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Street tree requests, watering and pruning in Barrie
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Barrie maintains trees on its road allowance. Request a city tree assessment through Service Barrie, and keep a new tree watered during its first three growing seasons.
Key information
Barrie maintains trees on its road allowance. Request a city tree assessment through Service Barrie, and keep a new tree watered during its first three growing seasons. Private trees and new subdivision planting follow different routes.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| How do I tell whether a street tree belongs to the city? | Street trees grow on city land between the front property line and the curb, including the boulevard between sidewalk and street. |
| Who plants trees in new subdivisions? | The subdivision developer must plant the required street trees. |
| What should I do with the bag in winter? | Remove it in October, drain it fully and store it somewhere cool and dry. |
Sources: Street Trees | City of Barrie
City ownership and request routes
How do I tell whether a street tree belongs to the city?
Street trees grow on city land between the front property line and the curb, including the boulevard between sidewalk and street. Where there is no sidewalk, the city’s land width varies. A tree near your lawn is not automatically a private tree.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
How do I ask for maintenance or a new street tree?
Use ServiceBarrie.ca and choose Parks and Trees. You can also email ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca with your name, address, phone number, tree location and concern. Photos help the forestry team assess the request. Maintenance requests are handled year-round.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
When are replacement trees planted?
Planting generally happens in spring and fall, subject to the annual contract and budget. A replacement site must meet setbacks and be clear of utilities. Forestry staff select species for the location and soil conditions, rather than promising every requested species.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
Sources: Street Trees | City of Barrie
New trees and the watering-bag program
Who plants trees in new subdivisions?
The subdivision developer must plant the required street trees. The city does not reimburse a resident’s payment to a developer for a boulevard tree. This route differs from replacement requests in established neighbourhoods, which go through Service Barrie.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
How often should I water a new street tree?
The city recommends weekly watering during summer or dry periods. Its watering-bag program uses weekly fills from May to October for the first three growing seasons. If using a hose, let a small trickle run beside the tree for about an hour; do not overwater.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
How can I get a watering bag now?
The summer 2026 pickup dates have passed. Residents receiving a tree in fall 2026 or spring 2027 should watch for spring 2027 pickup arrangements. If unable to attend a pickup day, request help through Service Barrie. Bags are available only in limited quantities.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
Sources: Street Trees | City of Barrie
Seasonal care, pruning and concerns
What should I do with the bag in winter?
Remove it in October, drain it fully and store it somewhere cool and dry. Reinstall it in spring. The city says bags supplied for trees planted in 2025 or 2026 may be kept and reused each growing season, then used on other trees after establishment.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
How do I protect a newly planted tree?
Keep lawnmowers and trimmers away from the bark. Keep weed killers away and do not fertilize during the first two years. The city inspects new street trees the year after planting and marks unsuccessful trees for removal and replacement.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
How often does the city prune street trees?
The city gives an approximate seven-to-ten-year cycle. Qualified crews remove dead or weak growth and maintain sightlines and traffic clearances. If a tree outside the planned area needs attention, send its address and photos to Service Barrie rather than waiting for the cycle.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
Where should I report an unhealthy city tree?
Contact Service Barrie at 705-726-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca. The city accepts photos and details of symptoms such as dead branches or bark damage. If the concern is about a privately owned tree, its page instead directs the owner to a certified arborist.
Source: Street Trees | City of Barrie
Sources: Street Trees | City of Barrie