City of Burlington Private Tree Bylaw
Updated April 19 2022

When do I need a permit?

Property owners will need to apply for a Tree Removal Permit when removing:

• A tree greater than 20 cm diameter measured at 1.4 m from the ground
• More than five trees between 10 and 20 cm measured at 1.4 m from the ground
• Any size of tree that is a designated Heritage Tree*
• Any size of endangered, at risk, or threatened tree species*
• If the tree is dead**
• If the tree is diseased with no chance of recovery**
• If the tree is within 2 m of an occupied dwelling**

* Additional permits and regulations apply

**Permit is still required; fees and compensation are waived.

 

When do I not need a permit?

• Private trees less than 20cm in diameter.
• Private tree maintenance (pruning no more than a third of the live crown of a tree within good arboricultural practice)
• If the private tree is in a nursery or orchard
• Emergency Tree Work provided supporting documents are supplied to the City affirming the emergency. Please refer to the Bylaw for further details.
• Note: Public tree maintenance (e.g., pruning) must be done by the City and can be requested. Email Service Burlington.

 

Replacement Trees

Trees that are injured or removed under the Tree Removal Permit will need to be replaced. The tree’s diameter, measured at 1.4 m above ground, as well as the overall condition rating will impact the total number of cm required to be replaced. Generally, one replacement tree is required for every 10 cm diameter removed. The on-site consultation will determine measurements and replacements.

If there is no room for the replacement trees to be planted on the property, there will be a charge of $400 per replacement tree. This money will be used toward the Private Tree Incentive Program where private homeowners will be encouraged to plant trees on their property.

Fees and Fines

• Tree Permit Application Processing Fee: $50 + HST per application
• Private Tree Permit 1-3 Tree Removals Fee: $325 + HST per application
• Private Tree Permit 4^th Tree Removal Fee: $225 + HST per tree
• Private Tree Permit 5^th or more Tree Removal Fee: $125 + HST per tree
• Private Tree Permit Injury Fee: $75 + HST per tree
• Private Tree Replacement (Cash-in-Lieu): $250 per replacement tree
• Replacement Tree Security Deposit: $250 per replacement tree
• Tree Permit Extension/Transfer Fee: $50 per request
• Compliance Inspection Fee: $500 per contravention
  City Trees 
• Public Tree Permit Removal Fee: $500 + HST per tree
• Public Tree Permit Injury Fee: $250 + HST per tree
• Public Tree Replacement (Cash-in-lieu): $500 per tree