Tree By-Laws
Removing a tree? Here’s what you need to know.
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 for non-construction related removals:
- $145.87 PER TREE (no maximum)
- $304.51 PER TREE if the tree to be removed is a boundary or shared neighbour tree.
City Fee for Removal permit application for construction related removals:
- $900.00 PER TREE (no maximum)
- $913.58 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
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.
- $20 application fee
Relevant Services
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:
- $70.00 for processing
- $237.35 for the first tree over 20cm diamater
- $153.25 per additional tree
- $716.63 cash-in-lieu 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
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:
- $65.00 for the first tree between 15cm and 24cm.
- $425.00 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
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:
- $399.77 for removing 1 tree that is 15cm or over.
- $139.72 for each additional healthy tree 15cm or over.
Note: Dead, hazardous, or Ash trees will be exempt from fees.
Relevant Services
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 $314.00 for one tree.
- Each additional tree will cost $109.00, up to a maximum charge of $859.00.
Note: You do not need a permit to remove trees that are dead, diseased, or hazardous.
Relevant Services
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:
- $436.39 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
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
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
