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

Understanding Mississauga’s Tree Protection

Mississauga has one of the lowest diameter thresholds for tree protection in the GTA. At just 15 cm, the city’s private tree bylaw catches trees that would be unregulated in most neighbouring municipalities. This means even relatively young trees on your property, ones that might only be 10 to 15 years old, could require a permit before removal.

The city takes tree preservation seriously as part of its urban canopy strategy, with a stated goal of increasing canopy cover across the municipality. The permit process is straightforward once you understand the requirements, but the fees are among the higher ones in the region.

The Private Tree Bylaw

Mississauga’s private tree protection bylaw (By-law 0021-2022, which replaced the former By-law 0474-2005 in April 2022) protects all trees on private property with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more measured at breast height (1.4 metres above ground). This applies to all species and all property types, whether residential, commercial, or industrial.

The bylaw prohibits removing, cutting down, or injuring a protected tree without a permit. “Injuring” includes root cutting, excessive pruning, and activities within the tree’s critical root zone that could compromise its health or stability.

What Counts as a Protected Tree

Any tree with a 15 cm diameter qualifies. To put that in context, a tree with a 15 cm diameter has a circumference of about 47 cm (roughly 18.5 inches around). Many common species reach this size within 10 to 15 years of planting. If you are unsure whether your tree meets the threshold, measure the circumference at chest height and divide by 3.14.

Heritage Tree Designations

Mississauga maintains a Heritage Tree program that provides additional recognition and protection for exceptional specimens. Heritage Trees are typically large, old, or historically significant trees that contribute to the city’s character. While all protected trees require a permit for removal, Heritage Tree applications receive extra scrutiny and are more likely to be denied unless the tree is dead or poses a clear safety risk.

The city’s Forestry section maintains information on designated Heritage Trees.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit

Step 1: Confirm the Tree Requires a Permit

Measure the tree’s trunk diameter at 1.4 metres above ground. If it is 15 cm or more, you need a permit. If you have multiple trees to remove, each tree above the threshold needs to be included in the application.

Step 2: Get an Arborist Report

Mississauga requires an arborist report from an ISA Certified Arborist as part of the permit application. The report should document the tree’s species, size, health, structural condition, and the reason for the proposed removal. For construction-related removals, the report should also address impacts to other trees on the property.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

File your application with the City of Mississauga’s Forestry section. You will need:

• A completed Private Tree Removal Application form
• An arborist report
• A site plan or survey showing tree locations
• The application fee
• Photos of the tree

Step 4: City Review

Mississauga’s forestry staff review the application and arborist report. They may schedule a site visit to verify the information. Processing typically takes up to 30 business days. The city will either approve the permit (with or without conditions), request additional information, or deny the application.

Fees

Mississauga’s fee structure is based on the number of trees and their condition:

• First healthy tree: $399.77 (including HST)
• Each additional healthy tree: $139.72
• Dead or dying trees: no fee

These fees are non-refundable, even if the permit is denied. The fees are updated periodically through the city’s fees and charges bylaw.

Replanting Requirements

Mississauga ties replanting requirements directly to the size of the tree being removed. The standard formula is one replacement tree for every 15 cm of trunk diameter. So a tree with a 45 cm diameter would require three replacement trees. A security deposit is required to confirm replanting obligations are met.

If you cannot accommodate the required number of replacement trees on your property, the city accepts cash-in-lieu payments. The cash-in-lieu rate is set by the city’s fees and charges bylaw and is updated periodically.

Penalties

Unauthorized removal of a protected tree in Mississauga can result in fines of up to $100,000. The city investigates complaints and can issue fines after the fact if evidence shows a protected tree was removed without a permit. In addition to fines, the city can require replacement planting at a higher ratio than a permit would have specified.

Environmentally Significant Areas

Properties in or near Mississauga’s designated Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) may face additional requirements beyond the tree bylaw. ESAs are identified in the city’s Official Plan and include areas around the Credit River, Rattray Marsh, and other natural features. Tree removal in these areas may require additional environmental assessments.

Development-Related Tree Permits

For construction and development projects, tree permits are often tied to the site plan approval process. Developers and builders need to submit a tree inventory and preservation plan as part of their development application. Trees that cannot be preserved during construction require permits, and replanting plans are typically negotiated as a condition of site plan approval.

Working with The Arborist Group

We prepare tree permit applications for Mississauga properties regularly. Our arborist reports meet the city’s specific documentation standards, and we know the common reasons applications get held up or denied. Get in touch with the tree’s trunk diameter and your project timeline, and we can give you a clear picture of what the application will require.