Trees & tree removal — Toronto, Ontario

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

In the City of Toronto, Ontario, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Trees with at least one stem with a diameter of 30 centimetres or more measured at 1.4 metres above ground level; replacement required: Replacement trees shall be planted and maintained for two years; where not possible on site, cash in lieu equal to 120 percent of the cost of replanting and maintaining for two years. Source: Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, verified 2026-08-29.

Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees adopted bylaw
permit required True § 813-12; § 813-6B
applies to private property True Article III Private Tree Protection; § 813-12
protected threshold Trees with at least one stem with a diameter of 30 centimetres or more measured at 1.4 metres above ground level § 813-12
replacement required Replacement trees shall be planted and maintained for two years; where not possible on site, cash in lieu equal to 120 percent of the cost of replanting and maintaining for two years § 813-20A; § 813-20B(2)
boulevard trees All trees on City streets under General Manager supervision; permit required to injure, destroy, or remove § 813-4; § 813-6B
fine range Minimum fine of $500.00 and maximum fine of $100,000.00 per tree; special fine of $100,000.00 § 813-29A; § 813-29B
scout note

Toronto's tree chapter has three operative parts. Article I authorizes inspection for Asian long-horned beetles and other pests and the removal of infested trees, with a right to enter private property. Article II (Trees on City Streets) requires a permit to injure, destroy or remove any City street tree regardless of its size, requires written approval before attaching anything to

Machine-readable: trees.json · Official website: https://www.toronto.ca/ · Last verified 2026-08-29 · Trees & tree removal in other municipalities