Service Area

Arborist Reports in Vaughan

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

Permit required at 20 cm DBH

Application fee: $270 application fee
Processing time: Initial response within 30 business days

20 cm

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

21+

GTA municipalities served

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Ontario.

Permit required at 20 cm DBH

Application fee: $270 application fee
Processing time: Initial response within 30 business days

Tree Bylaws in Vaughan

Vaughan's Tree Protection By-law 177-2025 regulates the removal, injury, and maintenance of trees on both public and private property. Any non-public tree with a Diameter of 20 cm or more, measured at 1.37 metres above ground, is protected and cannot be removed without a permit. Base Diameter, measured at the ground instead, applies only when a tree was already cut down to less than 1.37 metres before the measurement is taken. Public trees are protected regardless of size. The bylaw applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the city.

The permit application requires an arborist report, colour photographs of the tree (both close-up and full view), and a property plan showing all trees on site. Vaughan's forestry staff review applications and may conduct site visits before issuing a permit. The city also has separate regulations for woodlots and properties near ravine edges.

Vaughan's rapid suburban expansion means many new developments border existing natural areas and mature tree stands. We work with homeowners planning renovations and builders on new construction to prepare tree preservation plans and removal applications that meet the city's current standards.

Vaughan Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

20 cm

Permit Fee

$270 first residential tree; $153.25 each additional. Construction: $360.50 first; $178.27 each additional (2026)

Processing Time

Initial response within 30 business days

Penalty

First offense up to $10,000; subsequent up to $25,000; corporations up to $100,000

Special Zones

Woodlot and ravine edge properties have additional protections under separate regulations

View official bylaw

Bylaw details verified 2026-08-09.

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

Before starting tree work in Vaughan

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.