Hamilton’s forestry manual sets 15 m³ for this tree size and planting type.
Next: confirm your approved planting design.
Planting windows
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For public land, Hamilton’s forestry manual sets the deciduous-tree planting window at March 1 to November 15. Turf, grasses, shrubs and perennials: April 15 – November 15. Spring and fall are the strongest windows for establishment.
Near salted walks and parking, consider salt-tolerant species such as oaks and downy serviceberry. Kentucky coffee-tree tolerates salt, drought and compaction (Credit Valley Conservation).
Clear sightlines
Keep entrances and drive aisles visible; respect setbacks from hydrants and driveways.
Snow storage
Plan snow storage into the landscape layout.
Parking screening
Screen parking visible from the street to the site-plan details.
Four seasons
Use evergreens, bark and branching form for winter structure.
Stormwater-smart
Bioswales and bioretention planting follow the engineered drainage design.
Hamilton guidance calls for Sturdy woven wire fencing on posts, used to protect trees. fencing at least 1 m beyond the The ground under the outer edge of a tree's branches.. Snow fencing is not accepted. An updated version of the guidelines is under consultation.
Private & public tree permits
Burlington private trees 20 cm+ Trunk diameter measured about 1.37 m above the ground.: By-law 040-2022; public trees: By-law 098-2025. Oakville private trees 15 cm+ DBH: By-law 2017-038. Hamilton public trees: By-law 15-125. Confirm current permits and exemptions with the municipality.
Nursery stock
On public land, Hamilton requires plants that meet the Canadian Nursery Stock Standard (9th edition). On private land, check your project specs.
Short summaries for planning. Check them against the current rules, your municipality’s conditions and your design professional.
Common questions
Do you plant Hamilton street trees?
In Hamilton, the City's Forestry Section plants street trees in the road allowance once final grade is reached. The developer pays for them. We can plant trees inside the property line. In Oakville, north of Dundas Street, developers plant and maintain street trees until the Town assumes the subdivision — we can carry out the planting for builders.
How much soil does a tree need?
At least 15 m³ for a small single tree in Hamilton. Follow your approved design. Hamilton’s forestry manual sets 15 m³ for a small single tree and 21 m³ for a large one, at minimum. Shared-soil minimums are 10 m³ and 16 m³ per tree, respectively; Toronto Green Standard uses a 30 m³-per-tree reference.
When is the best time to plant?
Spring or fall. Those seasons are strongest for establishment. For public land, Hamilton’s forestry manual sets the deciduous-tree planting window at March 1 to November 15.
Can you do planting design?
Yes, for commercial upgrades that don’t need a stamped plan. Where a site plan needs a landscape architect’s plan (Hamilton requires an Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) landscape architect), we build to that plan.
What about a tree warranty?
It can be part of the scope. Watering and replacement can be included where the contract specifies them. The agreement and planting specs set who is responsible for what.
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