Private Tree Protection

Private Tree Removal Form

The rules for removing trees on private property in one of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake five urban areas have changed. As of March 11, 2019, property owners must apply for a Tree Removal Permit before removing any tree that has a trunk measuring 12.5 cm or larger in diameter. For more information on this matter, please reference By-law No. 5139-19, A By-law to Regulate the Destruction or Injuring of Trees on Private Property in the Urban Areas.

Do I need to apply for a permit?

The following Guide and Interactive Flowchart will assist in determining your needs, including:

A Map of the Urban Areas
How to measure the DBH of a tree
Nuisance and Weed Tree List
Tree Replacement requirements
Associated Fees
Frequently Asked Questions

Private Tree Protection By-law Reference Guide

Interactive Flowchart

Open House, April 25, 2019 - Presentation

Permit fees include consultation and administration.

$0 - No fee is required for a high-risk/hazardous tree, dead tree or a nuisance/weed tree. A Private Tree Removal Application Form (see below) is still required.
$50 - Non-refundable fee (for owners who are individuals) for the first regulated tree application that has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm AND
$25 - Non-refundable fee (for owners who are individuals) for every subsequent regulated tree application that has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm.
$250 - Non-refundable fee (for owners who are corporations) for each tree that has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm.

A security deposit is required per tree.

$250 - A security deposit per tree (for owners who are individuals) required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete. If it is deemed that the replacement planting cannot be fulfilled on-site, the deposit will be considered cash in lieu of tree.
$500 - A security deposit per tree (for owners who are corporations) is required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete. If it is deemed that the replacement planting cannot be fulfilled on-site, the deposit will be considered cash in lieu of tree.

This process applies to the following:
- You are planning on removing a dead tree(s) or a weed/nuisance tree(s)
- You are applying for the removal 1-2 tree(s) regulated trees. Note - If you are removing 3+ regulated trees, please contact the Town's By-law Department at 905-468-3266 ext. 379, or via email
1. Complete our short Private Tree Removal Application Form below.
2. An inspector will contact you within five business days to review your tree removal request.
Depending on the reason for removal, please have the following documents ready for the inspector's review:
- Arborist Report (from certified arborist)
  If removing a dead tree or a weed/nuisance tree
  If the tree has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm
- Site Plan
- Photos
- Signed letter of authorization from property owner. Review a sample Declaration of Property Owner letter.
  If applying on behalf of a property owner
- Signed letter of consent from neighbouring property owner. Review a sample Declaration of Adjacent Property Owner letter.
  If removing a tree on a shared property line
1. If your application is approved, we will notify you when your permit is ready to be picked up. Once notified, fees and securities (if applicable) need to be paid at the Town offices.
2. Post your permit(s) on the site where the trees are being removed for five days prior to and including day of removal.
3. Your permit is valid for 90 days.
4. If an application is refused, the applicant has seven days to submit a written appeal to the inspector. Council makes the final decision.

Private Tree Removal Application

Do I need to apply for a permit?

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