Municipality of Chatham-Kent has begun a large-scale tree maintenance and trimming program aimed at improving public safety, enhancing streetscapes and supporting the long-term health of municipally owned trees.
Municipal officials say approximately 2,000 trees located within road rights-of-way across the community will be professionally trimmed, with work already underway this month. Crews will move through neighbourhoods in a structured, street-by-street approach based on prior inspections and assessments.
The initiative focuses on removing dead, damaged or hazardous branches, improving clearance for vehicles and pedestrians, and maintaining the natural structure of trees using established arboricultural practices.
Work will take place along municipal rights-of-way and includes pruning to improve visibility around roadways, sidewalks, driveways and roofs, as well as around streetlights, traffic signs and overhead utilities.
Residents may notice crews working in their neighbourhoods without advance door-to-door notification as part of efforts to complete the work efficiently and safely. Officials are advising the public to avoid parking on streets where crews are active, use caution near work zones and follow posted signage and directions from workers.
The municipality said work sites will be cleaned and restored daily, with all brush and debris removed at the end of each workday.
All work is being carried out by qualified professionals, including certified arborists and utility arborists, following provincial safety standards related to traffic control, electrical hazards and workplace safety.
Officials say the program is part of the municipality’s broader commitment to infrastructure management, environmental stewardship and neighbourhood safety.
