Do I Need Permission to Cut Down My Own Tree?

Q: What tree can be cut down without permission?

Generally, trees that might be dead, seriously damaged, or under a selected size threshold may be cut down without permission. In many Ontario municipalities, you don’t want a permit for a tree smaller than 30 cm in diameter at chest height. However, some areas may also have additional protections for positive species or heritage timber. It’s best to verify together with your nearby municipality or consult a licensed arborist.

Q: Is it illegal to cut down trees in Canada?

Cutting down trees in Canada is not illegal in general, however, it's far concern to the law. Many provinces and municipalities have legal guidelines to protect urban and heritage trees. Cutting down a tree without the proper permits or approvals, especially in environmentally protected areas, can bring about hefty fines. It’s crucial to consult advice from nearby guidelines earlier than removing any tree.

Q: Can I remove a tree on my property?

You may be allowed to remove a tree on your property, but it depends on its size, condition, and location. Trees that might be lifeless, dead, or pose an immediate safety risk can often be removed without a permit. However, if the tree is healthy and exceeds a certain diameter, or if it’s in a regulated area, you’ll possibly want a permit from your municipality. Always check your local tree bylaws before doing any work.

Q: How much is a permit to cut down a tree?

The cost of a tree removal permit varies by municipality. In Ottawa, as an example, a Distinctive Tree Permit usually costs around $100 to $150, but the fee can fluctuate depending on the scope of the work and whether an arborist’s report is required. It’s really useful to check with your local city office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on permit costs.

Mar 5, 2025

Know Your Rights Before Removing a Tree in Your Yard

There’s a tree in your yard that you want to remove. Maybe it’s growing too large, or you’re concerned about the safety risks it imposes.

Before you remove a tree in your yard, you need to consider whether or not you have legal permission to do so. Even though it’s on your can you cut trees on your property in ontario, you’re technically not always allowed to simply cut down a tree. In most cases, you will have to seek permission from your local council – this will ultimately depend on where you live.

At Green Thumb Tree Specialists, we help Ottawa homeowners navigate this process safely and legally. Let’s walk through when you do or don’t need a permit, the risks of skipping the paperwork, and how a certified arborist can help.

You Won’t Need Permission in These Cases

You should be allowed to remove a tree without any problems in the following circumstances. However, if you are not sure, you should always research your local tree protection laws.

Dead Trees

Once a tree is dead, you should be able to remove it. In fact, dead trees should be removed right away – they become harder to remove over time and can create safety risks if left outside too long.

Since dead trees are only standing due to the roots keeping them in the ground, they tend to fall over. For your safety, remove dead trees as soon as possible.

Small Trees

If a tree is not particularly tall or wide, or it doesn’t have many branches, what trees can be cut down without permission? The specific height and diameter you are allowed to cut within are determined by your local laws.

Trees That Pose Danger

If a tree is alive, but still could harm you, your property, or surrounding wildlife, you may be able to cut it down without a permit. Here are a few examples of scenarios in which a tree could be dangerous:

Tree is leaning or wobbly
Falling branches pose a hazard
Tree’s roots are close to a property
Tree is diseased or infested with a dangerous form of wildlife

When You Do Need Permission: Ottawa Tree Removal Laws in 2025

Ottawa enforces a Tree Protection By-law that regulates the removal of trees on private property. In general, you’ll need a Distinctive Tree Permit if:

The tree’s diameter is 30 cm or more (measured at 1.4 m or approx. chest height).
You live in an area covered by a Site Plan Control or Urban Tree Conservation Zone.
You’re conducting construction or landscaping that may affect tree roots or canopy.

This applies whether the tree is healthy or unhealthy—size and location are the key factors.

Understand Your Area’s Specific Laws

As we’ve mentioned, the rules regarding civilians can I remove a tree from my property removal depends on the region in which the tree is being removed. In most cases, these rules will be ordered through a by-law.

For example, Ottawa and Toronto both have by-laws that describe the circumstances in which you can cut down a tree or if you will need written permission first.

Townships and similar areas like Russell also typically include this information in by-laws.

If you are still not sure about your next step after learning of your area’s laws, it’s not a bad idea to speak to a professional arborist or tree service. They can tell you all about the legality of your specific case, and what options you have moving forward.

Why Do I Need a City Permits?

You may do you need a permit to cut down a tree in Ontario from your local authorities before cutting down a tree. This may be confusing – the tree is on your personal property, after all. Despite that, cutting down the tree is not fully your decision to make. That’s because the tree is still part of the ecosystem, and therefore plays an important role in the surrounding environment. Even though the tree may be irritating you, it still serves a purpose for other wildlife, like plants, animals, and insects.

Risks of Cutting Down a Tree Without Permission

By-law infractions can have more serious consequences than you realize. Punishments for cutting down trees without permission vary based on the specific laws of your region, but these can often be in the form of thousand-dollar fines.

According to Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law, for example, cutting down a tree without a permit can lead to a fine that falls between $500 and $100,000. When you consider that some people cut down multiple trees at once, that adds up to a pretty hefty bill.

Why You Should Use a Professional Tree Removal Service

If you need a tree removed, or you’re looking for expert advice, a professional tree removal service company can help. A certified arborist has the right level of experience and expertise to assist you with any tree-related issue. They have top-quality tools and can remove your tree safely and effectively.

Ottawa-Specific Exceptions to Tree Removal Permits

If you’re removing a tree from your Ottawa property that is larger than 30 centimeters in size There are also other exceptions which could mean that you don’t require a City of Ottawa Differential Tree Permit. They include:

In a private garden, trees and a solarium. Also, rooftop patios and more.
The trees on a cemetery, golf course, or some rural land
In a farming, nursery, or the orchard
Trees that present an immediate threat to the property of people

If you’re removing the tree from Ottawa which does not qualify for the exemptions, you’ll need the city of Ottawa Unique Tree Permit.

How to Get a Tree Removal Permit in Ottawa (Step-by-Step)

Here’s what to expect when applying for a tree removal permit in Ottawa:
<1. Measure Your Tree:

Use a tape measure at chest height (~1.4 meters from the ground).
If the trunk is 30 cm or more in diameter, a permit is required.

2. Hire a Certified Arborist:

A tree report from a licensed arborist must accompany your application.

3. Submit Your Application:

Visit the City of Ottawa’s website to download and fill out the Distinctive Tree Permit application.

4. City Inspection:

A city inspector may visit your property to assess the tree and the site.

5. Receive Your Permit:

Once approved, your permit must be shown to any contractors or services handling the removal.

Need help with the paperwork or measuring? Contact Green Thumb Tree Specialists and we’ll walk you through it all.

Hire An Arborist To Help With City Permits

Getting a permit to remove a tree in Ottawa isn’t too hard. But you need to plan ahead. If the tree doesn’t pose an immediate risk to the building or other people, and you’re not in the category of exceptions it’s not possible to remove it. If you want to comply with the guidelines that are set by the City of Ottawa You must follow the proper procedure for obtaining authorization.

First, measure the tree’s trunk base, around chest or neck height. If it’s around 30 cm in diameter, that’s about 94 cm in circumference. You can use a tape measure to check. If it’s bigger than what’s allowed, you need to hire an arborist and give the city a report from them. Then, the city will send someone to check the tree and the area. After that, they’ll give you a permit that you have to show before cutting down the tree.

You can contact Green Thumb to start the process. We have experts who can help with the paperwork and get you the permit. Our experts can also remove the tree safely and properly.

We take pride in offering our professional Tree Care services in Ottawa. Feel free to reach out to Green Thumb Tree Specialist for any of the following Tree Services:

FAQs

What tree can be cut down without permission?