Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — South-West Oxford, Ontario

In the Township of South-West Oxford, Ontario, permit required: True; applies to private property: False; protected threshold: Any tree with 50% or more of its main stem on public park, highway, or Township-owned lands; replacement required: Approval may include payment of tree value, removal and replacement costs and/or replanting of the tree(s); court may also order replanting. Source: By-law No. 12-2018 – Regulate the Planting and Removal of Public Trees, verified 2026-08-29.

By-law No. 12-2018 – Regulate the Planting and Removal of Public Trees adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 6.1: "without the prior written approval of the Works Superintendent"
applies to private property	False	s. 3.3: "Trees planted on private property are the sole responsibility of the property owner"
protected threshold	Any tree with 50% or more of its main stem on public park, highway, or Township-owned lands	s. 2.6: "fifty (50) percent or more of its main stem situated on a public park, highway or any lands owned by the Township"
replacement required	Approval may include payment of tree value, removal and replacement costs and/or replanting of the tree(s); court may also order replanting	s. 6.1 and s. 8.3
boulevard trees	All public trees on highways under Works Superintendent supervision; no planting/removal without prior written approval	s. 3.1 and s. 6.1
fine range	Minimum fine not to exceed $500; maximum fine not to exceed $100,000; special fine may exceed $100,000	s. 8.1(i)

scout note

Regulates planting, maintenance, protection and removal of public/boulevard trees on Township highways and Township-owned land, including a request/removal process.