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Arborist Reports and Site Inspections Serve Different Stages
You need an arborist report before you apply for a permit. You need a site inspection during or after construction, to confirm the tree protection is in place.
- Arborist Report
- Required before starting work or applying for a permit. An ISA Certified Arborist prepares it, and you submit it to the municipality with your application.
- Site Inspection
- Used during or after construction for compliance monitoring. The arborist visits the site to verify that tree protection measures are in place and conditions are being met.
The Arborist Report
An arborist report is a written document prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist that assesses the trees on or near your property. It is the document your municipality requires before issuing a permit for tree removal, construction near trees, or other regulated work.
The report includes a tree inventory, condition and location ratings, site plans, photographs, a recommendation, and a replanting or protection plan depending on what the work involves. It is submitted as part of your permit application, before any work begins.
A tree removal report supports a removal permit. A construction arborist report supports a building or development permit. A stop work order clearance report addresses a city-issued stop work order.
The Arborist Site Inspection
A site inspection is an on-site visit by an arborist to verify compliance with tree protection requirements during or after construction. The arborist checks that fencing, root protection zones, and other measures specified in the arborist report are in place and being maintained.
Permit conditions set the inspection milestones, such as before excavation begins, after foundation work, or at intervals during a longer project. The arborist issues a written certification noting what was observed and whether conditions are being met.
Site inspections also work outside construction. A property owner can book one to document tree condition at a point in time. A contractor can get written confirmation that protection is in place before adjacent work.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Arborist Report | Site Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| When needed | Before permit application | During or after construction |
| Output | Written report with inventory, site plan, protection plan | Inspection notes and written certification |
| Required by | Municipality for permit approval | City inspector, permit conditions, or contractor |
| Cost | Current offer from $200 (tree removal); from $550 (construction) | $145 per hour, three-hour minimum |
Common Scenarios
I need to remove a tree from my backyard
You need an arborist report for tree removal. This goes to the city with your permit application before any tree is touched.
My contractor is building near a tree
If the work reaches a protected tree's protection zone, you need both: a construction arborist report before the building permit is issued, then ongoing site inspections at intervals required by your permit conditions.
The city issued a stop work order
You need a stop work order clearance: a site inspection and a written report documenting current tree condition and what remedial actions have been taken to satisfy the city's requirements.
I need to confirm tree protection fencing is in place
You need a site inspection. The arborist visits, verifies the fencing and exclusion zones meet the required specifications, and issues written certification confirming compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an arborist report or a site inspection for a tree removal permit?
- You need an arborist report. Tree removal permit applications require a written report from a qualified arborist, such as an ISA Certified Arborist, an Ontario-qualified arborist or a Registered Professional Forester, prepared before you submit your permit application. Site inspections are used during or after construction for compliance purposes, not for initial permit applications.
- Can one company do both the report and the inspection?
- Yes. The same firm already knows the site, the protection plan and what the municipality expects.
- How often are site inspections needed during construction?
- Your permit conditions set the schedule, and your arborist report lists it. Common milestones are before excavation and after foundation work. Some permits add periodic visits.
- What is the difference between a construction arborist report and a tree protection plan?
- A construction arborist report is the full document: it includes a tree inventory, condition assessments, and a tree protection plan as one of its components. A tree protection plan is a subset of the construction arborist report that specifically outlines the protection measures, exclusion zones, and monitoring requirements.
Related Resources
Arborist Report Costs
Pricing breakdown for all report types in Toronto and the GTA.
Read the guide →Tree Removal Reports
Municipal-ready arborist reports for tree removal permit applications.
Learn more →Construction Arborist Reports
Tree inventory and protection plans for development permits.
Learn more →Site Inspections
Compliance inspections during and after construction.
Learn more →Get 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