Arborist Report Markham: Tree Permit Requirements & 2-Day Turnaround

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 application fee ($20.50), which is significantly less than what most other GTA municipalities charge. However, the permit process itself is thorough, and the city’s staff will request additional information or site visits if the arborist report is incomplete.

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. Even dead trees technically require a permit for removal, though the fee may be refunded if the tree is confirmed dead or hazardous.

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

Exemptions

Markham allows exemptions for:

• Trees confirmed dead by a certified arborist (fee may be refunded)
• Trees posing an immediate risk to safety (emergency removal must be documented)
• Trees on properties actively used for agricultural purposes
• Certain designated invasive species

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 multi-stemmed trees, measure each stem separately. If any stem is 20 cm or more, the tree is protected.

Step 2: Get an Arborist Report

An ISA Certified Arborist must prepare a report documenting:

• 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 arborist report
• 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 or in person.

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 application. This is one of the lowest fees in the GTA. If the tree is confirmed dead or hazardous and qualifies for an exemption, the fee may be refunded.

There are no per-tree additional fees beyond the base processing fee, which makes Markham relatively affordable for applications involving multiple trees.

Replanting Requirements

When a permit is approved, the city requires replacement tree planting based on the size of the tree being removed. For construction-related removals, the ratios are:

• 20-40 cm diameter: 2 replacement trees per tree removed (2:1)
• 40-60 cm diameter: 3 replacement trees per tree removed (3:1)
• 60-80 cm diameter: 4 replacement trees per tree removed (4:1)
• 80 cm+ diameter: 5 replacement trees per tree removed (5:1)

For unauthorized removals, the ratio is 6:1 regardless of tree size.

If your property cannot accommodate the required replacement trees, you may be required to make a cash-in-lieu payment of $600 per tree. The city uses these funds to plant trees on public land within Markham.

Penalties

Unauthorized tree removal in Markham carries fines of up to $1,000. The city investigates complaints and can issue fines based on evidence of removal without a permit, including stumps, wood chips, and neighbour testimony. Beyond fines, the city can require replacement planting at higher ratios.

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.