Vaughan Tree Removal By-Laws

Vaughan has tree protection by-laws to help preserve and protect healthy trees to maintain and improve the urban canopy and the environment. It’s imperative to understand and comply with Vaughan tree removal by-laws to avoid getting into trouble with the city’s enforcement officers.

Vaughan Tree Protection By-Law

The By-law Number 052-2018 ¹ offers guidance on the planting, caring, and removing of trees on private and public properties in Vaughan City. The city doesn’t remove healthy trees; it only removes dead or dying trees, high-risk trees, or those trees damaged beyond salvage.

Therefore, this by-law prohibits you from destroying or injuring a tree that is at least 20 centimeters in diameter without a valid tree removal permit. Under this by-law, you commit an offense if you destroy or injure a tree without a valid permit, fail to safeguard a tree that needs protection as per the permit, or violate an order.

Applying for Vaughan Tree Removal Permit

If you want to remove a tree from your property, you’ll need to get a permit through the following steps:

• Confirm tree ownership. If the tree’s trunk partially touches a neighboring property, you’ll need to attach the property owner’s consent for tree removal.
• Hire a certified arborist to prepare a comprehensive report as per the city’s requirements.
• Complete the correction application form.

If you need the approval to remove dead or hazardous privately owned trees, you should complete the Application for Dead/Hazardous Trees or Emerald Ash Borer Infected Trees ². You should fill out this application only after the Parks and Forestry Operations reviews the tree. The city modified this form to help document Ash Trees on private properties and ensure you don’t pay for the Ash Tree removal permit.

If you want to remove not more than five privately-owned trees anywhere in the city, you’ll need to complete the Residential Private Tree Removal Application Form ³. The Parks and Forestry Operations must review this application before you submit it. The permit covers the injury or destruction of trees at least 20 centimeters in diameter, measured at the base.

If you want to remove more than five privately-owned trees, you’ll need to complete the Construction or Infill Application Form ⁴.

After submitting your application, a forestry inspector will visit your property to review your request further. If the inspector accepts your arborist report and tree replacement plan, you’ll receive a permit. You must post the permit in a conspicuous location where members of the public can see it. The city has 30 business days to review your tree removal permit request.

Vaughan Tree Removal By-Laws Enforcement

Vaughan tree protection by-law allows enforcement officers to enter and inspect your property to ensure compliance. If you violate the by-law, you could pay a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense. A subsequent offense attracts a fine of up to $25,000. Corporations that violate the by-law are subject to penalties of up to $100,000.

For more information on Vaughan tree removal, give us a call at (647) 691-7973.

References

1. The City of Vaughan By-Law on Tree Removal, City of Vaughan
2. Application to Injure or Destroy Trees on Private Land, City of Vaughan
3. Private Property Tree Removal, City of Vaughan
4. Private Property Tree Removal & Protection, By-law (052-2018) , City of Vaughan