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

Yes. Trees meeting the protected threshold (15 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 Mississauga?

Processing time in Mississauga is typically 30 business 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 Mississauga?

Fines in Mississauga range Up to $100,000. The city can also require replanting at the owner's expense.

Service Area

Arborist Reports in Mississauga

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

15 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

14+

GTA municipalities served

Tree Bylaws in Mississauga

Mississauga updated its private tree protection rules significantly with By-law 0021-2022, which replaced the former By-law 0474-2005 in April 2022. The current bylaw protects all private trees with a diameter of 15 cm or more, which is a lower threshold than many neighbouring municipalities. That means even relatively young trees on your property may need a permit before removal.

The application process requires an arborist report, and the city charges a fee of $399.77 (including HST) for the first tree, plus $139.72 for each additional healthy tree. Dead or dying trees have no fee. Replanting requirements are tied directly to the size of the tree being removed: one replacement tree is required for every 15 cm of trunk diameter, and a security deposit is required. If you cannot replant on site, cash-in-lieu payments apply.

Mississauga's rapid development means tree permits often intersect with construction and site plan approvals. We work with property owners, developers, and contractors across the city to prepare reports that meet Mississauga's specific requirements and keep projects on schedule.

Mississauga Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

15 cm

Permit Fee

$399.77 (incl HST); additional healthy trees $139.72/tree. Dead/dying: no fee

Processing Time

30 business days

Penalty

Up to $100,000

Special Zones

Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) and woodlots have additional protections under the city's Official Plan

View official bylaw

Bylaw details verified 2026-03-23.

Before starting tree work in Mississauga

Check the Mississauga permit portal before any tree work begins. Bylaw requirements change, and fines for unpermitted removal start at Up to $100,000.

Approved Tree Removal Permit

Sample approved permit from Mississauga (personal details redacted).

What Mississauga Clients Say

We needed to remove three ash trees that were in bad shape from emerald ash borer. The arborist report documented everything the city needed, and the permits came through in about two weeks.

Lot clearing, Port Credit

Our construction crew got a stop work order because of tree protection issues. They came out the next day, assessed the situation, and put together the documentation we needed to get the order lifted within a week.

New build, Erin Mills

We needed root pruning near a protected tree before pouring a new driveway. The arborist supervised on-site and the city had no concerns when they reviewed the documentation.

New driveway, Meadowvale