Markham protects trees at a 20 cm threshold with extra rules for mapped woodland areas. Here's what homeowners need to know.
In Markham, a permit or bylaw exemption is required to remove any private tree with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or more, measured at 1.37 metres above ground. This applies regardless of the tree's health or risk level — even dead trees need a formal process.
Markham also has a Woodland Conservation By-law that protects trees within mapped woodland areas, regardless of individual tree size. If your property is near or within a designated woodland, additional restrictions apply.
Hazardous, emergency, dying, or dead trees may qualify for a bylaw exemption instead of a full permit. However, notification after removal is typically required. A Tree Risk Assessment Report is needed for expedited review of high-risk trees.
If a tree is on or crosses a property line, consent from the adjacent property owner is required before removal can proceed.
Trees 20 cm+ at 1.37m above ground need either a permit (for healthy trees) or a bylaw exemption (for dead, dying, or hazardous trees).
The city may request an arborist report. Reports are generally required for dead, dying, or hazardous tree exemptions. Emergency trees don't need a report prior to removal.
Apply through the City of Markham online services. Pay the $20.50 processing fee per tree permit application.
Applications are reviewed within 45 days of payment being received. Replacement planting or cash-in-lieu may be required for non-hazardous trees.
Yes, any tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.37m above ground requires a permit or bylaw exemption, regardless of health.
It protects trees within mapped woodland areas regardless of size. If your property is in a designated woodland, additional restrictions beyond the private tree bylaw apply.
The processing fee is $20.50 per application as of January 2026. Additional replacement or cash-in-lieu costs may apply.