Tree Preservation By-law Permitting Process

What is the Tree Preservation By-law? 

Trees within the Town of Caledon are valued for the economic, social and environmental benefits they provide. To this end, the Tree Preservation By-law (2025-101) regulates the injury, removal, or destruction of trees* outside of woodlands** on private properties, that have a 30 cm or greater Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) (1.37 m above ground). 

* "Tree" means any species of woody perennial plant, including its root system, which has reached, can reach, or could have reached a height of at least 4.5 metres at physiological maturity and has a DBH of at least 30cm. For clarity, where multiple stems grow from the same root system, the number of Trees shall be the number of stems that can be counted at a point of measurement 1.37 metres from the highest point on the ground touching the trunk.

If your tree(s) meets the above definition, has a DBH of 30cm or more, and is not exempt under the By-law, you need a Tree Permit before removing or injuring the tree(s). For full definitions, refer to the By-law.

If the DBH of your tree is less than 30cm, do not submit a Tree Permit application. In cases like this you may proceed to remove the tree and while replacement trees are not required, the Town encourages and appreciates any replacement planting.

**If you are planning to remove a tree(s) within a woodland, please visit our Woodland Conservation By-law page.

My tree is 30cm DBH or more, and not exempt - How do I apply for a permit?

Applications are required as of January 1, 2026. Application fees do not currently apply.

You can apply online or download a printable version of the application form.

What do I need to complete the application?

A few quick tips to complete the application form:

• If you are not the registered property owner and/or share a tree with a neighbour (i.e. the trunk of the tree is on the property line), you will need to obtain consent from these parties before submitting the application form.
• We’ll need the following information on each tree: the common name (e.g. Sugar Maple, White Pine, etc.); the botanical name if you know it (e.g. Acer saccharum, Pinus strobus, etc.); the DBH (diameter at breast height) in centimeters measured at 1.37m above ground (see graphic above); the condition of the tree; the action to be taken (i.e. injuring or destroying the tree) and whether it’s a shared tree.
• You’ll need to provide a plan, sketch or aerial image showing the location(s) of the tree(s) to be removed. Number the trees if there are more than one and ensure that the numbers match the corresponding numbers on the application form.
  
  

Do I require an arborist's opinion for every permit application?

• You do not necessarily have to hire an arborist to provide input as part of the application, however, the Town may request an Arborist Opinion or Report if deemed necessary. Any Arborist Opinion or Report would be at your own expense.
• The following scenarios provide examples of when the Town may request an Arborist Opinion or Report – if one is requested, staff will provide a request explaining what the Arborist Opinion or Report should contain:
  • It is unclear whether more than 70% of the crown is dead.
  • There is a discrepancy in the health assessment of the tree(s).
  • It is unclear whether the tree meets the definition of a Hazardous Tree as defined in the By-law.
  • You may also choose to hire an arborist to assist you with the required information as outlined in the application form and voluntarily submit an Arborist Opinion or Report. E.g. if you are unsure of the species, or you cannot measure DBH by yourself, and you need assistance.
    
    

Compensation requirements

• Replacement trees are required under the By-law for all trees that are injured or destroyed. The number of replacement trees is calculated based on the DBH of the tree being injured or destroyed. Once an application has been reviewed, the Inspector will confirm the number of replacement trees required.
• Replacement trees are to be planted on-site wherever feasible. This will be evaluated and discussed with you during the application review process. Cash in Lieu of replacement trees is only available as an alternative where site-specific constraints prevent on-site planting.
• While there is currently no application fee, note that securities are required for replacement trees planted on site. Securities will be returned once a Town Inspector has confirmed that the trees are in acceptable health and condition – this is typically one growing season after planting the tree(s).
• To assist applicant in choosing replacement trees, the Town has developed a list of preferred trees:
• Preferred Tree List
• Invasive Tree List
• Staff will typically require you to choose the replacement trees prior to issuing the permit, however the trees do not need to be planted before the permit is issued. The By-law allows for replacement trees to be planted up to three years after the permit has been issued.
  
  

Call before you cut!