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

Yes. Trees meeting the protected threshold (15 cm diameter at breast 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 Oakville?

Processing time in Oakville is typically Inspector contacts within 5 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 Oakville?

Fines in Oakville range $300 to $10,000+. The city can also require replanting at the owner's expense.

Service Area

Arborist Reports in Oakville

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

15 cm DBH

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

14+

GTA municipalities served

Tree Bylaws in Oakville

Oakville's Private Tree Protection By-law 2017-038 applies to all private property in the town and requires a permit for the removal of any tree with a diameter of 15 cm or more at breast height. Heritage trees receive additional protections, and the town maintains a registry of significant specimens.

The permit application fee is $65 for the first tree (15-24 cm), $425 for each additional or larger tree, and $900 for development applications. No fee is charged for dead, ash, or buckthorn trees. Replanting is required at a ratio of 1 tree per 10 cm DBH removed, with a $300 refundable security deposit per replacement tree. Oakville's forestry staff review applications and typically contact applicants within 5 business days.

Oakville's mature neighbourhoods, particularly south of the QEW, feature some of the largest and oldest trees in the region. Properties near Bronte Creek, Sixteen Mile Creek, and the lakefront often involve complex tree preservation considerations. We work with Oakville homeowners and builders to meet the town's requirements and prepare reports that stand up to the town's thorough review process.

Oakville Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

15 cm DBH

Permit Fee

$65 first tree (15-24cm), $425 each additional/larger tree. Development: $900. Dead/ash/buckthorn: no fee

Processing Time

Inspector contacts within 5 business days

Penalty

$300 to $10,000+

Special Zones

Heritage trees, Bronte Creek and Sixteen Mile Creek corridors, and lakefront properties may have additional environmental protections

View official bylaw

Bylaw details verified 2026-03-23.

Before starting tree work in Oakville

Check the Oakville permit portal before any tree work begins. Bylaw requirements change, and fines for unpermitted removal start at $300 to $10,000+.

What Oakville Clients Say

We had a heritage-designated white oak that needed significant pruning near our new addition. The arborist report included a detailed health assessment and a protection plan that the town accepted without revisions.

Addition, Old Oakville

Removing a large dead elm near Sixteen Mile Creek required extra documentation because of the environmental protections in that area. They handled all the paperwork and the permit was approved in three weeks.

Pool install, Glen Abbey

Our excavation for a new basement walkout was close to several mature trees. The root pruning supervision and reporting kept us in compliance with the town's bylaw throughout the project.

Basement walkout, Bronte