Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Urban Forest?

Street trees, trees in parks, and trees on private and public land make up the urban forest.  In Halifax Regional Municipality, that includes urban and suburban areas.

What is Urban Forestry?

Urban Forestry is the care and management of trees located in urban and suburban areas.

Why do we need an urban forest master plan?

Trees are just as important to a city's economic health as roads, bridges, water, sewer, electricity, transit, and other services that a city needs to prosper.

Trees are also important to a city's social health because they affect the look and feel of the places where we live, work, and play.

An urban forest master plan will help safeguard the municipality's trees by providing comprehensive direction for the growth and maintenance of our urban forest.

Does this mean I can't cut down trees on my property?

There are some tree cutting restrictions in place that apply to specific HRM communities, and there are restrictions that apply in specific ways to some land development projects. 

Not sure if these restrictions apply to you?  Call before you cut.  Please contact the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000.

Why does the city cut so much out of trees around power lines?

Nova Scotia Power, not HRM, maintains clearance around power lines.

I'd like to have a tree cut down in front of my property.  Who do I contact?

Please contact the HRM Call Centre: 490-4000 if you have questions about tree removal on or near your property line. 

Please be aware that HRM does not remove trees from its property unless they are dead, diseased and/or hazardous.

I'd like to have a tree planted in front of my property.  Who do I contact?

To request a street tree to be planted on HRM property in front of your home or business, please contact the HRM Call Centre: 490-4000. 

Please note that individual tree planting requests are balanced with current planting initiatives. A waiting period may apply to your request.