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

Yes. Trees meeting the protected threshold (20 cm diameter at 1.37m 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 Markham?

Processing time in Markham is typically 45 days. 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 Markham?

Fines in Markham range $300 to $100,000 for a first conviction; a special fine may exceed $100,000. The city can also require replanting at the owner's expense.

Service Area

Arborist Reports in Markham

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

20 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

14+

GTA municipalities served

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.

Before starting tree work in Markham

Check the Markham permit portal before any tree work begins. Bylaw requirements change, and fines for unpermitted removal start at $300 to $100,000 for a first conviction; a special fine may exceed $100,000.

Approved Tree Removal Permit

Sample approved permit from Markham (personal details redacted).

What Markham Clients Say

Had two large oaks that we needed removed for a pool installation. The arborist report was detailed and the city approved both removals with replanting conditions. The whole thing took about a month.

Pool install, Unionville

Our site had a row of mature maples right along the property line where we were building. The tree protection fencing plan kept the city happy and the trees survived construction without damage.

New build, Cornell

Needed a site inspection after a windstorm damaged several trees on our commercial property. They assessed everything quickly and helped us figure out which trees could be saved and which needed permits for removal.

Commercial rebuild, Markham