Getting a tree removal permit in Toronto in 2026 typically costs between $0 and $400 CAD for the permit itself, but the full tree removal service — including labour, equipment, and disposal — will run you anywhere from $400 to $5,000+ CAD depending on tree size, location, and complexity of the job.
The Short Answer
In Toronto, most trees with a trunk diameter of 30 centimetres or more at breast height (DBH) require a permit before removal under Chapter 813 of the Toronto Municipal Code. The permit application is processed through the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry department and, in many cases, there is no fee for a standard residential permit — but the work itself is where the real costs come in. As we head into 2026, permit processing times, bylaw enforcement, and contractor pricing have all shifted. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you’re not caught off guard, facing fines, or overpaying for a service you could have planned for in advance.
Whether you have a dying maple in the backyard, a silver maple heaving your driveway, or a hazardous ash tree threatening your roof, understanding the permit process in Toronto is the essential first step. Skip it, and you could face fines of up to $100,000 CAD. Follow it, and you’ll have peace of mind, a legal removal, and a professional result.
At Toronto Tree Removal, we handle permit applications, arborist reports, and full-service removals across the GTA. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
Cost by Tree Size
Tree removal pricing in Toronto is primarily driven by the size of the tree — specifically its height and trunk diameter. Larger trees require more equipment, more crew time, and more complex rigging, all of which drive up costs. Here’s a general pricing breakdown for 2026:
| Tree Size | Height / DBH | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 ft / Under 15cm DBH | $400 – $700 CAD | Young maples, ornamental trees, shrubs |
| Medium | 20–40 ft / 15–30cm DBH | $700 – $1,500 CAD | Mature birch, ornamental pear, small oak |
| Large | 40–70 ft / 30–60cm DBH | $1,500 – $3,000 CAD | Silver maple, Norway maple, ash |
| Extra Large | 70+ ft / 60cm+ DBH | $3,000 – $5,000+ CAD | Old-growth oak, large cottonwood, heritage trees |
Note: These prices reflect complete removal including chipping and debris haul-away. Stump grinding is typically quoted separately — usually $150–$450 CAD per stump depending on size. Learn more about our stump removal services in Toronto.
DIY vs Professional Tree Removal
Some homeowners wonder whether they can handle tree removal themselves to save money. The honest answer: for anything over 15 feet or requiring a permit, professional removal is almost always the safer and more cost-effective choice in the long run. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Factor | DIY Removal | Professional Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Handling | You apply yourself — confusing process, risk of errors | We handle the application for you |
| Equipment Cost | Chainsaw rental $80–$200/day CAD; chipper $300–$600/day CAD | Included in service quote |
| Safety Risk | High — falling trees cause serious injury and property damage | Low — ISA Certified crew with full safety protocols |
| Insurance / Liability | Homeowner liable for any damage | $5M liability coverage protects you |
| Bylaw Compliance | Risk of $500–$100,000 CAD fine if permit skipped | Fully compliant with Chapter 813 |
| Debris Disposal | You arrange dump runs — $150–$400 CAD extra | Included — site left clean |
| Total Estimated Cost | $600–$1,500 CAD (with significant risk) | $400–$5,000 CAD (fully managed) |
The conclusion is clear: for any protected tree or significant removal job, professional service pays for itself in safety, compliance, and time saved.
Toronto Neighbourhood Pricing
Tree removal costs across the GTA can vary based on access, canopy density, lot size, and local demand. Here’s a rough breakdown by area:
- Scarborough: Tree removal runs $500–$4,500 CAD. Many mature silver maples and ash trees. Strong bylaw enforcement in effect.
- North York: Prices range from $600–$5,000+ CAD. Dense residential neighbourhoods with large lots and significant canopy cover mean more complex removals.
- Etobicoke: Average removal costs $550–$4,200 CAD. Many large oaks and maples near the Humber River corridor fall under additional environmental protections.
- Vaughan: Costs range from $450–$4,000 CAD. Newer developments often have younger trees, keeping costs lower on average.
- Mississauga: Prices between $500–$4,500 CAD. The city has its own tree protection bylaw separate from Toronto, so permits work differently here.
- Markham: Typically $500–$4,200 CAD. Large mature trees on estate lots can push costs to the upper range.
- Brampton: Ranges from $450–$3,800 CAD. Brampton’s tree bylaw mirrors Toronto’s in many ways, requiring permits for trees over 30cm DBH.
Regardless of neighbourhood, the best way to get an accurate price is a free on-site assessment. Call us at 647-558-1366 to book yours.
“We had a massive silver maple in our backyard in North York that was dropping massive branches every storm. I was terrified something was going to hit the house or the kids. Toronto Tree Removal handled the permit, sent an ISA Certified arborist within two days, and had the whole tree down and chipped within a morning. Total cost was $2,800 CAD — honestly less than I expected for a tree that size. Can’t believe I waited this long. Booking them again in 2026 for a second tree on the property.”
Toronto Bylaws
Understanding the legal framework before any tree work is non-negotiable. Here’s what you need to know about Toronto’s tree protection bylaws:
Chapter 813 — Tree Protection
Toronto’s Municipal Code Chapter 813 governs the injury, destruction, and removal of trees on private property within city limits. The bylaw applies to any tree with a trunk diameter of 30 centimetres or more measured at 1.4 metres above the ground (Diameter at Breast Height, or DBH). If your tree meets or exceeds this threshold, you must obtain a permit before any removal work begins.
What Requires a Permit?
- Removing any tree 30cm DBH or larger on private property in Toronto
- Injuring or destroying a protected tree (this includes root damage during construction)
- Any work on City-owned street trees (these require a separate application process)
How to Apply
Applications are submitted to the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry department. You’ll need to provide your property address, reason for removal, and in some cases a supporting arborist report from an ISA Certified professional. Processing times have improved in 2026, but can still take 2–6 weeks for straightforward applications.
Fines for Non-Compliance
This is where homeowners and contractors get hurt financially. Removing a protected tree without a permit in Toronto carries fines ranging from $500 CAD for minor infractions up to $100,000 CAD for the unauthorized removal of significant or heritage trees. The city takes these violations seriously — enforcement officers actively patrol and investigate complaints. Don’t risk it.
Exemptions
Some situations are exempt from the permit requirement, including trees that have been deemed an immediate hazard by a Certified Arborist (emergency situations), dead trees verified by an arborist report, or trees on properties subject to approved site plan agreements. Even in these cases, documentation is critical.
Why Choose Toronto Tree Removal
There are dozens of tree services operating across the GTA, but not all of them are created equal. Here’s what sets us apart:
- ISA Certified Arborists: Our crew includes International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists who assess every tree with professional rigour, not guesswork.
- TCIA Member: We are proud members of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), holding ourselves to the highest industry standards for safety and quality.
- $5 Million Liability Insurance: Every job is backed by $5M in commercial general liability coverage. Your property is protected, full stop.
- WSIB Compliant: All workers are covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). You are never exposed to liability for on-site injuries.
- 15+ Years of Experience: We’ve been serving Toronto and the GTA for over 15 years, building a reputation built on honest pricing and professional results.
- 2-Hour Emergency Response: Storm damage, fallen trees, or emergency hazards — we offer 2-hour emergency response 7 days a week across Toronto and surrounding areas.
- Permit Assistance: We assist with Chapter 813 permit applications and provide ISA-certified arborist reports to support your application, reducing wait times and errors.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Ready to move forward with your tree removal in Toronto? Don’t wait until a storm makes the decision for you. Our team provides free, no-obligation on-site assessments across Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and the surrounding GTA. We’ll assess your tree, advise on the permit process, and provide a transparent written quote with no hidden fees.
Call us now: 647-558-1366
Or visit our tree removal services page to learn more and request a quote online.
Need a stump removed after the tree is down? Check out our stump removal services for competitive pricing across the GTA.
Require documentation to support your permit application? Our certified arborist reports are accepted by the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Toronto in 2026?
Yes — if the tree has a trunk diameter of 30 centimetres or more at breast height (1.4 metres above ground), you need a permit under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813 before removal. This applies to trees on private property across the city. In 2026, bylaw enforcement has increased, making compliance more important than ever. Fines for removing a protected tree without a permit range from $500 to $100,000 CAD.
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Toronto?
The permit application itself is typically free for residential properties in Toronto. However, you may need to pay for an ISA Certified arborist report to support your application, which typically costs $200–$500 CAD. The tree removal service itself ranges from $400 to $5,000+ CAD depending on tree size and complexity.
How long does it take to get a tree removal permit in Toronto?
Standard residential permit applications processed through Toronto Urban Forestry currently take approximately 2–6 weeks. Complex applications, heritage tree designations, or appeals can take significantly longer. Emergency hazard situations may qualify for expedited review — contact the city directly or have your arborist document the hazard clearly.
What happens if I remove a tree without a permit in Toronto?
Removing a protected tree without a permit exposes you to fines between $500 CAD for minor infractions and $100,000 CAD for significant violations under Chapter 813. The city may also require you to replace the tree with a specified number of replacement trees of a specified size, at your expense.
What is DBH and how do I measure it?
DBH stands for Diameter at Breast Height. To measure it, you use a tape measure around the circumference of the tree trunk at exactly 1.4 metres (about 4.5 feet) above ground level, then divide by 3.14159 to get the diameter. If the resulting number is 30 centimetres or more, the tree is protected under Toronto’s bylaw and requires a permit for removal.
Can dead trees be removed without a permit in Toronto?
Dead trees over 30cm DBH are not automatically exempt from Toronto’s permit requirement. However, you may be able to obtain expedited approval if an ISA Certified Arborist documents and certifies that the tree is dead. Our team can provide a certified arborist report — visit our arborist reports page to learn more.
How much does stump removal cost in Toronto?
Stump grinding in Toronto typically costs between $150 and $450 CAD per stump depending on the diameter and accessibility. Larger stumps with extensive root systems may cost more. We recommend bundling stump removal with your tree removal for the best overall pricing. See our full stump removal pricing page for details.
Does Toronto Tree Removal service Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York?
Yes — we provide full tree removal, stump grinding, arborist reports, and emergency tree services across all of Toronto’s major neighbourhoods including Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and the broader GTA including Vaughan, Mississauga, Markham, and Brampton. Call 647-558-1366 to confirm service availability at your address.
Do you provide arborist reports for permit applications?
Absolutely. Our ISA Certified Arborists provide detailed, city-accepted arborist reports for permit applications, property sales, insurance claims, and construction impact assessments. These reports are accepted by Toronto Urban Forestry and typically cost $200–$500 CAD. Visit our arborist reports page for full details.
What should I do if a storm damages a tree on my property?
If a tree or large branch has fallen and is posing an immediate danger to people or property, call us immediately at 647-558-1366. We offer 2-hour emergency response 7 days a week. Emergency hazard situations may qualify for expedited or waived permit requirements — our team will guide you through the process quickly and safely.