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Tree Removal Permit Ottawa

Tree Removal Service Ottawa
Best Ottawa Removal Service

When are permits required to remove a tree within the City of Ottawa?

If you want to remove a tree in Ottawa, you may need a city permit. Usually, a permit is needed if the tree is 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) or more in diameter, measured at chest height.

There are several cases when a permit is not needed, such as:

  • The tree is less than 30cm in diameter on a property under one hectare.
  • The tree is located inside an interior courtyard, solarium, rooftop garden, or similar enclosed space.
  • The tree poses an immediate risk to health, safety, or infrastructure, is an emergency, and is required to be removed immediately.
  • The tree is located on agricultural land, in a nursery, cemetery, or golf course.
  • You are just pruning the tree ( i.e., cutting off branches, trimming of sections), and are not removing the tree.

Removing a tree without a permit in Ottawa may potentially result in substantial repercussions. If you violate the City’s tree protection by-laws, your fine can be from $500 to $100,000.

How to obtain a tree permit

Regardless of whether the tree is located on public or private property in Ottawa, a permit must be obtained before removing a tree according to city by-laws.

If the tree removal is not associated with infill development, the permit application fee is $186 per tree, with a maximum of five trees. If the removal is related to infill development, the permit application fee jumps to $1055 per tree, again, a maximum of five trees.

While permit applications can be submitted online, you will also be required to complete a Tree Information Report and submit it, which must be completed by a certified arborist.

Are you planning to remove a tree with a trunk diameter greater than 30 cm (12 inches)? You will be required to apply for a Distinctive Tree Permit from the City of Ottawa. Also, if the tree’s trunk crosses over onto your neighbour’s property, they will need to consent to its removal.

Once approved, a permit will be issued, and the Ottawa by-law requires that the permit be posted visibly on the property for a minimum of 7 days before and 7 days after the tree is removed. Further, the permit must also be posted visibly on the tree for 7 days before it is removed.

If you want to ensure compliance with Ottawa’s tree removal bylaws, you would benefit from working with a certified arborist. At Green Thumb Tree Specialists, we can guide you through the permit process as well as ensure that the tree removal is safe and compliant. Please contact us today, and we’ll let you know how we can help!

Why are permits required?

Ottawa has a tree removal permit system to conserve its tree canopy while maintaining healthy green space. Trees absorb CO2 for oxygen, improve air quality, and make communities look and feel better, especially as construction and development grow across the community. Trees located on private property still add value to the health and aesthetics of your community, benefitting your immediate neighbors and the city.

Why hire a certified arborist?

Investing in proper tree care has both benefits for your property and your quality of life. Yard work that involves mowing the yard or trimming up your shrubs and low-level trees can be done by do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts (like you and me!). However, large trees require professional help.

Certified Arborists are trained professionals with a specialization in the science and care of trees. They not only act as facilitators in helping trees grow healthily on your property, but also do supervised tasks like pruning and removal, which often require expertise and safety. When there are larger trees to tend to, as stated, or when the tree work can be hazardous, it is best to leave it to a certified expert.

Some benefits to hiring a Certified Arborist include the following:

  • Improves tree health
  • Fosters healthy, vigorous growth
  • Enhances general aesthetics
  • Maximizes sunlight
  • Removes potential hazards

No matter if you are managing a small backyard with trees or a huge commercial landscape consisting of many trees, receiving tree care from professionals helps provide a safer, improved landscape. Healthy trees may increase curb appeal and drive property value! Hiring a certified arborist clearly states— to your family, to the neighbors, to your customers, or to your potential buyers—that you care about your property, and the people who visit it.