Tree Removal
Tree Removal Permit Report
We prepare the paperwork your city requires so you get your tree removal permit approved. Fast, municipal-ready reports by ISA Certified Arborists.
A tree removal permit report is a written assessment by an ISA Certified Arborist that documents tree condition, size, and species to support your permit application. Most GTA municipalities require one before approving any tree removal. We prepare the report, handle city-specific requirements, and submit it on your behalf.
How It Works
From first call to permit approval
Consultation & Site Visit
Within 48 hours
Same-day or next-day site visit to assess your trees and discuss removal requirements with an ISA Certified Arborist.
Report Preparation
Within 2 business days
Detailed assessment and municipal-ready report prepared to meet your city's specific permit requirements. Digital field measurements sync directly to AutoCAD for fast, accurate site plans.
Application Assistance
We help you submit
We guide you through the permit application process. If the city requests revisions, we update the report at no extra charge.
Who Needs This Report
You need this report if
- You want to remove a tree in a GTA municipality that requires a permit (most do, for trees 30 cm diameter or larger at breast height)
- Your contractor has confirmed a permit is required before removal can start
- The tree is dead or hazardous but the city still requires documentation before it can come down
- A shared or road-allowance tree is involved and the city needs ownership classification before processing the application
You may not need it if
- The tree is below your municipality's protected size threshold (typically under 30 cm DBH, though the exact cutoff varies by city)
- Your property is in a township with no private-land tree protection bylaw (some rural municipalities have none)
- Pruning only, not full removal (pruning rarely triggers a permit requirement)
- Trees near an active build or renovation are the issue: protecting trees during construction is a Construction Report, a separate service with its own permit process
Removing a tree without a required permit exposes you to substantial fines from the municipality, a formal order to replant at your own cost, and a stop-work notice if removal is already underway. Violations are recorded and can delay or complicate future development applications on the same property.
What's Included in Your Report
Professional Tree Assessment
Detailed evaluation by an ISA Certified Arborist including species identification, health, structural condition, and removal justification.
Condition & Location Rating
Each tree receives two separate assessments: a structural and health condition rating (Good, Fair, Poor, or Dead), and a location suitability rating evaluating the tree's growing environment. Together they form the basis for the removal recommendation.
Ownership Classification
Every relevant tree is identified as private, city/road allowance, or neighbouring. Each category follows a different permit process, and misclassifying a tree can delay or invalidate an application. Your report handles this correctly.
Site Plan & Photo Documentation
Accurate site plan showing tree locations plus photographic evidence supporting the assessment.
Replanting Plan
Municipal-compliant replanting specifications with species recommendations and planting locations.
Permit Application Support
Complete documentation meeting all city requirements, plus guidance through the submission process.
Certificate of Performance
The report closes with a formal ISA Certified Arborist sign-off certifying the assessment methodology, independence, and compliance with accepted arboricultural practice. This is what municipalities require to accept the report.
Clear, Upfront Pricing
Includes up to 3 trees. Custom quotes for larger projects.
No payment until report delivery
Serving Toronto & the Greater Toronto Area
Each report is written to match your municipality's bylaw requirements. We've worked across the GTA.
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.
Detailed city guides available:
We Get You the Permit
Most municipalities require a professional arborist report before they'll issue a tree removal permit. That's exactly what we do: we prepare the paperwork the city needs so you get approved.
- Written to your municipality's specific requirements
- We handle the documentation. You submit and get approved
- Free revisions if the city requests changes
Submit with your permit application, not after
Tree Removal Permit FAQ
Common questions about tree removal permits in Toronto and the GTA
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Toronto or the GTA?
Most municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area require a permit to remove trees above a certain size, typically 30 cm in diameter or larger. Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham, Vaughan, and other GTA cities each have their own tree protection bylaws. Contact us and we'll confirm the requirements for your specific municipality.
For a full comparison of permit requirements across GTA cities, see our municipal bylaw guide.
What is included in a tree removal permit report?
Our report includes a professional tree assessment by an ISA Certified Arborist covering species identification, health and structural condition, removal justification, a site plan, photographic documentation, and a replanting plan that meets your municipality's requirements.
See our arborist report cost guide for a full price breakdown.
How long does it take to get the report?
We deliver reports within 2 business days of the site visit, guaranteed, or the report is free. Same-day or next-day site visits are available. Most clients receive their completed report within a week of first contacting us.
Will the city accept this report?
Yes. Our reports are prepared by ISA Certified Arborists and are written to your municipality's specific requirements. We have extensive experience with Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Burlington, and other GTA municipalities.
What information do you need from me to get started?
We need your property address, the number of trees you'd like assessed, and a brief description of why you're seeking removal. Photos are helpful but not required. Our arborist will document everything during the site visit.
What if the city requests revisions to the report?
We stand behind our work. If the municipality requests revisions or additional information, we'll update the report at no extra charge. Our goal is to support your application through to approval.
What are condition and location ratings?
Each tree in our report receives two independent assessments. The condition rating covers structural integrity, crown health, and overall form (rated Good, Fair, Poor, or Dead). The location rating evaluates the tree's growing environment and how suitable the site is for long-term growth. Both ratings together inform the removal recommendation and give the city a complete picture of the tree.
Does it matter whether it's a city tree or my neighbour's tree?
Yes, ownership matters. Private trees, trees within the city road allowance, and trees on neighbouring properties each go through different permit processes with different requirements. Our report identifies and classifies every relevant tree so the right permit is applied for.
Do you also perform tree removal?
No, reports only. Because we don't do removals, there's no conflict of interest in our assessments. Municipalities appreciate that. We can recommend trusted removal contractors if needed, with no referral fee.
What municipalities 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
Worked with us before? Get your returning client rate.
Related Services
Construction Reports
For construction and development: protects the trees staying near your build site. A different permit process and report type from tree removal.
Learn More →Tree Protection & Fencing
On-site tree protection measures and hoarding installation for construction zones.
Learn More →Root Pruning & Excavation
Specialized root management for construction and landscaping projects.
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