Markham Tree Removal Permit: Rules, Fees & Arborist Reports

Understanding Markham’s Tree Protection

Markham’s current tree preservation rules fall under By-law 2023-164, which replaced the earlier By-law 2008-96. The updated bylaw strengthened protections and clarified the application process. All private trees with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or more, measured at 1.37 metres above ground, are protected. You cannot remove, cut down, or injure a protected tree without a permit from the city’s Tree Preservation Unit.

Markham’s approach is notable for its low $20.50 processing fee, although separate per-tree or development-review fees can apply. City staff may request supporting documents or a site visit before making a decision.

By-law 2023-164: Key Details

The bylaw applies to all private property in Markham, including residential, commercial, and industrial lands. It protects any tree with a 20 cm or greater trunk diameter, regardless of species, health, or condition. Dead, dying, and hazardous trees still require a permit. When a permit classifies a tree in one of those categories, replacement planting and cash-in-lieu do not apply.

What the Bylaw Covers

• Removal of any protected tree
• Injuring a protected tree (including root cutting, bark damage, and excessive pruning)
• Activities within the critical root zone that could affect tree health
• Topping or severe pruning of protected trees

Dead, Dying, Hazardous, and Failed Trees

Dead, dying, and hazardous trees still require a permit. High-risk expedited review requires a Tree Risk Assessment Report from a TRAQ-qualified arborist. If a tree has already failed, the city requires photographs and supporting documents. When the permit classifies a tree as dead, dying, or hazardous, replacement planting and cash-in-lieu do not apply.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit

Step 1: Determine if Your Tree is Protected

Measure the trunk diameter at 1.37 metres above the ground. If the diameter is 20 cm or more, the tree is protected under the bylaw. For a multi-stem tree, square each stem diameter, add those values, then take the square root of the total to calculate DBH. Our step-by-step DBH measuring guide walks through this with a worked example.

Step 2: Check the Supporting Documents

A Qualified Tree Expert report may be required as a condition of approval. When the city requests one, it should document:

• The tree’s species, size, and location on the property
• A health and structural condition assessment
• The reason for the proposed removal
• Recommendations for any trees being retained
• A site plan showing all trees on the property

Step 3: Submit to the Tree Preservation Unit

File your application with Markham’s Tree Preservation Unit. The submission package includes:

• A completed Tree Removal Permit Application form
• The Qualified Tree Expert report, if required
• A site plan or property survey
• The $20.50 processing fee
• Photos of the tree

Applications can be submitted online through the city’s website. The city emails the Bill Number and Folder Number after submission. Payment is due within 24 hours of that email, or the application may be cancelled or withdrawn.

Step 4: Review and Decision

The Tree Preservation Unit reviews the application, arborist report, and supporting documents. Staff may request a site visit or additional information. Typical processing time is up to 45 days. Permits are approved, denied, or approved with conditions (usually replanting requirements).

Fees

Markham charges a $20.50 non-refundable processing fee per residential Tree Permit application. The 2026 fee schedule separately lists a $203.50 fee for removal of the first tree and $102 for each additional tree. The fee schedule also lists $687 as the full indexed cash-in-lieu value for a replacement tree and $343.50 as the half indexed value. HST applies where applicable.

Development applications have separate Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan review fees. The 2026 base review fee is $500 for up to 15 trees. For 16 or more trees, the fee is $500 plus $20 per tree.

Replanting Requirements

Replacement planting and/or cash-in-lieu may be required when the permitted tree is not classified as dead, dying, or hazardous. By-law 2023-164 uses the Progressive Aggregate Caliper Method for permit conditions. The tree’s DBH is adjusted by health and structure factors, then converted into the number of 5 cm caliper replacement trees. The permit sets the final planting or cash-in-lieu conditions for the property.

Penalties

For a first conviction under By-law 2023-164, the fine ranges from $300 to $100,000. Continuing and repeat offences have separate daily or multiple-offence fines. A special fine tied to economic gain may exceed $100,000. The city can also order compensation or replacement calculated through the Aggregate Caliper Method.

Heritage Areas and Special Considerations

Properties in Markham’s heritage conservation districts, such as Unionville and Markham Village, may face additional considerations during the tree permit process. While the tree bylaw itself applies uniformly across the city, the heritage character of these areas means that permit reviewers may give extra weight to preserving mature trees that contribute to the neighbourhood’s character.

Environmentally significant areas identified in Markham’s Official Plan may also trigger additional review requirements, particularly for development applications.

Development-Related Tree Permits

For construction and development projects, tree permits are coordinated with the site plan approval process. Developers must submit:

• A complete tree inventory for the property
• A tree preservation plan showing which trees will be retained and which require removal
• Tree protection measures for retained trees
• A replanting plan for removed trees

The Tree Preservation Unit reviews these plans in coordination with the development planning team. Tree protection fencing and sediment controls must be in place before any site work begins.

Working with The Arborist Group

We prepare permit applications for Markham’s Tree Preservation Unit on a regular basis. Our reports match the city’s documentation requirements and include the level of detail that staff expect. From single-tree removals in established neighbourhoods to multi-tree development applications, we know how Markham’s process works and how to keep applications moving.