Service Area
Arborist Reports in Vaughan
An ISA Certified Arborist writes tree removal permit reports and construction arborist reports for properties in Vaughan.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
- Processing time
- Initial response within 30 business days
Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Ontario.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
- 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 City requires an arborist report for every permit type except the Dead, Hazardous or Emerald Ash Borer-Infected Tree Permit. The application also needs a plan of the lot that shows the trees to be injured or removed. A dead tree of 20 cm or more still needs a permit. The bylaw covers trees in a woodlot of 0.2 to 1 hectare. A woodland of 1 hectare or more falls under York Region's Forest Conservation By-law instead. The bylaw has no ravine provision.
The City gives an initial response, not a final decision, within 30 business days.
Vaughan tree permit rules
20 cm
Permit Fee
$270 for the first residential tree; $153.25 for each additional residential tree; $360.50 for the first tree on a construction or infill permit; $178.27 for each additional tree on a construction or infill permit. 2026 rates, HST exempt. The Dead, Hazardous or Emerald Ash Borer Tree Permit has no fee.
Processing Time
Initial response within 30 business days
Penalty
Administrative penalties (Schedule 1, as amended by By-law 251-2025): destroying a private tree without a permit $900 to $2,700 by diameter, injuring a private tree without a permit $750, working in a Tree Protection Zone without authorization $2,700. On conviction: up to $100,000 per offence, up to $10,000 a day for a continuing offence, and a special fine above $100,000 where the offence brought economic gain (s.11.0)
Special Zones
Woodlands of 1 hectare or more under York Region's Forest Conservation By-law 2013-68, which the City bylaw leaves to the Region (s.2.0(2)(a)). Woodlots of 0.2 to 1 hectare stay with the City bylaw at the same 20 cm threshold. The bylaw has no ravine provision
Before starting tree work in Vaughan
Approved Tree Removal Permit
Services Available in Vaughan
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.
Vaughan Permit Guide
Tree removal reports in Vaughan
Vaughan Tree Permit Guide
How to apply for a tree permit in Vaughan, 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