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: Any species of woody perennial plant, including its root system, which has reached, can reach, or could have reached a height of at least 4.5m at maturity. Trees may be multi-stemmed or have only a single trunk. 

If your tree meets the size and/or condition thresholds in the By-law, and unless otherwise exempted as per the By-law, you need a permit before removing or injuring it. For full definitions of, among other, trees, injury or destruction, refer to the By-law. 

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

How do I apply for a permit?

Applications are required as of January 1, 2026

Apply Here

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. maple, white pine, etc.); the scientific name if you know it; the DBH (diameter at breast height) measured at 1.37 m above ground (see explanation below); the condition of the tree; the action to be taken (e.g. injuring or removing the tree) and whether it’s a shared tree. You can find more detailed descriptions in the By-law. [insert link to By-law] 

  • You’ll need to provide a plan, sketch or aerial image showing the location(s) of the tree(s) to be removed. 

  • You may need to hire an arborist as part of the application – if you are unsure if you need one, contact the Town's Natural Heritage department at naturalheritage@caledon.ca. 

  • Currently, there is no application fee. 
How do I measure DBH?
An image describing the relative sizes of tree trunks compared to everyday objects. An explanation of how to measure Diameter at Breast Height is also included as well as the Town of Caledon’s logo. 

Call before you cut! 

  • If you are unsure as to whether your tree requires a permit, please contact us before you injure or remove it. Dial 311 from within Caledon or email us at naturalheritage@caledon.ca. 

  • Note that if you make a wrong decision based on the exemption criteria, you may be subject to enforcement action. 

  • If the tree you want to remove is wholly or partially located on Public Property, please call 311 or contact the Town's Natural Heritage department at naturalheritage@caledon.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tree Preservation By-law apply to dead or hazard trees?
This By-law does not apply to dead or hazard trees. However, should you not be entirely certain that a tree(s) is considered dead or hazardous, please contact us at naturalheritage@caledon.ca or call 311 from within Caledon. The Town may require you to hire an arborist to confirm the status of the tree.
How much money will the permit cost per tree?
As of January 2026, there is no application fee. However, this may be revised in the future. The Fees By-law will be updated to reflect the current fee if fees are being charged. Also note that refundable securities for replacement trees may be required as part of the application. 
Do I require an arborist's letter at my expense for every permit application?

Not necessarily, however, the Town may request an Arborist Opinion or an Arborist Report if deemed necessary. Any Arborist Opinion or Arborist Report would be at your own expense. 

The following scenarios provide examples of when the Town may request an Arborist Opinion or Report: 

  • It is unclear whether more than 70% of the crown is dead. 

  • There is a discrepancy in the health assessment of the tree(s). 

You may also choose to hire an arborist to assist you with the required information as outlined in the application form. E.g. you are unsure of the species, or you cannot measure DBH by yourself, and you need assistance.
Will I need a permit to remove an invasive species tree?
Regardless of whether a tree species is invasive, any tree that meets the criteria for a permit as specified in the By-law will require a permit prior to injury and/or removal.
I share the tree with my neighbour – who needs to apply for the permit?
The person wanting to remove a tree on a property line must follow the instructions as per the application form. If you’re unsure who owns a tree, refer to a property survey or contact an Ontario Land Surveyor. Note that Boundary Trees fall under the legal provisions of the Ontario Forestry Act and it is landowner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with that Act.
I want to prune a tree(s), do I need a permit? 
A permit is not required to trim or prune a tree, if the trimming is Maintenance Pruning as defined in the Tree Preservation By-Law. In general, this means it is carried out using good arboricultural practices and the work will not injure the tree.
Do I need a permit to plant a tree?
You do not need a permit under the Tree Preservation By-law to plant a tree(s).
Where do I report a By-law violation related to trees? 
If you have a concern related to tree removal, you can submit a complaint to Municipal Law Enforcement by email or by calling 311 from within Caledon.