Joanne Cross

Among the most popular questions that come up time and again are about trees on the boundary between houses or properties.

Who owns them? What are the rules about cutting branches or roots that extend onto your property? If you think a tree is dying, can you cut it down? If your neighbour’s tree falls onto your yard in a storm is it his responsibility to pay for the cleanup? Are there any protected trees in Ontario that cannot be trimmed?

Here are the answers:

Who owns the tree?

A tree whose trunk is on the boundary between properties belongs to both property owners, according to the Forestry Act of Ontario.

When you can trim?

Either owner can trim branches on their side of the property. If the tree is completely on your neighbour’s land, but roots and branches extend onto your property, you have the right to trim them, so long as it does not do any harm to the tree.

You cannot go into your neighbour’s yard to do this. While this is usually simple to determine when it comes to branches, it is not so easy to figure out when roots are involved. In other words, how do you know whether cutting part of the roots on your land will injure the tree?

Here’s where it can be a problem: I have had clients who wanted to put in a pool, only to find that the neighbour’s tree roots extend into their yard. Do they have to move the pool or make it smaller? The rule of thumb is that the diameter of the tree trunk determines how far away from it you can dig. In Toronto, if the trunk is less than 30 centimetres, you can usually dig two metres from your neighbour’s tree trunk. If it’s more, then it is best to consult with a professional arborist before you start, especially since every city may have its own tree by-laws. You can find a certified arborist in your area at www.isaontario.com.

A dying tree?

If a tree falls?

Protected trees?

Need More Tips on trees on the boundary .... Joanne today!

The City of Pickering offers programs and events FREE for Pickering Teens 13 – 19 years with a City ID Card.

You can pick up your City ID Card at any program or event – parent signature required.Visit our become a member link for more details.

On Saturday, November 26th we held our 4th annual Teen Art Show Gala. In November 2011, the City of Pickering invited students to submit their artwork and by doing so they were judged in a series of categories. The Art work was on display at Petticoat Creek Community Centre from Nov. 14th-26th and the Awards Gala was held on Nov. 26th. It was a huge success and featured several Teen Artists as well as professional guest artist.

Congratulations to all the winners. Be sure to check out our facebook page as well as our photo gallery for pictures of the event.

Thanks again to Canadian Art Magazine, The Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery, Pickering Town Centre, Rouge Hills Seniors and the Pine Ridge Arts Council for sponsoring the event. Did you know? We released a video showcasing our Wednesday program at Petticoat Creek Community Centre which you can watch here. Also be sure to check out our 2012 Free Teen Program Schedule.

Need more tips on Programs for our Teens… call Joanne today!

Waterfront

The Town of Ajax's waterfront is a gem of unspoiled beauty, with six kilometers of unspoiled park land stretching across the Town's southern border along the shores of Lake Ontario. It is accessible to the public, with bridges spanning creeks, natural and maintained areas.

This land, totaling over 150 acres, is used by residents and visitors who come to enjoy the scenic views, picnics, engage in recreational activities in the open spaces, and utilize the multi-use trail for walking, jogging, cycling and in-line skating.

The asphalt trail, which is over seven kilometers in length, is part of the Waterfront Trail that runs from Hamilton to Belleville, and is also part of the Trans-Canada Trail. It remains one of the most picturesque waterfronts in southern Ontario. The 100,000 people who live in Ajax are delighted to keep it this way.

Need more tips on Exploring Durhams Prime Locations… call Joanne today!