Key Takeaways

• A Toronto tree removal permit is required to remove or injure any private tree with a diameter of 30 cm or more, measured at 1.4 metres above ground level. This rule is set under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813.
• City-owned trees of any size are protected. Residents cannot remove a street or park tree; requests must be submitted to 311 Toronto and are reviewed by Urban Forestry.
• Dead, diseased, and imminently hazardous trees may qualify for exemption — but the City must confirm the exemption in writing before any removal. Cutting first and explaining later is still a contravention.
• Fines range from $500 to $100,000 per tree, with additional penalties for serious offences. Replacement planting is mandatory for approved removals.
• Amendments take effect September 1, 2026, introducing a new Distinctive Tree category for trees 61 cm DBH or larger and changes to how the City investigates illegal removals. The 30 cm threshold remains in force.

Why Toronto Regulates Private Tree Removal

Toronto’s tree canopy covers roughly 30 per cent of the city, and Council has committed to expanding it to 40 per cent by 2050. Because the majority of mature trees in Toronto sit on private property, the City’s Urban Forestry division uses two bylaws to govern how those trees are cut, pruned, or otherwise injured: Chapter 813 (Private Tree Bylaw) for trees on private land, and Chapter 658 (Ravine and Natural Feature Protection Bylaw) for trees inside designated ravine and natural feature areas.

For homeowners, contractors, and developers, the practical question is rarely “should trees be protected?” It is “does this specific tree, on this specific lot, require a permit before I touch it?” The answer turns on three variables: the diameter of the tree, its location (private lot, city street, or ravine), and its condition.

When a Toronto Tree Removal Permit Is Required

Under Chapter 813, a permit is required to remove or injure any tree on private property that measures 30 centimetres or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), where breast height is defined as 1.4 metres (4.5 feet) above ground level.

“Injuring” is broader than most homeowners might assume. It includes:

• Cutting major roots during excavation, trenching, or grading
• Severing branches in a way that compromises the tree’s structure or health
• Compacting soil within the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) through vehicle traffic or material storage
• Changing the grade around the trunk

A tree does not necessarily have to come down to trigger a contravention. Damaging it can be enough.

How to Measure a Tree for a Toronto Tree Removal Permit

The City prescribes a specific method, and incorrect measurement is a common reason permits are flagged or denied.

1. Measure 1.4 metres straight up the trunk from the base of the tree at ground level.
2. At that point, wrap a tape measure around the trunk perpendicular to the stem (not parallel to the ground if the tree leans).
3. Divide the circumference, in centimetres, by 3.14 to calculate diameter.

A 30 cm DBH tree has a circumference of approximately 94 cm. For multi-stemmed trees, each stem is measured separately. If any single stem reaches 30 cm, the entire tree is protected, including all of its stems.

Exemptions: Dead, Diseased, and Hazardous Trees

The bylaw recognizes that some trees pose a safety risk or are already biologically dead. 

Exemptions exist for:

• Trees that are 100 per cent dead; no remaining living tissue
• Trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer, which is a specific provision reflecting the citywide ash decline
• Trees that are imminently hazardous, meaning failure is likely in the near term and poses a risk to people or property

What To Do If Your Tree Qualifies For An Exemption

Property owners should keep in mind that an exemption cannot be self-declared. A property owner who believes their tree qualifies must contact Urban Forestry through 311 Toronto and obtain written confirmation before removal proceeds. Cutting a dead-looking tree without that confirmation, and then arguing the exemption after the fact, is still a contravention. 

How An Arborist Can Help

Inspectors regularly find that what a homeowner called “dead” was, by arboricultural definition, in decline but not yet dead. A qualified arborist can assess the tree, prepare the documentation, and submit the request on the owner’s behalf,  which might significantly reduce the chance of an avoidable fine.

The Permit Application Process

Permit Application Requirements

A complete application under Chapter 813 generally requires:

• A Tree Permit Application form submitted to Urban Forestry
• An Arborist Report documenting the species, DBH, condition, and the reason for proposed removal
• A Tree Protection Plan showing the TPZ and any protective fencing
• A Replanting Plan specifying the species, caliper, and location of replacement trees, or a request for cash-in-lieu if on-site replanting is not feasible
• Application fees, which vary by tree count and project type (construction-related applications follow a separate fee schedule)

Replacement standards are specific: deciduous replacement trees must be at least 50 mm in caliper, and coniferous replacements between 1.75 and 2.5 metres in height. The City typically requires one to three replacement trees per tree removed on private land, and significantly more (up to 15) for removals in ravine and natural feature areas.

Permit Application Timeline

Straightforward non-construction applications often move within several weeks. Construction-related applications, multi-tree applications, or anything flagged for inspector review can take considerably longer. Applications are not automatically approved; the City frequently denies removal requests where the stated reason does not meet bylaw criteria.

Toronto Tree Removal Permit Fines & Penalties

Penalties under Chapter 813 are deliberately steep. Fines start at $500 and reach $100,000 per tree, with additional penalties of up to $100,000 for serious offences. The City’s enforcement data is consistent: in 2024, Urban Forestry logged more than 2,600 contravention calls, with roughly one in five proceeding to enforcement action.

Owners who remove a protected tree without a permit can face an Order to Comply requiring replacement planting on a much heavier ratio than a normal permit would have required, on top of the fines themselves. Developers should pay particular attention as the City has publicly investigated several recent cases involving large protected trees removed without authorization, and the financial exposure routinely exceeds the cost of designing around the tree in the first place.

City-Owned and Boundary Trees

Street trees and park trees, or any tree on City-owned land, regardless of diameter, are protected. Property owners cannot prune, remove, or otherwise alter them. Concerns about a city tree such as a broken limb, declining health, or conflict with a driveway, can be reported through 311 Toronto, and Urban Forestry decides what action, if any, is taken. Permits to remove healthy city trees are rarely granted.

Boundary trees, or trees whose trunks straddle a property line, are co-owned under Ontario’s Forestry Act. Both owners must consent to removal, even when the tree is in poor condition. A neighbour’s refusal is legally binding, and proceeding unilaterally is both a bylaw contravention and a civil matter.

What’s Changing on September 1, 2026

Following the City’s Tree Bylaw Review, several amendments take effect this fall. Property owners and contractors should be aware that:

• A new Distinctive Tree category will apply to private trees 61 cm DBH or larger, requiring their status to be considered during permit review.
• Stump diameter of 40 cm or greater will be admissible as secondary evidence in enforcement investigations, addressing the common situation where a tree is removed before it can be measured.
• Trees planted as part of replacement or enforcement requirements will be protected from injury regardless of size, closing a previous gap.

The 30 cm DBH threshold for the standard Private Tree Bylaw remains unchanged in this round of amendments, although Council has directed staff to study a lower threshold for a future report.

How Loyal Tree Supports Compliance

Permit work is paperwork, but it is also fieldwork. Many denials and fines trace back to one of three issues: an incorrect DBH measurement, a removal reason that does not meet bylaw criteria, or work begun before written confirmation was in hand. An ISA-certified arborist who works with Urban Forestry regularly can assess the tree on site, prepare the arborist report and protection plan to the City’s expected standard, and manage the application end to end.

As Toronto’s trusted arboriculture experts, Loyal Tree is dedicated to the preservation, safety, and vitality of your trees. Secure a customized care plan for the season ahead by scheduling a comprehensive spring assessment.

Need help with a Toronto tree removal permit? Loyal Tree’s ISA-certified arborists can inspect your tree, prepare arborist reports, and manage the permit application process from start to finish. Loyal Tree supports homeowners across Toronto, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, and York. Contact us at 647-283-8556 or visit loyaltree.ca to avoid costly delays or fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Toronto tree removal permit to cut down a tree on my property? 

Yes, if the tree is 30 cm or more in diameter measured at 1.4 metres above ground level. Trees below that threshold on private property generally do not require a permit, unless the tree is in a designated ravine or natural feature area, in which case any size is protected. When in doubt, measure first and confirm with Urban Forestry.

Can I cut down a dead tree without a permit in Toronto? 

Not without confirmation. Dead, diseased, and imminently hazardous trees may qualify for exemption, but the City must verify the condition before removal proceeds. A homeowner who removes a “dead” tree without that written confirmation can still be charged under the bylaw if Urban Forestry’s assessment disagrees. Contact 311 Toronto or an arborist before any work begins.

How long does it take to get a Toronto tree removal permit? 

Straightforward non-construction applications often process within several weeks, while applications tied to construction, multiple trees, or inspector review can take significantly longer. Incomplete arborist reports and missing replanting plans are the most common cause of delay. Submitting a complete application package the first time is the single largest factor in approval speed.

What is the fine for cutting down a tree illegally in Toronto? 

Fines under Chapter 813 range from $500 to $100,000 per tree, with additional penalties up to $100,000 for serious offences. The City may also issue an Order to Comply requiring replacement planting at a higher ratio than a standard permit would have required. Developers and contractors face the same exposure as homeowners.

Who owns a tree on the property line in Toronto? 

Under Ontario’s Forestry Act, a tree whose trunk grows across a property line is jointly owned by both property owners. Removal requires the consent of both parties, even if the tree is leaning toward one side. Pruning a co-owned tree without consent, or removing it unilaterally, can result in civil liability in addition to bylaw enforcement.

How do I measure a tree for a Toronto tree removal permit?

Measure 1.4 metres straight up the trunk from the ground, then measure the circumference at that point with a tape held perpendicular to the stem. Divide the circumference in centimetres by 3.14 to get DBH. A 30 cm DBH tree has a circumference of about 94 cm. For multi-stemmed trees, measure each stem separately.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree damaged by Emerald Ash Borer? 

Ash trees confirmed to be infested with Emerald Ash Borer are addressed under the bylaw’s exemption provisions, but property owners must still receive confirmation from Urban Forestry before removal. The City has dealt with widespread ash decline for over a decade and the process for these requests is well established. An arborist can confirm infestation status and prepare the documentation.

Can I remove a city-owned tree in front of my house? 

Trees on City-owned land, including the boulevard between the sidewalk and the road, are protected at any size and may only be removed by Urban Forestry. Residents submit a request through 311 Toronto explaining the concern, and the City decides whether action is warranted. Permits to remove healthy city trees are rarely issued.

This article is provided for general information about Toronto’s tree bylaws and does not substitute for professional arborist advice or the City of Toronto’s official guidance. For application details, consult the City of Toronto Urban Forestry pages or contact 311 Toronto. For a site-specific assessment, arborist report, or permit application support, contact Loyal Tree.