Private tree removal permits

Confirm that you need a permit

• Any tree with a diameter of 15 centimetres (≈ 5⅞ in) (cm) or more at breast height (DBH).
  Another Oakville page says this differently: “Property owners must apply for a permit and on-site consultation before removing any tree that has a trunk measuring larger than 15 centimetres (≈ 5⅞ in) in diameter at breast height.” (Private Tree Protection). Confirm before you apply: ServiceOakville, 905-845-6601.
• Any tree that is 15 cm (≈ 5⅞ in) or more in diameter being removed as part of a development application.
• Any hedge with stems that measure 15 cm (≈ 5⅞ in) or more in diameter.
• Dead and high-risk trees and ash trees require a permit, but are exempt from fees.
• Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your tree at 137 cm (≈ 4 ft 5⅞ in) above the ground level.
• Use a calculator to divide the number by 3.14. This will give you the diameter of the tree trunk.
• If your tree measures 47 cm (≈ 1 ft 6½ in) or less around its trunk at 137 cm (≈ 4 ft 5⅞ in) above ground level, the tree is considered to be less than 15 cm (≈ 5⅞ in) DBH and you do not need a permit to remove it.

Replacement trees and security deposits

• As a condition of the permit, one tree must be planted for every 10 cm (≈ 3⅞ in) DBH of healthy tree removed.
• A $300 security deposit is required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
• The town now requires that trees are replanted on the same private property where trees are removed and cash in-lieu will not be accepted for those applications where there is room to replant on the site.
• Cash in-lieu will only be accepted where there is not sufficient space to replant on the subject property, with funds used to plant replacement trees on municipal property.
• The minimum tree replacement size is a 30 millimetre (≈ 1⅛ in) (mm) caliper (3 cm (≈ 1⅛ in) width) deciduous tree, or a 150-cm high coniferous tree in a five-gallon container, balled in burlap, or in a wire basket.
• Cedar is considered an acceptable replacement planting only when a cedar tree has approved for removal. The town no longer accepts Cedar trees as suitable replacement trees when permits are issued to remove any other coniferous or deciduous tree.
• List Of Eligible Species For Tree Replacement

Required documents0 of 3

Depending on reason for removal, please have the following documents ready for your application submission:

You need an account to see these 3 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Online application process

• Log into our online service for private tree removal. A town account is required to access our online services.
• Fill in the "Details" field with a detailed description of the work you are undertaking, or reasons for removing the tree.
• Type the street address for the property you are applying for into the "Search Address" Field.
• Select the property address from the dropdown and click "Search".
• The property address should populate in a grey box. Confirm that is the address you want and click "Select".
• Review that your contact information is accurate and up to date. If information is incorrect, please contact service@oakville.ca.
• Type the number of trees to be removed into the "Trees to be removed" field
• Choose an option from the "Why do you want to remove the tree" dropdown.
• If the tree is identified as a high safety risk or if you are developing the property, you will be required to complete additional fields to provide arborist information. In addition, an arborist report from a licensed arborist will be required.
• Choose an option in the "Are you the property owner where the tree is located?" dropdown. If you are not the property owner, you will be required to provide a signed Declaration of Property Owner letter.
• Choose an option in the "Are any of the tree trunks on the property line" dropdown. If yes, provide a signed Declaration of Adjacent Property Owner letter.
• Type the location of the tree into the "Tree location" field. Example: Front yard, side yard or back yard.
• Tying a string to the tree to be removed will help inspectors identify the correct tree when they arrive for inspection.
• Type in the tree species (if known) into the "Tree species" field.
• Review the bulleted list for the documents required for your application. All documents in that list are required to submit your application.
• Choose a selection in the "Select document type" dropdown.
• Type a description in the "Description" field (if required).
• Drag or browse your files to select the file you wish to upload and click "Upload Document".
• Repeat the process for all required documents.
• Carefully review the information.
• If you consent, click the "Electronic Signature Acknowledgement" box.
• Click "Submit"
• An email will be sent to the email address on file for your Online Services account. Refer to that email for next steps.

Collect permit and pay fees

• A tree inspector from our Forestry Section will contact you within five business days to arrange an on-site consultation to review your tree removal request.
• Permit fees include consultation and administration and are non-refundable.
• $65 - Non-refundable fee for the first tree removed (15 to 24 cm (≈ 9½ in) DBH) in a 12-month period.
• $425 - Non-refundable fee for each additional tree, and trees that are larger than 24 cm (≈ 9½ in) DBH.
• $900 - If tree removal is a result of a development application: a non-refundable fee is charged for a second tree (15 to 24 cm (≈ 9½ in) DBH) in a 12-month period and any trees that are larger than 24 cm (≈ 9½ in) DBH
• No fee - Dead and high-risk trees, ash trees, and buckthorn require a permit but are exempt from fees.
• Security deposit - Tree replacement and security deposit may be a condition of removal. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete.
• If we approve your application, we will notify you when your permit is ready to be picked up. Once notified, take your fees, security deposit and signed Decision Letter to ServiceOakville, Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road to receive your permit.
• For dead or high risk trees or ash trees where no fees are required, the tree inspector will leave the permit with you at the site visit.