Our Service Areas
Ottawa
Carleton Place
Mississippi Mills
Arnprior
Almonte
What is the Ottawa Tree Protection By–law?
The City created this by–law to protect mature trees that take decades to grow and provide long–term ecological and environmental benefits. Understanding how the by–law applies to your trees is an important first step before making any removal decision.
New Rules for Tree Removal
If you have not reviewed the by–law recently, now is a good time to do so. The distinctive tree provisions apply to many properties of one hectare or less within Ottawa’s urban area. On urban properties greater than one hectare, trees 10 centimeters or more in diameter also require a permit under a separate part of the by–law.
When Do You Need a Permit Under the By–law?
Replacement planting is a standard condition. In non–development situations, the replacement ratio is 1:1. For infill development, the ratio increases to 2:1 for trees between 30 and 49 centimeters and to 3:1 for trees 50 centimeters or greater in height.
Exemptions – When a Permit Is Not Required
Below the threshold
Trees measuring less than 30 centimeters in diameter at breast height on properties of one hectare or less do not qualify as distinctive trees under the Tree Protection By–law.
Immediate hazard or dead tree
Where a tree poses an immediate threat to public health and safety, removal without a permit is permitted. Take photos before removal to document the condition.
Emerald ash borer
Ottawa allows property owners to remove private ash trees after inspectors confirm that the emerald ash borer has infested them. This exemption is one of the most commonly used under the Tree Protection By–law.
Other designated activities
Normal farm practices, power line maintenance, aggregate extraction under provincial regulation, and professional surveying are also exempt under the by–law.
Tree Permit Application Fees
- Non–infill tree removal: $200 per tree, capped after five trees under the same ownership.
- Infill development tree removal: $1,240 per tree, capped after five trees under the same ownership.
- Planning Act applications: The City incorporates tree permit fees into the overall development application fee.
Application fees are non–refundable. Most applications also require a Tree Information Report prepared by a qualified arborist, which is a separate cost from the City’s fee.
Because fees and requirements may change, property owners should confirm current information with the City of Ottawa before applying.
What People Say About Us
Expert Tree Care, Sustainable Solutions||Your Tree Health, Our Priority||Beautifying Landscapes, One Tree at a Time
Ottawa Tree Protection By–law | FAQ Guide
What happens if I remove a tree without permission?
Removing a distinctive tree without a permit violates Ottawa‘s tree protection by–law and can result in significant fines. The city may also require the property owner to replace the removed tree, potentially with multiple replacement plantings.
What trees are protected under the by–law?
All City–owned trees city–wide are protected. On private urban properties of one hectare or less, any tree 30 centimeters or more in diameter at 1.3 meters above grade requires a permit. On urban properties over one hectare, trees 10 centimeters or more are also covered.
Do I need an arborist report for tree removal in Ottawa?
Yes, for most applications. The City of Ottawa requires a Tree Information Report prepared by a qualified arborist for most non–development and infill tree removal applications. For Planning Act applications, applicants must submit a Tree Conservation Report instead.
Do Ottawa tree protection by–laws change over time?
Yes. The most recent update took effect on February 1, 2024. Always check the current version at ottawa.ca/treebylaw or consult a certified arborist before proceeding with any removal.