Tree Canopy Target

This consultation has concluded.

We’re setting a target for the tree canopy in Kitchener, and we want to know what you think! The tree canopy is the layer of branches, leaves, and stems that cover the ground when viewed from above.

Urban forestry experts and industry best practice suggest all neighbourhoods aim to have at least 30% tree canopy. Every resident should be able to see at least three good sized trees from their own home.

To achieve this type of target (30%), efforts and investments must focus on specific actions in specific locations. The type of action might not be exactly the same in all places. To be successful, we need to establish best practices, take action on our policy, and involve the community throughout.

Your feedback will be used together with our Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy to help set a tree canopy target for Kitchener. For more information, read our backgrounder, recent technical report and our current Urban Forest Strategy.

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This consultation has concluded.

Please post your questions about this project or the tree canopy here. We respond to all questions within 3 business days.

Share Hi, I wondered about the impact that trimming the old trees to make space for power lines had on the health of the trees. How do you calculate tree canopy when many of the old trees are being negatively impacted by impropre pruning? Are the trees counted in the canopy percentage? And if they die how many new trees would have to be planted to make up that percentage? Just feeling a bit disappointed as kw hydro came and pruned the majority of our tree canopy. on Facebook Share Hi, I wondered about the impact that trimming the old trees to make space for power lines had on the health of the trees. How do you calculate tree canopy when many of the old trees are being negatively impacted by impropre pruning? Are the trees counted in the canopy percentage? And if they die how many new trees would have to be planted to make up that percentage? Just feeling a bit disappointed as kw hydro came and pruned the majority of our tree canopy. on Twitter Share Hi, I wondered about the impact that trimming the old trees to make space for power lines had on the health of the trees. How do you calculate tree canopy when many of the old trees are being negatively impacted by impropre pruning? Are the trees counted in the canopy percentage? And if they die how many new trees would have to be planted to make up that percentage? Just feeling a bit disappointed as kw hydro came and pruned the majority of our tree canopy. on Linkedin Email Hi, I wondered about the impact that trimming the old trees to make space for power lines had on the health of the trees. How do you calculate tree canopy when many of the old trees are being negatively impacted by impropre pruning? Are the trees counted in the canopy percentage? And if they die how many new trees would have to be planted to make up that percentage? Just feeling a bit disappointed as kw hydro came and pruned the majority of our tree canopy. link

Hi, I wondered about the impact that trimming the old trees to make space for power lines had on the health of the trees. How do you calculate tree canopy when many of the old trees are being negatively impacted by impropre pruning? Are the trees counted in the canopy percentage? And if they die how many new trees would have to be planted to make up that percentage? Just feeling a bit disappointed as kw hydro came and pruned the majority of our tree canopy.

Christine M asked about 3 years ago

Thank you for your comments and feedback. Your points are well received. We cannot manage tree canopy in isolation and partners like KW Hydro will play a key role. We have identified 'collaboration and communication with partners' as an action item in Kitchener's Urban Forest Strategy and we continue to focus on this aspect and its direct connection to tree canopy. Tree mortality is a certainly a barrier to growing tree canopy and as such we will need to focus on addressing the many causes of it in order to look for solutions and opportunities.
Share It is hard to believe that Kitchener cares about the tree canopy after allowing a private citizen to cut down all the trees on a property he was planning to sell. on Facebook Share It is hard to believe that Kitchener cares about the tree canopy after allowing a private citizen to cut down all the trees on a property he was planning to sell. on Twitter Share It is hard to believe that Kitchener cares about the tree canopy after allowing a private citizen to cut down all the trees on a property he was planning to sell. on Linkedin Email It is hard to believe that Kitchener cares about the tree canopy after allowing a private citizen to cut down all the trees on a property he was planning to sell. link

It is hard to believe that Kitchener cares about the tree canopy after allowing a private citizen to cut down all the trees on a property he was planning to sell.

Jane B Harding asked about 3 years ago

Thank you for your 'comment'. We appreciate you sharing your concerns and consider tree protection to be a key variable in our ability to sustainably manage our existing and future tree canopy.
Share "Leaf removal in the fall?" Is there any discussion about that? Personally I disapprove of city-pickup, and greatly endorse the drop-off lots around town. But regardless of the solution, the topic should be discussed with a target that will generate more leaves. on Facebook Share "Leaf removal in the fall?" Is there any discussion about that? Personally I disapprove of city-pickup, and greatly endorse the drop-off lots around town. But regardless of the solution, the topic should be discussed with a target that will generate more leaves. on Twitter Share "Leaf removal in the fall?" Is there any discussion about that? Personally I disapprove of city-pickup, and greatly endorse the drop-off lots around town. But regardless of the solution, the topic should be discussed with a target that will generate more leaves. on Linkedin Email "Leaf removal in the fall?" Is there any discussion about that? Personally I disapprove of city-pickup, and greatly endorse the drop-off lots around town. But regardless of the solution, the topic should be discussed with a target that will generate more leaves. link

"Leaf removal in the fall?" Is there any discussion about that? Personally I disapprove of city-pickup, and greatly endorse the drop-off lots around town. But regardless of the solution, the topic should be discussed with a target that will generate more leaves.

GeoffK2015 asked about 3 years ago

Hello, this subject specifically is not being discussed at this time as part of the Tree Canopy Project but does have parallel connections and bigger impacts as we add to and manage our tree canopy. Thanks for flagging this and suggesting that more conversations take place. This has been noted and we appreciate your feedback and input.
Share Will the city give residents or developers incentives to plant back yard trees? on Facebook Share Will the city give residents or developers incentives to plant back yard trees? on Twitter Share Will the city give residents or developers incentives to plant back yard trees? on Linkedin Email Will the city give residents or developers incentives to plant back yard trees? link

Will the city give residents or developers incentives to plant back yard trees?

Peter van Driel asked about 3 years ago

We currently have a private tree planting partnership with REEP where the City subsidizes the cost of planting trees on private properties (https://reepgreen.ca/trees/). We welcome input and ideas on these types of initiatives going forward and have dedicated a question in this survey on this particular subject. Thanks for your question and interest in Kitchener's Tree Canopy.