Halifax loses trees every storm season — split limbs over sidewalks, leaning trunks after a windstorm, roots heaving up a curb. Most of it isn't an emergency, but some of it genuinely is, and HRM treats the two very differently.
Is it an emergency?
If a tree or large limb is down and blocking a road, sitting on power lines, or actively blocking access, treat it as urgent — mention that explicitly in your report so it gets triaged fast. A leaning tree that hasn't fallen yet, or a dead limb still attached, is usually not an emergency but is still worth reporting before the next storm turns it into one.
How to Report a Hazardous Tree
Fastest way: Report on SolveHFX
Photo of the tree — wider shot showing the lean or damage, not just a close-up of the bark
Pin the exact location (street trees and park trees are handled by different crews, so location matters)
Note whether it's blocking anything right now
Direct to HRM:
311: Call 311 or use [311.halifax.ca](https://311.halifax.ca)
Email: contactus@311.halifax.ca
What to Include
Location: is it a street tree, a park tree, or on the boundary with private property?
What's at risk: sidewalk, road, power line, playground, parked cars
Condition: leaning, split, dead limbs, visibly rotting trunk
Photo: from a distance that shows the full tree, not just the damaged part
How Long Until Someone Comes Out
Active hazard blocking a road or on wires: same day to 48 hours — this gets escalated immediately
Leaning or clearly dead tree, not yet fallen: 1–3 weeks for assessment
General pruning/maintenance requests: can take a full season, since it's scheduled around HRM's forestry rotation
Pro Tips
1. Never treat a tree on live power lines as a HRM-only issue — call 311, but also consider flagging it as an electrical hazard; NS Power handles line contact, not HRM.
2. After a windstorm, report even minor damage — HRM often does sweep inspections after major weather, and your report helps flag streets crews haven't gotten to yet.
3. Mention if it's near a school or playground — proximity to kids bumps priority.
Report a hazardous tree now — takes about 60 seconds, no account needed.