Service Area
Arborist Reports in Richmond Hill
An ISA Certified Arborist writes tree removal permit reports and construction arborist reports for properties in Richmond Hill.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Ontario.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
Tree Bylaws in Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill updated its tree bylaws in April 2025, replacing the previous Tree Preservation By-law 41-07 with By-law #19-25 (Municipal Code Chapter 1015). The current bylaw protects all trees with a diameter at breast height of 15 cm or more at 1.4 metres above ground, down from the previous threshold of 20 cm. Tree injury is defined as removing more than 20% of live tissue within a 12-month period.
A standard Tree Permit application requires a Certified Arborist report and a non-refundable fee of $314 + HST for the first tree, plus $109 + HST for each additional tree. The current cash-in-lieu rate is $945 per tree under the 2026 Tariff of Fees By-law. Active Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan applications use arborist-prepared Tree Inventory and Preservation Plans through the planning process and do not require a separate Tree Permit.
Richmond Hill tree permit rules
15 cm
Permit Fee
$314 plus HST for the first tree or first application; $109 plus HST for each additional tree or application
Penalty
AMPS: $50 posting, $200 false information or continuing offence, $350 compliance-order violation, $500 Exemption Permit violation, and $750 injury without permit or obstruction; court fines up to $100,000 per offence and special fines may exceed $100,000
Special Zones
Oak Ridges Moraine and its key natural heritage features. O. Reg. 140/02 prohibits development and site alteration inside a feature or its 30 m vegetation protection zone, except for listed uses. An application within 120 m of a feature, outside the feature and its zone, needs a natural heritage evaluation
Before starting tree work in Richmond Hill
Approved Tree Removal Permit
Services Available in Richmond Hill
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.
Richmond Hill Permit Guide
Tree removal reports in Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill Tree Permit Guide
How to apply for a tree permit in Richmond Hill, 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