Trees & tree removal — Wellington County, Ontario

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

In the County of Wellington County, Ontario, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: All trees in woodlands (1+ ha). Schedule "A" prescribed species in three parts with diameter thresholds at 137 cm: Part I (Ash, Walnut, Cherry, Hickory, Elm, Basswood, Beech, Butternut, Oak, Maple, Pine) 46 cm; Part II (Hemlock, Spruce, Tamarack, Black Ash, Yellow Birch, Black Willow) 31 cm; Part III (Poplar, Cedar, White Birch, Ironwood, Balsam Fir, Pin/Choke Cherry, Larch) 17 cm.; replacement required: Replacement trees may be required as a permit condition (species, size, number and location). Court may also order rehabilitation or replanting upon conviction.. Source: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Woodlands By-law 5115-09, verified 2026-08-29.

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Woodlands By-law 5115-09 adopted bylaw
permit required True s. 2.1 — "except in accordance with a permit issued under Sections 4 and 5"
applies to private property True s. 5.1 — "Every person, who intends to injure or destroy a tree where a permit ... is required"
protected threshold All trees in woodlands (1+ ha). Schedule "A" prescribed species in three parts with diameter thresholds at 137 cm: Part I (Ash, Walnut, Cherry, Hickory, Elm, Basswood, Beech, Butternut, Oak, Maple, Pine) 46 cm; Part II (Hemlock, Spruce, Tamarack, Black Ash, Yellow Birch, Black Willow) 31 cm; Part III (Poplar, Cedar, White Birch, Ironwood, Balsam Fir, Pin/Choke Cherry, Larch) 17 cm. s. 1(ac); Schedule "A" Parts I, II, III — diameter columns at 137 cm point of measurement
replacement required Replacement trees may be required as a permit condition (species, size, number and location). Court may also order rehabilitation or replanting upon conviction. s. 5.8(c) — "species, size, number and location of replacement trees to be planted"; s. 9.5 — "order requiring the person to ... plant or replant trees"
fine range First conviction: up to $10,000 or $1,000 per tree (whichever greater); subsequent: up to $25,000 or $2,500 per tree. Corporations: up to $50,000 or $5,000 per tree (first); $100,000 or $10,000 per tree (subsequent). s. 9.3(a), s. 9.3(b), s. 9.4(a), s. 9.4(b)
scout note

Prohibits/regulates injuring or destruction of trees in County-designated woodlands; permit required (Good Forestry Practices, Circumference, Clearing permits) with schedules of protected species and size thresholds. Repeals By-law 5090-09.

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