A plain-language guide to Toronto's private tree bylaw for homeowners. What's protected, when you need a permit, how to apply, and what happens if you don't.
The City of Toronto's Private Tree Bylaw (Municipal Code Chapter 813) protects trees on private property throughout the city. If a tree on your property has a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more — measured at 1.4 metres (about 4.5 feet) above the ground — you need a permit before you can remove or injure it.
This applies to all private property in Toronto, whether you own a single-family home, a condo, or a commercial property. Trees in ravine-protected areas are protected regardless of size, and additional restrictions may apply.
The bylaw isn't designed to prevent you from removing trees — it's designed to ensure Toronto's urban forest is maintained through regulated removal and mandatory replacement planting.
The City of Toronto is currently reviewing its tree bylaws. Proposed changes include:
These changes are under review by City Council. We'll update this page as new rules are adopted.
DBH stands for Diameter at Breast Height. To check if your tree is protected, measure the trunk at exactly 1.4 metres (about 4 feet 7 inches) above the ground. If it's 30 cm (about 12 inches) or more across, you need a permit.
For multi-stem trees, the measurement method is different — typically the diameter of the largest stem plus half the diameter of each additional stem. An arborist can help you measure accurately.
An arborist report is a required part of every permit application. The report must be prepared by an ISA certified arborist who assesses the tree's health, structural condition, and the reason for removal.
Submit the completed permit application form along with your arborist report, a tree replacement plan (species, size, location of replacement trees), and any required site plans. Pay the applicable fee.
The city reviews your application. They may send an inspector to verify the arborist's findings. Incomplete applications are returned without processing.
If approved, you'll receive your permit. Toronto requires a 1:1 replacement ratio — one replacement tree for each tree removed. Replacement trees must typically be 50mm caliper native shade trees.
Removing a protected tree without a permit is a serious offence in Toronto. Fines range from $500 to $100,000 per tree. In addition to the fine, you may be required to plant replacement trees at your own expense.
Enforcement is complaint-driven but increasingly proactive. The city uses satellite imagery and inspection reports to identify violations. It's always cheaper to get the permit first.
We prepare the required ISA-compliant arborist report, formatted for Toronto's permit application process.
Learn about reports →We help you navigate the application — filling out forms correctly, preparing replacement plans, and submitting to the city.
Get started →Once approved, we handle the removal, stump grinding, replacement planting, and cleanup — all bylaw-compliant.
Request a quote →Yes, if the tree is on private property and has a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more (measured at 1.4 metres above ground). Trees in ravine-protected areas are protected regardless of size.
Fines for unauthorized tree removal in Toronto range from $500 to $100,000 per tree. You may also be ordered to plant replacement trees at your own expense.
The City of Toronto typically processes complete applications within 30 business days. Incomplete applications will not be processed and may be returned.
Dead trees may be exempt from the permit requirement, but you typically still need an arborist report to confirm the tree is dead. It's best to contact the city or hire an arborist before proceeding.