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

Yes. Trees meeting the protected threshold (30 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 Toronto?

Processing time in Toronto is typically 1-2 months (30-60 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 Toronto?

Fines in Toronto range Min $500/tree, max $100,000/tree. The city can also require replanting at the owner's expense.

Service Area

Arborist Reports in Toronto

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

30 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

14+

GTA municipalities served

Tree Bylaws in Toronto

Toronto's tree protection rules are among the strictest in Ontario. Under Chapter 813 of the Municipal Code, any private tree with a diameter of 30 cm or more at breast height requires a permit before it can be removed or injured. The city also enforces the Ravine and Natural Feature Protection (RNFP) bylaw under Chapter 658, which adds another layer of regulation for properties near ravines, valleys, and other natural features.

The urban forestry department reviews every application and often requires an arborist report as part of the submission. Replanting is required at a ratio of 1 tree per 10 cm of DBH removed, with a cash-in-lieu rate of $583 per tree. The city has become increasingly strict about accepting cash-in-lieu payments instead of actual tree replacement. For properties in RNFP zones, the permit process can take significantly longer and may involve site inspections by city staff.

We handle Toronto tree permit applications regularly and know what the city's reviewers look for. Whether you need a straightforward removal report or a complex construction impact assessment near a ravine, we prepare documentation that meets Toronto's standards and moves through the process without unnecessary delays.

Toronto Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

30 cm

Permit Fee

$142.31 per tree (private, non-construction); $425.75 per tree (private, construction); $297.08 per tree (boundary, non-construction); $891.30 per tree (boundary, construction)

Processing Time

1-2 months (30-60 days)

Penalty

Min $500/tree, max $100,000/tree

Special Zones

Ravine and Natural Feature Protection (RNFP) areas under Chapter 658 protect trees of ANY size in ravine areas and may involve site inspections by city staff

View official bylaw City permit portal

Bylaw details verified 2026-03-23.

Before starting tree work in Toronto

Check the Toronto permit portal before any tree work begins. Bylaw requirements change, and fines for unpermitted removal start at Min $500/tree, max $100,000/tree.

Approved Tree Removal Permit

Sample approved permit from Toronto (personal details redacted).

What Toronto Clients Say

Had a large silver maple that was lifting our front walkway. The arborist report was thorough and the city approved the removal within three weeks. They also helped us pick replacement trees that wouldn't cause the same root problems.

Walkway rebuild, Leaside

Our property backs onto a ravine, so we needed both a tree permit and an RNFP permit for our renovation. They handled the whole process and dealt directly with the city's forestry staff. Saved us months of back and forth.

Addition, Don Mills

We were doing a basement underpinning and had several mature trees close to the foundation. The tree protection plan they prepared satisfied both our contractor and the city inspector on the first review.

Basement underpinning, The Beaches