Windsor tree rules: whose tree is it, and what can you do?

The short version

• A tree with its trunk on City property, even partly, is the City's to maintain.
• Residents can't trim, remove, plant or do any other work on trees on City land.
• The City's right-of-way often runs into what looks like your front yard.
• Poplars, willows, thorny honey locust and Manitoba maple can't be planted on City right-of-ways.
• Fines under By-law 135-2004 range from $1,000 to $100,000.

This is a plain-language summary of the City of Windsor's Tree Regulations and Forestry Services pages as of October 2026. It isn't legal advice, so confirm with the City before you start.

The City's Tree Regulations page →

Is it your tree or the City's?

The City maintains trees whose trunks are completely or partly on City property. Street right-of-ways vary: some are 15 metres, some 20 and some 30, depending on the street. So a tree that looks like it's on your lawn can still be on City land.

The City says this includes many of the trees in the front yards of most homes. If you're not sure, ask before you touch it.

What you can't do to a City tree

Residents aren't allowed to trim, remove, plant or do any other work on trees on City land, including the right-of-way along the front of most homes. Only City staff or approved contractors can work on City-owned trees.

That means a landscaper can't do it for you either, unless the City has approved them. Be careful with anyone who offers to take down a tree near the street without checking first.

How to get a City tree looked at

Make a request through 311 or the City's online tree service form. Each request leads to an inspection by one of the City's certified arborists. The City says it only removes trees that are dead or dangerous.

The City's Forestry Services page →

Planting near the street

By-law 135-2004 bans planting poplar, willow, thorny honey locust and Manitoba maple on City right-of-ways. Since residents can't plant on City land at all, ask the City before you plant anything near the street. Tree planting is on the list of services the City may provide, and you can request it through its forestry page.

Trees in alleys

The City's Forestry Department doesn't trim trees in alleys. If one looks dangerous, report it through 311.

East Riverside

Some trees in East Riverside are maintained by Parks & Facilities, even though they sit just outside the City right-of-way. They were planted by the old Town of Riverside and passed to the City.

What about stone or plants on the boulevard?

The strip along the street is usually City land too, and the City limits what can go on it. Check with 311 before you put stone, mulch or plants there. Keeping new beds on your side of the property line is the safe way to do it.

Planting on your own lot

On your own property, the right tree in the right spot saves a lot of trouble. Look at the sun, the space and how big it will get before anything goes in the ground. Heavy clay holds water, so fresh soil and the right planting depth matter, and a new tree needs regular water through its first summer.

Tree and shrub planting →

Outside Windsor

LaSalle, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Amherstburg and the other towns in Essex County have their own rules, so check with your town first.