To remove or injure a protected tree, you need a tree removal permit in Toronto. The City protects any private tree measuring 30 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 metres above ground, any City-owned street tree of any size, and any tree in a ravine-protected area. Construction that disturbs a protected tree’s root zone usually counts as injury, so many new home projects need a tree permit even when no tree comes down.
For anyone planning a custom home, trees are one of the most common sources of design changes and permit delays. This guide explains the Toronto private tree bylaw, how a tree removal permit in Toronto works for construction, what goes into an arborist report and Tree Protection Plan, typical costs and timelines, and how to design around the trees worth keeping.
Key Takeaways
- Private trees 30 cm or more in diameter, all City street trees, and all trees in ravine-protected areas are protected. Park trees are protected under the Parks By-law.
- Building near a protected tree usually requires a permit to injure it, and taking it down requires a permit to remove it.
- Construction applications need an arborist report, a Tree Protection Plan and site plans. Hoarding is installed before the permit is issued.
- As of September 1, 2026, large “Distinctive Trees” over 61 cm in diameter receive added protection, and replacement planting is now based on tree diameter.
- Removing a protected tree without a permit can lead to fines of up to $100,000 per tree on conviction.
- Resolving tree issues early, ideally before you buy or design, is the best way to protect your building permit timeline.
Which Trees Are Protected Under Toronto's Tree Bylaws?
Toronto protects trees through several by-laws, mainly the Tree Protection By-law (Municipal Code Chapter 813) and the Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law (Chapter 658). The rule that applies depends on where the tree stands.
- Private trees: under the Toronto private tree bylaw, any tree with a diameter of 30 cm or more, measured at 1.4 metres above ground, is protected. If a tree has several stems and any one stem measures 30 cm or more, the whole tree is protected.
- City street trees: trees on the City road allowance, often in the strip between the sidewalk and your lot, are protected at any size.
- Ravine and natural feature areas: trees of any size are protected, and grading, dumping and new structures are also regulated. Our guide to ravine and conservation permits in Toronto covers these lots in depth.
- Boundary and neighbour trees: a tree whose trunk straddles the property line, or a neighbour’s tree whose roots reach your work area, still needs protection or consent.
- Replacement and condition trees: trees planted through enforcement or development approvals are protected regardless of size.
Two recent changes are worth noting. Since September 1, 2026, healthy private and ravine trees over 61 cm in diameter can be identified as Distinctive Trees, which gives the City more discretion to refuse removal. Council has also endorsed lowering the private tree threshold from 30 cm to 20 cm, with an implementation report expected in 2027. Confirm the current thresholds on the City’s Urban Forestry pages before you plan.
Tree Removal Permit Toronto Rules: Injury vs Removal
A permit is required to remove a protected tree, and also to injure one. Injury includes cutting roots, compacting soil, changing grade or excavating within a tree’s protection zone. That is why a new foundation, driveway, pool or service trench near a large tree often triggers an application.
Building a new house that complies with zoning does not exempt you. According to the City’s guidance on when to apply for a tree or ravine permit, as-of-right development still needs a tree permit if a protected tree is affected. Pools, accessory structures, standalone garages and basements extending beyond the above-ground footprint are not treated as as-of-right. A minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment does not replace a tree permit either.
No permit is needed for pruning done to good arboricultural practice or for a tree that is completely dead. Hazardous or terminally diseased trees require written confirmation of the exception from the City first.
Toronto tree permit types at a glance
| Permit or approval | When you need it | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Private tree permit to remove | Removing a private tree 30 cm or larger | Arborist report, site plan, replanting plan, fee |
| Private tree permit to injure | Construction within the protection zone of a protected private tree | Arborist report, Tree Protection Plan, hoarding, fee |
| City street tree permit | Injuring or removing a tree on City property, any size | Arborist report, Tree Protection Plan, tree protection guarantee |
| Ravine and natural feature permit | Tree injury or removal, grading or structures in a ravine-protected area | Survey, grading plans, restoration plan, possible geotechnical report |
| Permit exception confirmation | Imminently hazardous or terminally diseased trees | Photos, tree size, species and condition |
| Conservation authority permit | Work in TRCA-regulated areas | Separate TRCA application and approval |
Arborist Report, Tree Protection Plan and Tree Protection Zones
An arborist report is the foundation of any construction-related application. A qualified arborist inventories trees on and near the site, records diameter, species and condition, and assesses how the proposed work will affect each tree.
When a protected tree will be kept, the application also needs a Tree Protection Plan, prepared by or with an arborist. It shows the tree protection zone (TPZ), hoarding locations and any special methods, such as hand digging or root pruning, required near the tree.
Tree protection zone in Toronto construction
The TPZ is the minimum radius around the trunk that must stay undisturbed. For private and City street trees, the City’s minimum distances include:
| Trunk diameter (DBH) | Minimum TPZ: private and street trees | Minimum TPZ: ravine areas |
|---|---|---|
| 30 to 40 cm | 2.4 m | 4.8 m |
| 41 to 50 cm | 3.0 m | 6.0 m |
| 51 to 60 cm | 3.6 m | 7.2 m |
| 61 to 70 cm | 4.2 m | 8.4 m |
| 71 to 80 cm | 4.8 m | 9.6 m |
| 81 to 90 cm | 5.4 m | 10.8 m |
| 91 to 100 cm | 6.0 m | 12.0 m |
For trees over 100 cm, the zone grows by 6 cm per cm of diameter (12 cm in ravine areas, or the dripline if greater). Tree protection hoarding must be installed to the approved plan before the permit is issued and stay in place throughout construction. Even when work stays outside the TPZ, you are still expected to protect nearby trees.
Fees, Guarantees and Replacement Planting
Private tree permit fees are charged per tree and are set out on the City’s current injure or remove application form. They are updated annually, and construction-related applications cost more than non-construction ones, so check the current form before budgeting.
Ravine permit fees that took effect September 1, 2026 include $262.72 per tree for a construction-related ravine tree and $549.08 per tree for a ravine boundary or neighbour tree, plus $632.51 for a grade alteration with no trees.
Other costs to plan for include:
- Tree planting guarantee: $583 per tree for replacement trees on City streets or in ravine-protected areas, typically released after two years if the trees are healthy.
- Street tree protection guarantee: calculated by appraisal of the tree’s value, including removal and replacement costs.
- Replacement planting: removal permits require new trees, at least 50 mm caliper for deciduous species or 1.75 to 2.5 m tall for conifers. Since September 2026, the number required is based on the diameter of the tree removed.
- Cash-in-lieu: $583 per tree where there is not enough space to plant.
- Consultants: arborist reports and Tree Protection Plans for a custom home often cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the number of trees and complexity.
Tree-related costs are easy to overlook early. Our article on the hidden costs of building a custom home in Toronto covers this and other budget items.
Application Steps and Typical Timeline
The City explains the process on its how to apply for a tree or ravine permit page. For a new house, the sequence typically looks like this:
- Commission a tree inventory and arborist report during early design.
- Coordinate the site plan, footprint and grading with the protection zones.
- Prepare the Tree Protection Plan, landscape and replanting plan, and photos.
- Submit online or in person at your local Tree Protection and Plan Review office with the fee.
- Respond to completeness review, a possible site visit and any requests for revisions.
- If a neighbour or boundary tree is involved, wait for the notice periods to run.
- Install hoarding, sign the Undertaking and Release, pay guarantees and receive the permit.
- Post the permit where it is visible from the street at least one day before work starts.
Timelines vary widely. A straightforward application may take several weeks, while those involving neighbour trees, City trees or ravine lands often take a few months. Boundary tree notices alone include 15 business days after application and at least 15 days before issuance.
How tree issues delay building permits
Toronto Building asks applicants to complete a Tree Protection By-law Declaration, and ravine permits are reviewed alongside the building permit. If a design conflicts with a protected tree, you may face redesign, a refused removal request or a waiting period before construction can start. Our guide on how long a building permit takes in Toronto explains where these delays fit.
Design Strategies to Keep Mature Trees
Mature trees add value, privacy and character, and keeping them is often faster than fighting for removal. Good design treats them as fixed site features from the first sketch.
- Shift or reshape the footprint so foundations stay outside the TPZ.
- Use pile, caisson or cantilevered foundations near roots instead of full-depth excavation.
- Locate driveways, utilities and service trenches away from root zones, or use boring instead of open trenching.
- Keep grade changes and window wells out of protection zones.
- Plan construction access, material storage and crane locations around the hoarding.
- Have the arborist supervise any work close to a tree.
Designs that respect trees fit well in established neighbourhoods. If you are building in a mature area, see our pages on custom home builders in Forest Hill and our design and build process.
Penalties for Removing a Tree Without a Permit
Unpermitted removal or injury is a serious offence. On conviction under Chapter 813, fines range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $100,000 per tree, and a special fine of up to $100,000 is also possible. The City may also require replacement planting.
Beyond fines, a contravention can stall a project. Investigations, orders and remediation requirements can push back your build, and the City has signalled further enforcement changes in 2026 and 2027. The cheapest path is always to get the permit first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property in Toronto?
Yes, if the tree measures 30 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 metres above ground. You also need a permit for any City street tree or any tree in a ravine-protected area, regardless of size. Dead trees and pruning to good arboricultural practice do not need a permit, while hazardous trees need written confirmation of the exception.
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Toronto?
Private tree permit fees are charged per tree and listed on the City's current application form, which is updated annually, and construction-related applications cost more. Ravine permits for construction start at $262.72 per tree. Budget separately for an arborist report, replacement trees or $583 per tree cash-in-lieu, and any guarantees the City requires.
How long does it take to get a tree permit in Toronto?
It varies with complexity. A simple, complete application may take several weeks, while applications involving neighbour or boundary trees, City trees or ravine lands often take a few months. Boundary tree notices alone add at least 15 business days plus 15 days before issuance. Applying early in design helps avoid holding up your building permit.
What is a tree protection zone in Toronto?
A tree protection zone is the minimum area around a tree's trunk that must remain undisturbed during construction. For private and street trees it ranges from 2.4 metres for a 30 to 40 cm tree up to 6.0 metres for a 91 to 100 cm tree, and it is larger in ravine areas. Hoarding marks and protects the zone.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Toronto?
You can be charged under the Tree Protection By-law. On conviction, fines range from $500 to $100,000 per tree, with a possible special fine of up to $100,000. The City may also require replacement planting, and an investigation can delay your construction. Always confirm permit requirements with Urban Forestry before any tree work.
Build Around Your Trees with Marvel Homes
Marvel Homes Development brings more than 30 years of experience building luxury custom homes across Toronto and the GTA, including the BILD/RenoMark award for Best Custom Home Over $2 Million.
Our in-house architectural design team plans around protected trees from day one, and our project managers coordinate arborists, permits and site protection. With fixed price contracts, guaranteed completion dates and Tarion warranty coverage, you get a clear path from tree review to move-in.
Have a lot with mature trees, or unsure whether you need a tree removal permit in Toronto? Contact Marvel Homes to start the conversation.