Perth County doubles roadside tree replacement requirement, approves policies to protect and enhance tree canopy

By Galen Simmons

For every tree Perth County removes from its roadsides, it will now aim to plant at least two in its place, following council's approval of two policies Oct. 15 aimed at protecting, maintaining and enhancing the county's tree canopy.

Council approved an updated Roadside Tree Replacement Policy and a new Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation Policy, making amendments to both following discussions about the need to lead by example in tree preservation while recognizing the challenges of planting trees along busy county roads.

The roadside policy, presented by executive director of legal and corporate services Stefan Zhelev, establishes guidelines for tree removal, replacement and maintenance within county-owned road allowances, facilities and municipal properties.

Under the policy, tree removal will only be considered when no reasonable alternative exists, with trimming and maintenance taking priority. Removal may be warranted where trees interfere with infrastructure, obstruct sightlines, pose structural or health risks, or have been damaged by storms, collisions or flooding.

While staff initially recommended replacing removed trees at a minimum one-to-one ratio, several councillors pushed for a more ambitious target.

"I would prefer to see a three-to-one, not a one-to-one," Coun. Bob Wilhelm said, also suggesting the county establish minimum size requirements for replacement trees.

Deputy Warden Sue Orr agreed the county should be planting more trees than it removes, particularly given its efforts to encourage private landowners and farmers to increase tree planting.

"We just went through a whole series in trying to get the farmers to plant more trees, and yet we're not leading by example," Orr said. "I'd like to see us go two for one at minimum, if not three for one."

Coun. Walter McKenzie supported the two-to-one ratio, noting replacement trees do not necessarily need to be planted in the same locations where others were removed, provided the overall result is an increase in trees across the county.

Coun. Todd Kasenberg also supported increasing the ratio and establishing guidelines to ensure newly planted trees are appropriately sized and have the best chance of surviving.

However, executive director of public works John McClelland cautioned that county roadsides are not always ideal locations for trees, particularly given road-salt exposure, underground utilities, drainage infrastructure, increasing traffic volumes and safety concerns.

"We're not in the business of tree removal. We're into the maintenance of trees," McClelland said, explaining staff prioritize trimming to improve visibility and tree health wherever possible.

Coun. Rhonda Ehgoetz raised concerns about trees near intersections obstructing the view of drivers operating larger trucks and agricultural equipment.

McClelland suggested working with lower-tier municipalities to identify alternative planting locations, including municipal parks, where roadside replacement is not feasible.

Council ultimately approved three amendments to the roadside policy: increasing the minimum replacement ratio to two trees for every tree removed, requiring replacement trees to be of an appropriate size and tolerant of roadside conditions, and directing staff to work with lower-tier municipalities to replant trees where replacement within county road allowances is not possible.

The policy also requires the county to notify affected property owners and establishes approval requirements for community organizations and other external groups wishing to plant trees within county road allowances.

Orr pointed to a recent tree-planting partnership between Perth South and the Stratford Rotary Club as an example of how community organizations could help the county meet its planting goals.

Council also approved a Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation Policy, establishing an overarching framework for protecting and enhancing the county's tree canopy, currently estimated at 9.4 per cent.

Zhelev explained the policy fulfils requirements under the Municipal Act and brings the county's existing tree-related initiatives, including its tree-injury bylaw, stewardship programs and official plan, under a coordinated framework.

The policy establishes objectives for protecting existing trees, encouraging responsible planting, monitoring tree loss and replacement, and developing a comprehensive inventory of trees on county-owned and managed lands using geographic information systems data.

It also calls for reassessing tree canopy coverage at least every five years, where practical.

Council approved an amendment proposed by Kasenberg to remove references to tree-planting and incentive programs operated by lower-tier municipalities, Stratford and St. Marys from the policy's existing-programs section, leaving only the Perth County Stewardship Program.

Kasenberg argued the county's policy should focus on programs and responsibilities within its own jurisdiction rather than outlining initiatives operated by other municipalities.

The amended policy was subsequently approved by council.

Both policies are intended to balance environmental protection and increased tree cover with agricultural operations, public safety, infrastructure requirements and the county's available resources.