Permits

Glenwood helps you through the permit process if a permit is needed to remove a tree.

Hire us to remove your tree and we will take care of the permit or notification form paperwork at no additional cost other than the permit fees that are paid to the City.

Each city has their own rules and regulations regarding private tree removal. 

The diameter of the tree is the standard used by each city to determine whether a permit is required or not. Diameter of a tree is always reported as Diameter Breast Height or DBH. See below for the explanation.

In addition to permit fees, there is typically a requirement to plant replacement trees.

Exemptions from the private tree by-law may be possible for trees afflicted with Emerald Ash Borer, dead trees, hazardous trees and terminally diseased trees. Permission to remove exemption trees may still require a formal application or process.

Mississauga – In Mississauga you are allowed to remove up to 2 trees per calendar year. The by-law only applies to trees with a DBH of more than 15cm (6in). More details on the by-law and information concerning permit fees are available here: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/urbanforestry?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=300012

Oakville – The Town of Oakville has recently updated its private tree by-law and now requires a permit for the removal of any tree (including hedges) with a DBH of 15cm (6in) or more or any tree removal that is happening as part of a site plan. Dead and high risk/hazardous trees, ash trees, and buckthorn require a permit but are exempt from fees. More details on Oakville’s private tree by-law and information concerning permit fees & requirements are available here: https://www.oakville.ca/residents/private-tree-protection.html

Burlington: Roseland Pilot – As of March 1, 2019 the City of Burlington has introduced a private tree by-law pilot for the Roseland area which will run until March 2021. Within the Roseland community, property owners require a permit for the removal or injury of any tree with a DBH of 30cm (12in) or more and any trees of significance (historic or rare species). More information on the pilot can be found here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Private-Tree-By-law-Feasibility-Study.asp

Toronto – Toronto’s private tree by-law requires a permit for the removal of any tree with a DBH of 30cm (12in) or more. More details on the by-law and information concerning permit fees are available here: http://www.toronto.ca/trees/private_trees.htm It’s important to note that there is a separate ravine by-law for private trees located on properties within a ravine designated area.

*DBH = Diameter Breast Height is a standardized measurement used by arborists. It is a diameter measurement of the tree trunk taken at 1.4 metres or 4.5 feet from ground level.

Tip: How to measure the diameter of a tree: Circumference of the tree ÷ π = Diameter of the tree     (π = 3.142857)