HRM and CN are engaged in vegetation control activities in the municipality between April and October each year. To request vegetation management work, please contact 311 by phone or email at contactus@311.halifax.ca.
If not managed properly, trees, brush or other vegetation can compromise public safety. HRM's vegetation management program is unique to other urban forestry programs because vegetation is managed as a "stand" rather than individual trees. Work under this program primarily takes place along roadways in rural parts of the municipality.
While safety is a priority, a key component to preserving ecological integrity is to leave native organic materials ‘as-is’, where feasible. This material is involved with the natural processes of the forest stand and ensures the current and future health of the forest is able to improve its ability to adapt to and tolerate a changing climate. Further, the moisture holding capacity of this organic material reduces the flammability of the site during periods of low rainfall.
To reduce the flammability of retained material, HRM employees incorporate a practice of chipping the fine material to encourage decomposition and moisture absorption from the forest floor. When access is difficult to a site, fine fuels such as branches from pruned or felled trees are, where reasonable, moved away from high-risk areas and dispersed. Scattering this material, reduces fuel loading; and placing this material close to the forest floor encourages moisture absorption/retention and decomposition.
Work conducted by CN mitigates risk around railway crossings by removing weeds and other undesirable vegetation at these locations. CN’s vegetation control program is critical to ensure safe operations and contributes to the overall safety of the communities in which we operate. For more information, review CN's frequently asked questions document or visit their website.
- What is the greatest wildfire risk in HRM?
The greatest wildfire risk in HRM exists in what is referred to as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). This WUI is typically defined as an area of urban interface that comprises 75% vegetation for a minimum of 5 km2. Smaller areas such as urban parks and open spaces still represent a risk; however, this risk is mitigated by smaller size of the area leading to less fuel source, as well as accessibility of these sites to fire suppression services from Halifax Fire.
- What species of trees make up the forests in HRM?
The Acadian forests around Halifax are a mix of deciduous and coniferous species. Deciduous species are a low fire risk and can even act as a fuel break as their foliage contains high moisture content. Risk of wildfires in deciduous and mixed forests is highest prior to green-up in the spring and drops significantly after bud break.
- What about trees that have fallen or blown down in HRM parkland?
Blowdowns and deadfall in conifer dominated stands, from hurricanes and other wind events, can result in fuel loading in specific sites across HRM parkland. Where a specific hazard has been identified, and the risk of this hazard is determined to be high, HRM may conduct target fuel reduction, including removal of material from site.