Service Area

Arborist Reports in Toronto

Tree removal permits and construction arborist reports for City of Toronto, prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist for municipal review.

Permit required at 30 cm DBH

Application fee: $145.87 application fee
Processing time: Varies

30 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

21+

GTA municipalities served

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Ontario.

Permit required at 30 cm DBH

Application fee: $145.87 application fee
Processing time: Varies

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. These bylaws cover the whole city, including Etobicoke, North York, and Scarborough.

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

$145.87 per tree (private, non-construction); $436.39 per tree (private, construction); $304.51 per tree (boundary, non-construction); $913.58 per tree (boundary, construction)

Processing Time

Varies; no standard time published

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 2026-07-24.

See how Toronto compares to other municipalities in our GTA tree bylaw comparison.

Before starting tree work in Toronto

Review the current municipal permit and exemption requirements before work begins. Removing or injuring a protected tree without approval can lead to fines and replanting orders.