Implementing a tree pruning cycle into the city of Thunder Bay

Abstract

Several cities in Ontario and across Canada were contacted regarding their tree pruning programs. Of the ten from Ontario that responded, seven had a cyclical tree pruning program. Annual budgets ranged from $50,000 up to $2.2 million with an average being $739,000. Pruning cycles ranged from five-to-ten years. Most pruning was conducted year round and most cities relied on both city staff and contractors. Most of the cities started up a cyclical tree pruning program in order to reduce maintenance costs and improve tree health. The downsides when reported were mainly the cost of the program, inconsistent pruning standards from staff and contractors, and dealing with complaints from residents. However, the benefits far outweighed the costs and it is recommended that Thunder Bay should adopt a cyclical tree pruning program as recommended in the Urban Forest Management Plan for Thunder Bay (Davey Resource Group, 2011).