Tree Protection
Tree Protection & Fencing
Keep your project compliant and your trees protected. Installation by our arborists, monitoring and documentation by an ISA Certified Arborist.
Tree protection fencing is a physical barrier, plywood hoarding or orange plastic snow fencing depending on your municipality's bylaw, installed around trees before construction begins. Most municipalities require it as a permit condition and specify placement relative to the dripline. We install, document, and sign off the fencing.
Who Needs This Service
You need this if...
- Your building permit includes a tree protection condition from the city
- Your arborist report or tree preservation plan specifies TPZ fencing, and you need someone to install it
- Construction is starting near protected trees (rear addition, garage, pool, driveway, demolition)
- A city inspector flagged missing or inadequate tree protection on your site
You do not need this if...
- No construction or grading is happening near your trees
- Your work is limited to pruning or tree removal (those require permits, not protection fencing)
- The municipality has already completed its final inspection and released the TPZ requirement
- No protected trees fall within the construction impact zone on your site
Why Tree Protection Matters
Missing or inadequate tree protection is a common reason municipalities issue Stop Work Orders on construction sites. Proper fencing, installed correctly and documented by a certified arborist, keeps your project moving and avoids costly violations.
Beyond compliance, tree protection fencing prevents root compaction, trunk damage, and soil contamination that can kill trees years after construction ends, potentially resulting in liability and replacement costs.
What We Provide
Complete tree protection from installation through project completion
Fencing Installation
Heavy-duty tree protection fencing installed to your municipality's specifications. Barrier fencing, plywood hoarding, or combination setups based on requirements.
- Orange barrier fencing on steel T-bars
- Plywood hoarding for high-impact zones
- Tree protection zone signage
Arborist Documentation
Complete documentation by an ISA Certified Arborist confirming proper installation. Exactly what the city needs to see during inspections.
- Photo documentation of installation
- Arborist verification letter
- TPZ measurements and site plan
Ongoing Monitoring
Periodic site inspections throughout your project to confirm fencing stays intact and compliant, catching issues before the city does.
- Scheduled compliance checks
- Repair and reinstallation if needed
- Inspection reports for your records
The plan behind the fencing
Details cropped from recent Tree Protection Plans. Fencing follows the drawing, and inspectors hold it to that.
How It Works
From assessment to installation. We handle everything
Site Review
Same-day or next-day
We review your site, arborist report, and permit conditions to determine the exact fencing specifications and TPZ boundaries.
Installation
Fast, professional setup
Our team installs tree protection fencing and signage to municipal specifications, supervised by an ISA Certified Arborist.
Documentation & Sign-Off
Ready for inspection
We provide complete arborist documentation confirming proper installation, ready for your municipal inspection or permit file.
Prevent Problems Before They Start
Proper tree protection fencing is one of the simplest ways to keep your construction project on track. It's far cheaper than dealing with a Stop Work Order, damaged tree claims, or municipal fines.
What It Costs
There is no flat rate for tree protection fencing. The main cost drivers:
- -Number of trees and total TPZ perimeter to fence
- -Fencing type (barrier mesh vs. plywood hoarding)
- -Municipality requirements (some cities specify heavier materials)
- -Whether monitoring inspections are required during construction
Free initial consultation
Serving Toronto & the Greater Toronto Area
We know each municipality's tree protection specifications and install fencing to those requirements.
Regional & Conservation Overlays
Properties near woodlands or conservation areas may need additional permits beyond your city's tree bylaw.
Not sure what applies? Contact us and we'll sort out the jurisdictions.
Fencing must be in place before any site work begins
Tree Protection Fencing FAQ
Common questions about tree protection requirements for construction sites
When is tree protection fencing required?
Tree protection fencing is required by most GTA municipalities whenever construction, demolition, or grading work takes place near protected trees. It must typically be installed before any site work begins and remain in place until the project is complete and the municipality releases the requirement.
What type of fencing do you install?
The type depends on your municipality's bylaw and the level of protection required. Many cities, including Toronto, default to plywood hoarding at least 19mm thick and roughly 2.4m high, with lighter 1.2m orange plastic snow fencing reserved for specific situations, such as low-visibility locations in a road allowance. We install whichever type and height your municipality and arborist report call for.
Where does the fencing go?
Fencing is installed at the tree protection zone (TPZ) boundary, which is calculated based on the tree's diameter at breast height (DBH). The exact location is specified in your arborist report or tree preservation plan. Placement follows your municipality's requirements.
Do I need an arborist to install tree protection fencing?
Many municipalities require that tree protection fencing be installed under the supervision of, or verified by, an ISA Certified Arborist. Having an arborist document the installation gives inspectors the paperwork they look for at municipal inspections and permit sign-off.
What happens if tree protection fencing is damaged or moved?
If tree protection is compromised during construction, the municipality can issue a Stop Work Order, resulting in costly project delays. We offer ongoing monitoring and can respond quickly to repair or reinstall fencing if it's been damaged or displaced.
Can you provide signage for the tree protection zone?
Yes. We provide standard tree protection zone signage that meets municipal requirements, clearly marking the protected area and restrictions for construction crews.
Do you offer inspection services after installation?
Yes. We provide periodic site inspections to verify that tree protection measures remain intact and compliant throughout your project. Many municipalities require documented arborist inspections at various construction stages.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Burlington, Hamilton, Pickering, Caledon, King, Durham Region, and York Region.
Have another question? Contact us or call (647) 479-8778
Tree Protection Fencing vs. a Tree Preservation Plan
These two things are often confused, and most construction projects need both. The tree preservation plan (also called a construction-impact arborist report) is a document submitted with your permit application. It tells the municipality what protection measures are required. Tree protection fencing is the physical installation of those measures on site.
Tree Preservation Plan (the report)
- Submitted to the city before permit approval
- Specifies TPZ boundaries, protection methods, and conditions
- Produced by an ISA Certified Arborist
- Required at the permit application stage
Tree Protection Fencing (this service)
- Physical fencing and signage installed on site
- Must go up before any site work begins
- Installation verified and documented by a certified arborist
- Required as a condition of the issued permit
Already have a report from another arborist? We can install and sign off the fencing based on your existing documentation. Contact us with your report and we'll confirm what's needed.
Related Services
Root Pruning & Excavation
Professional root management when construction requires work within the tree protection zone.
Learn More →Construction Reports
Tree preservation plans that specify exactly what protection measures your site needs.
Learn More →Stop Work Order Clearance
Already have a violation? We resolve Stop Work Orders and Orders to Comply fast.
Learn More →Request a quote
Tell us about your property and an ISA Certified Arborist will follow up with next steps and a firm quote.
- Free consultation, same-day response.
- Municipal-ready report delivered in 2 business days.
- Independent assessment. No tree-removal sales, no conflict of interest.
Serving Toronto, the GTA, and across Southern Ontario.
ISA Certified Arborist · ISA Member · ISA Ontario Member · ASCA Member