Service Area
Arborist Reports in Markham
An ISA Certified Arborist writes tree removal permit reports and construction arborist reports for properties in Markham.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
- Processing time
- 45 days
Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Ontario.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
- 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: $20.50 (per residential tree removal permit application, charged in addition to the removal fees). Payment is due within 24 hours of the billing email, and applications are reviewed within 45 days of payment. Markham decides case by case, and the City can ask for a Qualified Tree Expert report with an application or as a permit condition. High-risk expedited applications require a Tree Risk Assessment Report from a TRAQ-qualified arborist.
Markham tree permit rules
20 cm
Permit Fee
$20.50 processing fee per residential permit application, charged in addition to the removal fees; $203.50 for the first removed tree; $102 for each additional removed tree. HST extra.
Processing Time
45 days
Penalty
$300 to $100,000 for a first conviction; a special fine may exceed $100,000
Special Zones
In heritage conservation districts, tree removal is part of the Tree Permit (By-law 2023-20 s.4(i)). Markham's Official Plan protects environmentally significant areas through planning approvals
Before starting tree work in Markham
Approved Tree Removal Permit

Services Available in Markham
Construction Reports
Arborist reports for building permits, site plan approvals, and construction near protected trees.
Arborist Supervision & Inspections
Arborist supervision and documented site inspections for active construction near protected trees.
Stop Work Order Clearance
Arborist assessments and paperwork for tree-related Stop Work Orders and Orders to Comply.
Tree Removal Reports
Arborist reports for municipal tree removal permit applications.
Root Pruning and Excavation
Supervised root pruning, directional boring, and excavation near protected trees, with written documentation.
Tree Protection & Fencing
Tree protection fencing installation, monitoring, and documentation for construction and development projects.
Nest Clearance Surveys
Bird nest checks before tree removal or clearing, under federal migratory bird law.
Tree Risk Assessments
Formal risk assessments for insurance claims, neighbour disputes, storm damage liability, and property due diligence.
Tree Inventory Services
Tree inventories for property managers, condo boards, HOAs, developers, and municipalities managing multiple trees.
Butternut Assessment and Registry Submission
Butternut assessment and Registry submission under Ontario's Species Conservation Act, 2025.
Pool Permit Arborist Reports
Arborist reports for pool installation permits near protected trees, plus a desktop feasibility check at the quoting stage.
Markham Permit Guide
Tree removal reports in Markham
Markham Tree Permit Guide
How to apply for a tree permit in Markham, with the documents and fees the application needs.
Read the Permit GuideGet a quote
Tell us about your property. An ISA Certified Arborist will reply with a firm quote.
- Free consultation, response within 24 hours.
- Report delivered in 2 business days, written to your municipality's requirements.
- We do not sell tree removal.
Serving Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario.
ISA Certified Arborist · ISA Member · ISA Ontario Member