Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Burlington?

Yes. Trees meeting the protected threshold (20 cm diameter at 1.4m height (DBH)) require a permit before removal. Dead trees may be exempt. Confirm with the city's urban forestry department before proceeding.

How long does a tree permit take in Burlington?

Processing time in Burlington is typically No published timeline (high volume noted by city). Submitting a complete ISA-certified arborist report with your application reduces the chance of delays.

What is the penalty for removing a tree without a permit in Burlington?

Fines in Burlington range $500-$100,000 (individuals); $1,000-$100,000 (corporations). The city can also require replanting at the owner's expense.

Service Area

Arborist Reports in Burlington

Tree removal permits and construction arborist reports for City of Burlington. ISA Certified reports accepted by the municipality.

20 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

14+

GTA municipalities served

Tree Bylaws in Burlington

Burlington's Private Tree By-law 40-2022 protects all trees with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or more on private property within the Urban Planning Area. The bylaw replaced an older framework and significantly tightened the rules, including a structured fee system and replanting requirements based on tree size.

Permit fees in Burlington are among the more complex in the GTA: a $52.50 processing fee plus $341.50 issuance fee for one to three trees, plus HST. Replanting requirements scale with the size of the tree being removed: 1 tree per 10 cm of trunk diameter removed. If you cannot replant on site, cash-in-lieu payments are $257.50 per tree.

Burlington's location along the Niagara Escarpment adds another layer of regulation. Properties within the Escarpment plan area are subject to Niagara Escarpment Commission rules in addition to the city bylaw. We work with property owners, builders, and developers across Burlington to handle both sets of requirements and keep projects moving.

Burlington Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

20 cm

Permit Fee

$52.50 processing + $341.50 issuance (1-3 trees) + HST

Processing Time

Contact city for timeline

Penalty

$500-$100,000 (individuals); $1,000-$100,000 (corporations)

Special Zones

Niagara Escarpment plan area has separate regulations. Trees 75 cm+ are classified as 'significant' and receive additional scrutiny

View official bylaw

Bylaw details verified 2026-03-23.

Before starting tree work in Burlington

Check the Burlington permit portal before any tree work begins. Bylaw requirements change, and fines for unpermitted removal start at $500-$100,000 (individuals); $1,000-$100,000 (corporations).

What Burlington Clients Say

We needed to remove two trees for a home addition near Plains Road. The arborist report made the replanting math clear upfront, so we knew exactly what our obligations would be before we even submitted the application.

Addition, Aldershot

Our lot backs onto the Escarpment trails and we had no idea the Niagara Escarpment Commission rules applied on top of Burlington's bylaw. They filed applications with both the city and the NEC, and both came back approved within a few weeks of each other.

New build, Roseland

A protected ash tree on our commercial property on Brant Street was in rough shape from emerald ash borer. The report documented the decline clearly and the city approved the removal without requiring replanting.

Commercial rebuild, downtown Burlington