Ottawa Tree Removal Permits
When are permits required to remove a tree within the City of Ottawa?
If you’re planning to cut down and remove a tree on your Ottawa property, you may need to obtain a tree removal permit from the City of Ottawa. The general guideline is based on the tree’s size: any tree with a diameter greater than 30 centimetres (approximately 12 inches), measured at the chest height, typically requires a permit for removal.
However, there are several exceptions where a permit is not needed:
- The tree is under 30cm in diameter and the property is smaller than one hectare
- It’s located within an interior courtyard, solarium, rooftop garden, or similar enclosed space
- The tree poses an immediate risk to health, safety, or infrastructure and must be removed urgently
- The tree is situated on agricultural land, a nursery, a cemetery, or a golf course
- You are only pruning the tree (e.g., cutting branches or trimming sections), not removing it entirely
Removing a tree in Ottawa without the required permit can result in serious penalties. Violations of the city’s tree protection bylaws can lead to fines ranging from $500 up to $100,000.
How to obtain a tree permit
Whether a tree is located on public or private property in Ottawa, a permit must be obtained before it can be removed, as required by city by-laws.
If the tree removal is not related to infill development, the permit application fee is $186 per tree, up to a maximum of five trees. For removals connected to infill development, the fee increases to $1055 per tree, up to a maximum of five trees.
Permit applications can be submitted online, but you must also complete and submit a Tree Information Report as part of the process. This report must be completed by a certified arborist.
Once your application is approved and the permit is issued, Ottawa by-law mandates that the permit be visibly posted on the property for at least 7 days before and 7 days after the tree is removed. In addition, the notice must also be clearly displayed on the tree itself for 7 days prior to removal.
Planning to remove a tree with a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more? In that case, you’ll need to apply for a Distinctive Tree Permit from the City of Ottawa. If the tree’s trunk crosses onto a neighbour’s property, their consent will also be required before any removal can take place.
To make sure you’re fully compliant with Ottawa’s tree removal bylaws, it’s wise to consult a certified arborist. At Green Thumb Tree Specialists, we are here to guide you through the permit process and ensure your tree removal is handled safely and legally. Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist.
Why are permits required?
Ottawa’s tree removal permit system was created to help preserve the city’s urban forest and maintain a healthy balance of green space. Trees not only produce oxygen and improve air quality, but they also enhance the beauty of neighbourhoods—something that becomes increasingly important as construction and development expand across the city. While a tree may be located on your private property, its presence contributes to the overall well-being and visual appeal of the entire community, benefiting your neighbours and the city as a whole.
Why hire a certified arborist?
Investing in proper tree care benefits both your property and your quality of life. While basic yard work like lawn mowing or trimming shrubs can be a DIY task, larger trees require the expertise of a professional.
Certified Arborists are trained specialists in the science and care of trees. They not only help nurture healthy growth across your property but also handle specific tasks like pruning and removal with precision and safety. When it comes to larger or potentially hazardous work, it’s always best to rely on a certified expert.
Hiring a Certified Arborist offers several advantages:
- Enhances tree health
- Encourages strong, healthy growth
- Improves overall appearance
- Increases sunlight exposure
- Eliminates safety hazards
Whether you’re managing a small backyard or a large commercial landscape, professional tree care helps maintain a safer, more attractive property. Well-maintained trees can boost curb appeal and increase property value. Choosing a certified arborist sends a clear message—to your family, neighbours, clients, and potential buyers—that you take pride in your property and care about those who visit it.