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

Understanding Vaughan’s Tree Protection

Vaughan’s Tree Protection By-law 177-2025 replaced earlier regulations and provides a detailed framework for tree preservation across the city. The bylaw protects trees on both public and private property, which is broader than some neighbouring municipalities that only regulate private trees. Any tree with a base diameter of 20 cm or more is protected.

Vaughan’s rapid suburban growth, especially in areas like Kleinburg, Woodbridge, and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, has put increasing pressure on the city’s tree canopy. The bylaw reflects the city’s effort to balance development with environmental protection.

By-law 177-2025: Key Provisions

The bylaw applies to all trees 20 cm or more in base diameter on private and public property within the city. It prohibits removing, damaging, or destroying a protected tree without a permit. Activities that injure a tree’s roots, trunk, or crown are also covered.

What Requires a Permit

• Removing a protected tree (any species, 20 cm+ base diameter)
• Cutting roots within the critical root zone of a protected tree
• Pruning more than 25% of a tree’s live crown in a single year
• Any activity during construction that may damage a protected tree

Exemptions

Vaughan’s bylaw includes exemptions for:

• Dead, hazardous, or EAB-affected ash trees (expedited permit, no arborist report needed)
• Trees that pose an immediate hazard (emergency removal must be documented after the fact)
• Certain invasive species as identified by the city
• Agricultural operations on lands zoned for agriculture

Woodlot and Ravine Protections

Vaughan has significant woodlot areas, particularly in the northern parts of the city near Kleinburg and along the Humber River valley. Properties within or adjacent to designated woodlots face additional regulations. Trees in these areas may be protected regardless of size, and removal applications require more detailed environmental documentation.

Ravine edge properties also have setback requirements and may need additional approvals beyond the standard tree permit. The city’s Environmental Services department handles these reviews.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit

Step 1: Check if Your Tree is Protected

Measure the tree’s base diameter. If it is 20 cm or more, you need a permit. Also check if your property is within or adjacent to a woodlot or ravine area, which could trigger additional requirements.

Step 2: Hire an ISA Certified Arborist

Vaughan requires an arborist report for all permit applications. The report must come from an ISA Certified Arborist and should include:

• Tree species identification
• Trunk diameter and overall dimensions
• Health and structural assessment
• Reason for the proposed removal
• Colour photographs (both close-up of the trunk and full view of the tree)

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Along with the arborist report, you need to submit:

• A completed tree removal permit application form
• A property plan or survey showing all trees on the property
• Colour photographs of the tree
• The application fee

For construction-related applications, include the proposed site plan showing the building footprint, grading plan, and tree protection measures for any trees being retained.

Step 4: Submit and Wait for Review

Submit your application to Vaughan’s Forestry section. Staff will review the submission and may schedule a site visit. Processing typically takes up to 30 business days. The city will either approve, deny, or approve with conditions.

Fees

Vaughan’s tree removal permit fee is $237.35 (non-refundable, indexed for 2025). Development-related applications may have different fees. Check the city’s current fee schedule for the most up-to-date amounts.

Greening Vaughan Program

The city runs the Greening Vaughan program, which offers subsidized trees and shrubs to residents. If you are required to replant as a condition of your tree removal permit, the Greening Vaughan program can be a cost-effective way to meet your obligations. The program typically runs in spring and fall, and species availability varies by season.

Penalties

Removing a protected tree without a permit in Vaughan carries penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense, up to $25,000 for subsequent offenses, and up to $100,000 for corporations. The city also requires replacement planting at a higher ratio than what the original permit would have specified. Enforcement is complaint-driven, but the city does follow up on reports of unauthorized tree removal.

Replanting Requirements

Vaughan’s replanting ratios are based on the size of the tree removed:

• 20-30 cm diameter: 1 replacement tree
• 31-40 cm diameter: 2 replacement trees
• 41-50 cm diameter: 3 replacement trees
• Over 50 cm diameter: 4 replacement trees

Replacement trees must be planted within 12 months of removal.

Development and Construction

Vaughan’s active development market means tree permits frequently overlap with construction projects. Builders and developers are required to submit tree preservation plans as part of the site plan approval process. These plans must identify all protected trees on the property, specify which will be retained and which require removal, and detail the protection measures for retained trees during construction.

Tree protection fencing, typically installed at the drip line of retained trees, must be in place before any construction activity begins. The city inspects these barriers during the construction process.

Working with The Arborist Group

We handle tree permit applications in Vaughan for both homeowners and builders. Our reports include the specific documentation Vaughan’s forestry staff require, including the colour photographs and detailed property plans that are part of the city’s application checklist. We know what triggers additional review and prepare applications to minimize delays.