Cutting Down a Tree in Toronto? You May Need a Permit

The City of Toronto protects many trees through its Municipal Code, including private trees, city-owned trees and trees in protected ravines.

Which trees are protected

• Private trees: trees with a diameter of 30 cm or more, measured at 1.4 m above the ground.
• City trees: trees on city land, including the boulevard in front of your house, whatever their size.
• Ravine and natural feature areas: trees of any size in protected areas.

What needs a permit

• Removing a protected tree.
• Injuring it, which can include heavy pruning, cutting roots or construction near it.

Applying

Apply to Urban Forestry, usually with an arborist report. The City may require replacement trees.

A change is coming

City Council has endorsed, in principle, lowering the private tree threshold from 30 cm to 20 cm in 2027. Check the City's website before you cut.

Neighbour trees

A tree on the property line belongs to both owners. Get your neighbour's consent, and a permit if required, before cutting it.

Penalties

Removing or injuring a protected tree without a permit can lead to fines and orders to replace trees.

Outside Toronto

Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and other municipalities have their own tree rules. Check with your municipality before you cut.

Sources

• City of Toronto: tree protection
• City of Toronto: 311

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A country road in Rockwood, Ontario in the fall · A snowy neighbourhood street in Toronto.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.