Trees & tree removal — Oakville, Ontario

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

In the Town of Oakville, Ontario, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: endangered, threatened, or at risk tree species; diameter equal to or greater than fifteen (15) centimetres; replacement required: planting of replacement tree(s) in accordance with Schedule "A" or payment into the Town's Replacement Tree Planting Fund. Source: Private Tree Protection By-law No. 2017-038 (consolidated); Town Tree Protection By-law No. 2009-025 (consolidated), verified 2026-08-30.

Private Tree Protection By-law No. 2017-038 (consolidated) adopted bylaw
permit required True s. 4(2)
applies to private property True s. 2
protected threshold endangered, threatened, or at risk tree species; diameter equal to or greater than fifteen (15) centimetres s. 4(1), s. 4(2)
replacement required planting of replacement tree(s) in accordance with Schedule "A" or payment into the Town's Replacement Tree Planting Fund s. 7(4)(a), s. 7(5)(g)
fine range minimum fine for an offence is $400 and the maximum fine for an offence is $100,000 s. 10(3)(a)
scout note

Requires a permit before injuring, destroying or removing any tree with a diameter of 15 centimetres or more, measured at breast height (1.37 metres), on private property. Trees under 15 centimetres are exempt unless required by an approved site plan. Endangered, threatened and at-risk species are protected regardless of size.

Town Tree Protection By-law No. 2009-025 (consolidated) adopted bylaw
protected threshold any tree, all or part of which is located on a Town property s. 1(o)
replacement required Court... may order... planting or replanting such tree(s)... and/or payment of the tree(s) amenity value s. 5(3)
boulevard trees Boulevard included in Town street; trees on Town property protected from injury or removal. s. 1(n), s. 3(b)
fine range minimum fine... is $400 and the maximum fine... is $100,000 s. 5(2)(a)
scout note

Protects trees growing on Town property. No person may injure, destroy or remove a tree on Town property, or attach bills, notices or other objects to such a tree or its supporting stakes and guards, without first obtaining the permission of the Town Forester.

Machine-readable: trees.json · Official website: http://www.oakville.ca/ · Last verified 2026-08-30 · Trees & tree removal in other municipalities