CITY OF TORONTO TREE BY-LAW

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 Removal permit application:

  • $132.21 PER TREE (no maximum)
  • $275.99 PER TREE if the tree to be removed is a boundary or shared neighbour tree.

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 falls under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Planting

  • Pruning

  • Tree Removal

  • Soil Care

  • Plant Health

MARKHAM PRIVATE TREE BY-LAW

A permit is required to remove any tree on private property which is over 20cm measured at 1.37m off the ground.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Removal

  • Tree Planting

VAUGHAN

A permit is required to remove any tree on private property which is over 20cm diameter measured from the base of the tree.

City Fee for Removal permit application:

  • $60.00 for processing
  • $100.00 per tree over 20cm diamater
  • $550.00 tree replacement charge
Note: For any tree that is dead, hazardous, or for ash trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer, a specific permit application is still needed, but there are no fees required.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Removal

  • Tree Planting

OAKVILLE

A permit is required to remove any tree which is over 15cm diameter measured at breast height (DBH)

City Fee for Removal permit application:

  • $50.00 for the first tree between 15cm and 24cm.
  • $325.00 for any additional trees, or for trees larger than 24cm.
  • As a condition of the permit, one replacement tree must be planted for every 10cm DBH of healthy tree removed. A $300.00 security deposit is required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
Note: Dead and high-risk trees, ash trees and buckthorn require a permit, but are exempt from fees.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Removal

  • Tree Planting

MISSISSAUGA

You need a permit to remove trees on private property if you are removing one (1) or more trees which measure 15cm diameter or greater – including dead and/or dying trees or ash trees.

Replacement trees are required for each tree removed.

City Fee for Removal permit application:

  • $434.52 for removing 1 tree that is 15cm or over.
  • $124.14 for each additional healthy tree 15cm or over.
Note: Dead, hazardous, or Ash trees will be exempt from fees.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Removal

  • Tree Planting

RICHMOND HILL

A permit is required to remove or injure any tree on private property which is 20cm diameter when measured at breast height.

City Fee for Removal permit application:

  • The permit application must include a non-refundable fee of $150.00 for one tree.
  • Each additional tree will cost $50.00, up to a maximum charge of $400.00.
Note: You do not need a permit to remove trees that are dead, diseased, or hazardous.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Removal

  • Tree Planting

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:

  • $395.53 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 falls under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Consulting

  • Tree Planting

  • Pruning

  • Tree Removal

  • Soil Care

  • Plant Health

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.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Pruning

  • Plant Health

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 anywhere from 1 to 15 trees, depending on the size of the tree being removed – please ask your arborist for specific details)
  • 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 falls under a separate application. Please consult your Cohen & Master arborist.

RELEVANT SERVICES

  • Plant Health

  • Stump

  • Tree Removal

  • Soil Care