Whether you need a permit to remove a tree in many regions depends on your municipality, the tree’s size, the tree’s species, and where it’s located on your property. There is no single regional rule — it’s governed entirely at the municipal level, and the requirements vary significantly from one city or township to the next.
“Permit requirements for tree removal in many regions catch homeowners off guard more than almost any regulatory question I deal with. In Toronto, removing a tree above 30cm diameter on private property without a permit is a bylaw offence that can result in significant fines and a mandatory replacement planting requirement. In the next municipality over, there may be no permit required at all. Always check with your municipality before any tree comes down.”
— Tomasz Kwiatkowski, ISA Certified Arborist and tree risk assessment qualified practitioner with 20 years of experience in residential and municipal tree management in the local area
Table of Contents
The Short Answer
In many local municipalities, yes — you need a permit to remove a tree above a certain diameter on private property. The most common threshold is a trunk diameter of 30cm (approximately 12 inches) measured at breast height (1.4 meters above ground). Some municipalities have lower thresholds (20cm), some higher, and some have no bylaw at all.
Check with your municipality before any tree comes down. The consequences of removing a tree without a required permit can include significant fines, mandatory replacement planting at the property owner’s expense, and in some cases a requirement to restore the tree canopy value.
Major your region Municipalities: General Overview
| Municipality | General situation (verify current bylaw) |
|---|---|
| City of Toronto | Private Tree Bylaw — permit required for trees ≥30cm DBH on private property |
| City of Mississauga | Tree Protection Policy — permit required in certain zones and for certain species |
| City of Brampton | Urban Forest Policy — permit requirements vary by area |
| City of Ottawa | Tree Protection Bylaw — permit required in some zones |
| City of Hamilton | Urban Forest Strategy — permit requirements apply in certain areas |
| Regional Municipality of York | Varies by local municipality within the region |
| Rural and smaller municipalities | Often no bylaw — check directly with your township |
This table is a general guide only — bylaws change. Always verify with your specific municipality before removing any significant tree.
What Typically Triggers a Permit Requirement
Trunk diameter above the threshold: Most commonly 30cm DBH (diameter at breast height). Some municipalities measure at the base or at a different height.
Protected species: Some municipalities specifically protect certain species regardless of size — ash (given the Emerald Ash Borer crisis), heritage trees, or specific native species.
Location on the property: Trees in front yards, on lot lines, near ravines, or in designated “natural heritage” areas may have stricter protections regardless of size.
Age or significance: Some municipalities protect trees designated as “heritage” or “significant” trees based on age, species rarity, or community value.
What Happens If You Remove a Tree Without a Required Permit
Fines: Most your region municipalities fine property owners for unauthorized tree removal. In Toronto, fines for unauthorized removal of a private tree can be several thousand dollars per tree.
Replacement planting: Many bylaws require the property owner to plant replacement trees — sometimes multiple replacement trees for each one removed — at their own expense.
Value compensation: Some municipalities can require cash-in-lieu of replacement planting, calculated at the appraised value of the removed tree.
No exemption for hazardous trees: Even trees that are dead or hazardous may require a permit in some municipalities before removal. Emergency situations (imminent danger) may allow proceeding without a permit, but the municipality must typically be notified promptly.
How to Find Out for Your Property
Call or email your municipality’s planning, forestry, or urban tree office. Most municipalities have a dedicated contact for urban forestry questions. Describe your tree (approximate size, species if known, location on the property) and ask directly whether a permit is required.
Ask the tree service. A professional, locally based tree service should know the permit requirements for the municipalities they work in. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Check your municipality’s website. Search “[your municipality name] tree removal permit” — most municipalities with bylaws have permit information online.
Who Is Responsible — You or the Contractor?
The property owner bears the legal responsibility for compliance with tree removal bylaws — even if the tree service performs the removal. A tree company that assures you “no permit is needed” and removes the tree without one leaves the legal liability with you, not them.
The professional approach: confirm permit requirements with your municipality before any tree is removed, and ensure the tree service is aware of and compliant with the bylaw.
Related Questions
- Questions to Ask a Tree Service or Arborist Before You Hire One
- Questions to Ask When Getting a Tree Service Quote
- How Much Does Tree Removal Cost ?
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