Several municipalities have established by-laws to protect the urban forest. A permit process is frequently required. Below are some examples of tree related regulations. Please consult your municipality’s Forestry Department for a current and complete list of tree protection by-laws.
Toronto Private Tree By-Law:
A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on private property which is over 30cm diameter measured from 1.4 metres above ground level.
City Fee for permit application: $100 per tree ($300 maximum)
Arborist Report required for application
Planting plan required for application (note: For each tree removed the property owner will be required to commit to re-planting 1-3 trees back on to their property)
Dead or imminent hazard trees are exempt from the Private Tree By-law if authorized by Toronto Forestry.
Note: Removing or injuring trees in relation to development, construction or landscaping fall under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.
Toronto City Tree By-Law:
A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on city owned property (all trees of any diameter are protected)
City Fee for Removal permit application: $300 per tree (no maximum)
Arborist Report required for application
Planting plan required for application (note: For each tree removed the property owner will be required to commit to re-planting 1-3 trees back on to city property)
Property owner will be required to pay for the cash value of the tree as determined by Toronto Forestry
Note: Removing or injuring trees in relation to development, construction or landscaping fall under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.
Toronto City Tree Pruning By-Law:
Authorization is required to prune any tree on city owned property.
Only a city approved contractor will be authorized to perform the work.
Toronto Ravine Tree By-Law:
A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on in a designated ravine and natural feature area. (all trees of any diameter are protected)
Arborist Report required for application
Planting plan required for application (note: For each tree removed the property owner will be required to commit to re-planting 3 trees back on to their property)
A deposit will be required by Toronto Forestry against the proposed planting and will be held until the newly planted trees are established.
Dead or imminent hazard trees are exempt from the Ravine Tree By-law if authorized by Toronto Forestry.
Note: Removing or injuring trees in relation to development, construction or landscaping fall under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.
Richmond Hill Private Tree By-Law:
A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on private property which is over 20cm diameter measured from 1.4 metres above ground level.
City Fee for permit application: $150 for the first tree, $50 for each additional tree up to a maximum of $400
Arborist Report required for application
Planting plan required for application (note: For each tree removed the property owner will be required to commit to re-planting 1 tree back on to their property)
Dead or imminent hazard trees are exempt from the Private Tree By-law if authorized by Richmond Hill Forestry.
Note: Removing or injuring trees in relation to development, construction or landscaping fall under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.
Vaughan Private Tree By-Law:
A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on private property which is over 20cm diameter measured from 1.4 metres above ground level. If the tree is multi-stemmed, the 3 largest stems should be added and if total exceeds 20cm DBH, the tree will be included in the By-Law.
City Fee for permit application: $100 for 1 tree, $150 for 2 trees, $200 for 3 trees, $250 for 4 trees, $300 for 5 trees, $350 for 6 trees, 7 or more trees $400.
Arborist Report required for application
Planting plan required for application (note: For each tree removed the property owner will be required to commit to re-planting 1 tree back on to their property)
Dead or imminent hazard trees are exempt from the Private Tree By-law if authorized by Vaughan Forestry.
Note: Removing or injuring trees in relation to development, construction or landscaping fall under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.
Markham Private Tree By-Law:
A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on private property which is over 20cm diameter measured from 1.37 metres above ground level. If the tree is multi-stemmed, the 3 largest stems should be added and if total exceeds 20cm DBH, the tree will be included in the By-Law.
City Fee for permit application: $200 for 1 tree, $100 for each additional tree up to a maximum of $5000
Arborist Report required for application
Planting plan required for application (note: For each tree removed the property owner will be required to commit to re-planting 1 tree back on to their property)
Dead or imminent hazard trees are exempt from the Private Tree By-law if authorized by Markham Forestry.
Note: Removing or injuring trees in relation to development, construction or landscaping fall under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.
