Tree Removal Reports in Vaughan

Vaughan's Tree Protection By-law covers all trees 20 cm and larger on private property. We prepare the arborist report and documentation your permit application needs.

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How Tree Removal Permits Work in Vaughan

Vaughan's Tree Protection By-law 177-2025 applies to trees on both public and private property. Any private tree 20 cm or larger in diameter, dead or alive, needs a permit before removal. Public trees need one at any size. A woodland of 1 hectare or more falls under York Region's Forest Conservation By-law instead.

Check if your tree is protected

Any private tree with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or more at breast height (1.37 m above ground) is protected under By-law 177-2025. This applies to residential, commercial, and industrial properties across Vaughan. A tree in a woodlot follows the same 20 cm rule. A tree in a woodland of 1 hectare or more falls under York Region's bylaw instead.

Get an arborist report

Vaughan requires an arborist report for every permit type except the Dead, Hazardous or Emerald Ash Borer-Infected Tree Permit. The report includes two photographs of each tree. The application also needs a plan of the lot that shows the trees to be injured or removed. We prepare the report, photos and lot plan together.

Submit the application

Apply online through the City's permitting portal. The application goes to the Director of Forestry. Include the arborist report, photos, lot plan, and the application fee.

City review and site visit

Vaughan's forestry staff review the application. The City's published standard initial response time is 30 business days. An issued permit is valid for six months.

Permit conditions

Each removed tree needs replacements under Schedule 2: 1 for a 20 to 30 cm tree, 2 for 31 to 40 cm, 3 for 41 to 50 cm and 4 for 51 cm or more. Plant them within one year of the permit's issuance. Where the site cannot fit them, cash-in-lieu is $600 per tree.

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Vaughan Permit Fees & Timeline

Municipal permit fee$270 for the first residential tree; $153.25 for each additional residential tree; $360.50 for the first tree on a construction or infill permit; $178.27 for each additional tree on a construction or infill permit. 2026 rates, HST exempt. The Dead, Hazardous or Emerald Ash Borer Tree Permit has no fee.

Processing timeInitial response within 30 business days

PenaltiesAdministrative penalties (Schedule 1, as amended by By-law 251-2025): destroying a private tree without a permit $900 to $2,700 by diameter, injuring a private tree without a permit $750, working in a Tree Protection Zone without authorization $2,700. On conviction: up to $100,000 per offence, up to $10,000 a day for a continuing offence, and a special fine above $100,000 where the offence brought economic gain (s.11.0)

ReplantingSchedule 2: 20 to 30 cm removed: 1 tree. 31 to 40 cm: 2. 41 to 50 cm: 3. 51 cm or more: 4. Replacements are counted in 5 cm caliper trees and planted within one year of permit issuance. Where the site cannot fit them, cash-in-lieu is $600 per tree

Current report offer: $200 for up to 3 trees

2 business day turnaround. No payment until report delivery.

Tree Removal Permit FAQ: Vaughan

What does Vaughan's By-law 177-2025 protect?

The bylaw protects any private tree with a diameter of 20 cm or more at 1.37 m above ground, and any public tree at any size. It covers removal and injury, and a dead tree needs a permit too. A woodland of 1 hectare or more falls under York Region's Forest Conservation By-law instead.

Do woodlots and woodlands follow different rules in Vaughan?

Yes. A woodlot of 0.2 to 1 hectare stays under Vaughan's own bylaw, at the same 20 cm threshold as any private tree. A woodland of 1 hectare or more falls under York Region's Forest Conservation By-law and needs a Regional permit. A Special Permit application needs an environmental impact study, and a Good Forestry Practices Permit needs a silvicultural prescription from a Registered Professional Forester. Vaughan's bylaw has no ravine provision. If your property borders a woodland, let us know when you call so we can scope the report correctly.

What photos and plans does Vaughan require with a tree removal application?

The arborist report needs two photographs of each tree. The application needs a plan of the lot that shows the trees to be injured or removed. A construction or infill application also needs a Tree Management Plan, which maps every tree on the lot and within 6 metres of it. We handle all of this during our site visit.

I'm building a new home in Vaughan. Do I need a tree permit separately from my building permit?

Yes. Tree removal permits are separate from building permits in Vaughan. A new house uses the Construction (or Infill) Tree Permit, which needs an arborist report. We prepare the report.

What if a tree is damaging my property in Vaughan? Can I just remove it?

No. A tree that damages your foundation, driveway or sewer line still needs a permit before removal. Documented damage strengthens the case for removal, and our report sets out that evidence.

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