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.
Keep reading to learn more about instances where you may or may not need to obtain permission to cut down a tree, and how to go about retrieving permission. Tree removal permits in Ottawa, we provide best service.
READ MORE: Home Insurance and Emergency Tree Removal FAQ
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
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.
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Why Do I Need a City of Ottawa Tree Removal 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.
READ MORE: How to Manage Encroaching Tree Roots
Ultimately, you need to take special precautions before removing a tree in your yard. Make sure that you know your region’s tree regulations, and obtain a permit if you have to. When you get the green light, you may choose to cut down the tree yourself – but to ensure that the tree is cut down correctly and in a timely manner, you may choose to seek assistance from a professional arborist or contact us to know more about city of Ottawa tree removal permits.
Exceptions To Ottawa Tree Permit Requirements
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.
Hire An Arborist To Help With City Of Ottawa Tree Removal 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: