Private Tree Removal Permit Application Process
Before starting a private tree removal permit application, all applicants should understand the requirements.
Are you a returning applicant that is familiar with this process? Skip the instructions and start your application now
If you are a new applicant, or need a reminder about the application process, please review the information below.
Confirm that you need a permit
Private Tree Removal Permits are required when you wish to remove:
- Any tree with a diameter of 15 centimetres (cm) or more at breast height (DBH).
- Any tree that is 15 cm or more in diameter being removed as part of a development application.
- Any hedge with stems that measure 15 cm or more in diameter.
- Dead and high-risk trees and ash trees require a permit, but are exempt from fees.
Permits are not required for the removal of:
- Any tree that measures less than 15 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH).
- Emergency tree removal (where there is an immediate risk for the tree to cause serious injury or damage to people or property). You don’t need a permit for an emergency tree removal, but you must notify the town as soon as possible. Contact: Ian Wagner, Supervisor, Forest Protection by calling 905-845-6601, ext. 2846 or emailing ian.wagner@oakville.ca.
Diameter at breast height (DBH) is a standard measurement for the size of a tree.
How do I measure DBH?
- Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your tree at 137 cm above the ground level.
- Use a calculator to divide the number by 3.14. This will give you the diameter of the tree trunk.
If your tree measures 47 cm or less around its trunk at 137 cm above ground level, the tree is considered to be less than 15 cm DBH and you do not need a permit to remove it.
Understand the requirements
Permit fees include consultation and administration and are non-refundable.
- $61 - Non-refundable fee for the first tree removed (15 to 24 cm DBH) in a 12-month period.
- $396 - Non-refundable fee for each additional tree, and trees that are larger than 24 cm DBH.
- $840 - If tree removal is a result of a development application: a non-refundable fee is charged for a second tree (15 to 24 cm DBH) in a 12-month period and any trees that are larger than 24 cm DBH
- No fee - Dead and high-risk trees, ash trees, and buckthorn require a permit but are exempt from fees.
- Security deposit - Tree replacement and security deposit may be a condition of removal. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
Visit the Rates and Fees page for more information.
- As a condition of the permit, one tree must be planted for every 10 cm DBH of healthy tree removed.
- A $300 security deposit is required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
- The town now requires that trees are replanted on the same private property where trees are removed and cash in-lieu will not be accepted for those applications where there is room to replant on the site.
- Cash in-lieu will only be accepted where there is not sufficient space to replant on the subject property, with funds used to plant replacement trees on municipal property.
- The minimum tree replacement size is a 30 millimetre (mm) caliper (3 cm width) deciduous tree, or a 150-cm high coniferous tree in a five-gallon container, balled in burlap, or in a wire basket.
- Cedar is considered an acceptable replacement planting only when a cedar tree has approved for removal. The town no longer accepts Cedar trees as suitable replacement trees when permits are issued to remove any other coniferous or deciduous tree.
Depending on reason for removal, please have the following documents ready for your application submission:
- Arborist report (from certified arborist)
- If removing a high risk tree
- If tree removal is the result of a development application (such as for pools, landscaping or other property construction projects)
- Signed letter of authorization from property owner. Review the Sample Declaration of Property Owner pdf.
- If applying on behalf of the property owner
- Signed letter of consent from neighbouring property owner. Review the Sample Declaration of Adjacent Property Owner pdf.
- If removing a tree on a shared property line
Online application process
- Log into our online service for private tree removal. A town account is required to access our online services. Having an account is a safe and secure way to do more online.
- Fill in the "Details" field with a detailed description of the work you are undertaking, or reasons for removing the tree.
- Click "Continue" to move to the next step.
- Type the street address for the property you are applying for into the "Search Address" Field.
- Select the property address from the dropdown and click "Search".
- The property address should populate in a grey box. Confirm that is the address you want and click "Select".
- Click "Continue" to move to the next step.
- Review that your contact information is accurate and up to date. If information is incorrect, please contact service@oakville.ca.
- Click "Continue" to move to the next step.
- Type the number of trees to be removed into the "Trees to be removed" field
- Choose an option from the "Why do you want to remove the tree" dropdown.
- If the tree is identified as a high safety risk or if you are developing the property, you will be required to complete additional fields to provide arborist information. In addition, an arborist report from a licensed arborist will be required.
- Choose an option in the "Are you the property owner where the tree is located?" dropdown. If you are not the property owner, you will be required to provide a signed Declaration of Property Owner letter.
- Choose an option in the "Are any of the tree trunks on the property line" dropdown. If yes, provide a signed Declaration of Adjacent Property Owner letter.
- Type the location of the tree into the "Tree location" field. Example: Front yard, side yard or back yard.
- Tying a string to the tree to be removed will help inspectors identify the correct tree when they arrive for inspection.
- Type in the tree species (if known) into the "Tree species" field.
- Click on "Continue" to move to the next step.
Review the bulleted list for the documents required for your application. All documents in that list are required to submit your application.
To upload documents:
- Choose a selection in the "Select document type" dropdown.
- Type a description in the "Description" field (if required).
- Drag or browse your files to select the file you wish to upload and click "Upload Document".
- Repeat the process for all required documents.
- When finished uploading all required documents click "Continue" to move to the next step.
- Carefully review the information.
- If you consent, click the "Electronic Signature Acknowledgement" box.
- Click "Submit"
Thank you for your application! An email will be sent to the email address on file for your Online Services account. Refer to that email for next steps.
What to expect after you apply
A tree inspector from our Forestry Section will contact you within five business days to arrange an on-site consultation to review your tree removal request.
If we approve your application, we will notify you when your permit is ready to be picked up. Once notified, take your fees, security deposit and signed Decision Letter to ServiceOakville, Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road to receive your permit.
For dead or high risk trees or ash trees where no fees are required, the tree inspector will leave the permit with you at the site visit.
In a location visible from the road, post your permit on the site where the trees are being removed for five days prior to and including the day of removal.
It is the property owner's responsibility to hire a professional licensed arborist to remove a tree.
Town employees do not remove trees from private property.
Visit the Licensed Contractors page to find a licensed arborist.
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Contact
ServiceOakville
905-845-6601