Trees and Forestry
The Town Tree:
The Tulip Tree is the official Town tree, selected because it is native to the area. The Tulip Tree is known for its large tulip-shaped leaves and tulip-like flowers that bloom in spring. The Tulip Tree grows 80 to 100 feet tall and maintains a narrow oval crown as it ages.

Native Pollinator Plants perfect for you garden
Why plant native plants?
- Native Plants have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
- They can provide food and habitat for local wildlife.
- They reduce the need for mowing, fertilizers, pesticides and extra watering.
- There are many different options, some of our local Fort Erie greenhouses have a great selection.
Tree By-law
We all have a role to play in protecting and maintaining trees well into the future. To help with that, the Town has updated our Tree Bylaw to protect trees on private property,the Tree By-law 33-2024.
The Town hasaTree Preservation and Replacement Guideto help property owners and applicants navigate tree protection as well as the application process.
The Tree By-law protects trees on private and public property within the Town's Urban Boundary and Natural Heritage System. If you live within the Urban Boundary, you will need to apply for a permit to injure or destroy (remove) a tree 30 cm in diameter or greater measured at 1.37 m from the ground. If your property is within the Town's Natural Heritage System, tree removal of any size will require a tree permit. Heritage trees or species at risk are also protected and may require additional approvals in addition to your tree permit.
Tree Preservation and Replacement Guide
The Tree By-law applies to property within the Urban Boundary and inside the Natural Heritage System of the Town of Fort Erie.
Using Geopedia, search for your address by clicking the looking-glass icon and then you may open in Property Manager to identify whether or not you fall within the Urban Boundary.
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| NOTE - Public tree maintenance (e.g., pruning) must be done by the Town and can be requested. |
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Permit fees include consultation and administration and are as follows:
Fees
Deposit Requirements
$250 - A security deposit per tree (for owners who are individuals) required for each Replacement Tree to be planted and can be found in the Town of Fort Erie Consolidated Fee Schedule. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
$500 - A security deposit per tree (for owners who are corporations) is required for each Replacement Tree to be planted and can be found in the Town of Fort Erie Consolidated User Schedule. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
Off-Site Compensation
$1000 - Should replacement plantings not be able to be accommodated on the subject property off-site planting will be undertaken in consultation with the Town. Off-site planting locations for compensation vegetation will typically include Town-owned lands, such as parks, or areas identified for restoration.
Administrative Penalties
See Schedule A in By-law 33-2024.
Contact Us
Town of Fort Erie
1 Municipal Centre Drive,
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 2S6
Phone: 905-871-1600
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