Service Area

Arborist Reports in Markham

Tree removal permits and construction arborist reports for City of Markham, prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist for municipal review.

Permit required at 20 cm DBH

Application fee: $20.50 application fee
Processing time: 45 days

20 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

21+

GTA municipalities served

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Ontario.

Permit required at 20 cm DBH

Application fee: $20.50 application fee
Processing time: 45 days

Tree Bylaws in Markham

Markham's Tree Preservation By-law 2023-164, which replaced the earlier By-law 2008-96, protects all private trees with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or more measured at 1.37 metres above ground. A permit is required before any protected tree can be removed or injured, regardless of the tree's health or condition.

The city charges a non-refundable processing fee of $20.50. Payment is due within 24 hours of the billing email, and applications are reviewed within 45 days of payment. A Qualified Tree Expert report may be required as a condition of approval. High-risk expedited applications require a Tree Risk Assessment Report from a TRAQ-qualified arborist.

Markham's mix of heritage neighbourhoods and new development areas creates a range of tree preservation challenges. Older properties in Unionville and Markham Village often have large, mature trees that require careful documentation, while newer subdivisions may involve tree preservation in the context of ongoing construction.

Markham Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

20 cm

Permit Fee

$20.50 non-refundable residential permit processing fee. The 2026 tariff separately lists $203.50 for the first removed tree and $102 for each additional tree. TAPP review is $500 for up to 15 trees or $500 plus $20 per tree for 16 or more trees; HST applies where applicable

Processing Time

45 days

Penalty

$300 to $100,000 for a first conviction; a special fine may exceed $100,000

Special Zones

Heritage conservation districts and environmentally significant areas may have additional tree-related requirements through the planning process

View official bylaw Application page

Bylaw details verified 2026-07-18.

See how Markham compares to other municipalities in our GTA tree bylaw comparison.

Before starting tree work in Markham

Review the current municipal permit and exemption requirements before work begins. Removing or injuring a protected tree without approval can lead to fines and replanting orders.