Tree Protection
The Town of Pelham is proud to support a program "Protecting Pelham's Trees," that allows residents to nominate and protect trees on private property that hold special value to them and the broader community.
Through this program, trees that meet the criteria can be designated as a Significant Community Tree or a Heritage Tree, which means they will be legally protected under the Niagara Region Woodland Conservation By-law.
Get involved by:
- Protecting the current tree canopy against invasive species.
- Nominating a tree for the program.
- Taking the “Plant a Tree Pledge” and plant a tree that could be recognized in the future. Discover tips on planting from Tree Canada here.
Heritage Trees
Trees that are linked to a significant event, person, or group in Pelham’s history.
The eligibility criteria to designate a Heritage Tree includes:
- Owned by the nominator
- In good health
- Located outside of a Sensitive Natural Area
- Associated with a Significant Event, Person or Group in the History of the Town
A tree designated under the Ontario Heritage Act will also be a Heritage Tree within the Niagara Region Woodland Conservation By-law.
Significant Community Trees
Trees with aesthetic, cultural, historical, or personal importance.
The eligibility criteria to designate a Significant Community Tree includes:
- Owned by the nominator
- In good health
- A native species or a unique/rare specimen in the area
- Located outside of a Sensitive Natural Area
- Aesthetic value or social significance
- 70 – 100 years of age and/or 50-centimetre diameter at breast height (DBH)
If you have questions about the application or designation process, please contact the Town of Pelham’s Planning Department at planning-info@pelham.ca or call 905-980-6695.
Benefits of Trees
Trees provide numerous benefits, including improving air and water quality, mitigating climate change, supporting wildlife, and enhancing human well-being. They are vital for a healthy environment and thriving communities.
Environmental Benefits
- Air Purification: Trees absorb pollutants by trapping particulate matter in their leaves, needles, and bark, improving air quality.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Water Conservation: Trees help conserve water by reducing runoff, preventing soil erosion, and increasing water infiltration into the ground.
- Climate Regulation: Trees provide shade, which can lower temperatures in urban areas, and their transpiration process releases moisture into the air, contributing to cooler local climates.
- Biodiversity Support: Trees provide habitat and food sources for a wide variety of wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
Social and Economic Benefits
- Improved Health and Well-being: Studies show that trees can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote physical activity.
- Safety: Trees create a buffer between moving vehicles and pedestrians.
- Community Engagement: Trees can bring people together and foster a sense of community.
- Increased Property Values: Well-treed properties tend to be more desirable and can increase in value.
- Reduced Energy Costs: Trees can help lower utility costs and increase energy savings by providing shade in the summer and blocking wind in the winter.
Contact Us
Town of Pelham
20 Pelham Town Square
P.O. Box 400
Fonthill ON L0S 1E0
905-892-2607
Sign up to receive Town of Pelham news and alerts
Stay up to date on the Town's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.