Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Ajax, Ontario: Ajax Tree Protection By-law 137-2006, office consolidation

In the Town of Ajax, Ontario, trees & tree removal rules are set by Ajax Tree Protection By-law 137-2006, office consolidation, verified 2026-10-28. A permit is required. Protected threshold: Any living tree on lands designated in Section 4.2. Replacement required: Replanting plan may be required; replacement trees or cash in lieu may be required.

Ajax Tree Protection By-law 137-2006, office consolidation adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 4.1
applies to private property	yes	s. 3.1(n)
protected threshold	Any living tree on lands designated in Section 4.2	s. 4.1
replacement required	Replanting plan may be required; replacement trees or cash in lieu may be required	s. 7.2; s. 8.1(a); s. 9.1–9.2
fine range	First conviction: not more than $10,000 or $1,000 per tree, whichever is greater; subsequent conviction: not more than $25,000 or $2,500 per tree, whichever is greater; corporations: $50,000 or $5,000 per tree under 13.1(a), and $100,000 or $10,000 per tree under 13.1(b)	s. 13.1(a)-(b), 13.2(a)-(b)

scout note

Sections 4.1–4.2 require permits to injure or destroy living trees on mapped lands and designated environmental protection, open-space and park lands, including land zoned Private Open Space. Section 5 provides exemptions.

Ajax Boulevard Tree Protection By-law 65-2021

Sections 3 and 5 prohibit planting, injuring, destroying or removing boulevard trees. Construction or excavation is restricted within one metre of trees up to 20 centimetres diameter and two metres of larger trees.