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An arborist report is the document your tree permit needs
An arborist report is a written, signed document that identifies the trees on or near a property, records their species and condition, and states a specific finding, most often supporting a request to remove a tree or to build near one. GTA municipalities require the report to come from a qualified professional, such as an ISA Certified Arborist, and it must be submitted with your permit application, not after the fact.
What Goes Into the Report
At minimum it includes a tree inventory (species, trunk diameter at breast height, height, crown spread, and a condition rating), a scaled site plan showing where each assessed tree sits, photographic documentation, and a written recommendation that ties back to the applicable municipal bylaw.
For a tree removal application, that recommendation explains why removal is warranted and usually includes a replanting plan, since most municipalities require replacement trees as a condition of approval. For a construction project, the report expands to cover every tree the work could affect, not just the one on the applicant's own lot, and adds a tree protection plan with calculated protection zones.
Who Can Write One
Municipal reviewers expect the report to come from a credentialed professional, such as an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist. The certification number should be verifiable, and the report should be signed by the certified individual, not simply produced by a company that employs one.
Who prepares the report also matters beyond the credential. A firm that also performs tree removal has a financial incentive to recommend it. A consulting-only firm has no removal contract to sell. See independent arborist vs. tree removal company for the full comparison.
When Municipalities Require One
Most GTA municipalities require an arborist report before approving the removal of a protected tree, and before issuing a building or development permit for work that falls within a protected tree's root zone. The trunk diameter that triggers protection ranges from 15 cm to 30 cm depending on the municipality, and some cities require additional documentation for ravine or natural feature areas. Our municipal bylaw guide covers thresholds across the GTA.
The trigger for a construction project is proximity, not intent to remove. An addition or excavation that never touches a tree can still require a report if it disturbs the root zone.
The Different Types
Arborist reports come in several types. The specific type your project needs depends on what you are asking the municipality to approve.
- Tree Removal Report
- Supports a permit application to remove protected trees. One report covers up to three trees.
- Construction Arborist Report
- Covers every tree a development or building project could affect. Includes a full inventory and a tree protection plan, submitted with the building permit application.
- Tree Information Report
- A lighter-weight documentation of tree species, size, and condition, used where a municipality asks for tree data without a removal or construction decision attached.
Which arborist report do I need matches situations to the right document. Report vs. inspection explains the difference between the report you submit before work starts and the inspection that verifies compliance during construction.
How Long a Report Stays Valid
No municipality sets an expiry date for an arborist report. Industry practice treats a report as current for 12 months from the site inspection date, not the date printed on the cover page. A change in the tree's condition, construction activity near the root zone since the inspection, or a revised project scope can make a report outdated before that window closes.
What It Costs
A tree removal report is $200 for up to three trees (current offer, standard rate $250). Construction and pool permit reports start at $550.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an arborist report?
- An arborist report is a written document, prepared and signed by a qualified arborist, that identifies the trees on or near a property, assesses their condition, and supports a specific request: a permit to remove a tree, a construction project near protected roots, or clearance after a stop work order. Most GTA municipalities will not process a related permit application without one.
- What does an arborist report contain?
- A standard report includes a tree inventory with species, trunk diameter, and condition ratings, a site plan showing tree locations, photographs, a written recommendation tied to the applicable bylaw, and, for construction projects, a tree protection plan with calculated protection zones. Missing components are the most common reason a municipality sends a report back for revision.
- Who can write an arborist report?
- GTA municipalities require the report to be prepared by an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist, or an equivalent qualified professional such as a registered consulting arborist. A report from someone without recognized credentials is routinely rejected at the application stage.
- How much does an arborist report cost?
- A tree removal report is $200 for up to three trees (current offer, standard rate $250). Construction reports start at $550.
Related Resources
Choosing the Right Arborist Report
Match your situation to the right report type.
Read the guide →Arborist Report vs. Site Inspection
Two different documents for two different points in a project.
Read the guide →Arborist Report Costs
Current pricing for every report type in Toronto and the GTA.
Read the guide →Independent Arborist vs. Tree Removal Company
Why the source of your report matters for permit approval.
Read the guide →Get a quote
Tell us about your property. An ISA Certified Arborist will reply with a firm quote.
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- 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