to live longer. This will improve sightline visibility for pedestrians and drivers, while clearing space along roads and sidewalks. In Markham, we believe in creating a greener, healthier world for generations to come, while ensuring our streets are safe and clear for all residents.”

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, crews continue to work safely and are practicing physical distancing to get the job done.

Launched in February 2020, this city-wide initiative will see all City-owned street trees pruned on an eight-year cycle with the first three years focused on trees that require the most attention.

The City of Markham’s Tree Maintenance Program aims to remove dead, damaged, vulnerable and overhanging branches from City-owned trees from Spring through Fall on an ongoing multi-year cycle. Pruned trees will meet public safety and road safety standards including reduced hazard risk, height clearance for foot and vehicle traffic, and visibility of traffic signs and streetlights. Properly pruned trees live longer, healthier lives and they contribute to the City of Markham’s goal of achieving 30% canopy cover.

Members of the public can report damaged street trees and request street tree service online at markham.ca/trees. Requests will be assessed and prioritized according to safety standards.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Parks and Forestry Supervisor Miles Peart explain the Tree Maintenance Program and what residents can expect this year and moving forward at https://youtu.be/QpUpXT5Md1s.

COVID-19 will continue to impact Markham and the world throughout the coming months and our City will continue to work with all levels of government, our community and local businesses to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 and get through this challenging time together.

For more information on the City of Markham’s COVID-19 response and service adjustments, please ask our Virtual Web Assistant at markham.ca/covid19 or Telephone Assistant at 1.833.926.0929.