Removing a tree from your property isn’t always as simple as it seems. In Ottawa, you may need permission before cutting down certain trees under the City’s Tree Protection By-law, depending on the tree’s size, location, and property type.
If you’re wondering whether you need a tree removal permit in Ottawa, the first step is determining whether your tree is protected. Here’s how to check, what the application process involves, and what can happen if you remove a protected tree without approval.
What Is Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law?
Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law sets out when a permit is required to remove or injure certain trees within the city. It applies to both City-owned trees and protected trees on private properties, although the rules differ depending on the situation.
For homeowners, the most important distinction is whether the tree is considered a distinctive tree under the by-law.
What Is a Distinctive Tree?
A distinctive tree is a privately owned tree that meets a specific diameter threshold based on where the property is located.
For private properties of 1 hectare or less where no Planning Act application applies:
| Property location | Distinctive tree threshold |
|---|---|
| Inside the Greenbelt | 30 cm+ DBH |
| Outside the Greenbelt | 50 cm+ DBH |
DBH means diameter at breast height, which Ottawa measures at 1.3 metres above ground level.
So, the commonly mentioned 50 cm threshold does apply to distinctive trees in Ottawa’s suburban area, but it isn’t the threshold everywhere. Properties inside the Greenbelt have a lower 30 cm threshold.
Quick check: A 50 cm diameter trunk has a circumference of about 157 cm. If you’re measuring around the trunk, divide the circumference in centimetres by 3.1416 to estimate the diameter.
What Other Trees Are Protected?
The distinctive-tree rules aren’t the only situation where a permit may be required. City-owned trees are regulated, and additional requirements apply to larger private properties and properties involved in certain Planning Act applications.
For example, on properties greater than 1 hectare, or properties subject to certain Planning Act applications, the City’s requirements can apply to trees measuring 10 cm or more in diameter.
This is why homeowners shouldn’t rely on the tree’s size alone to determine whether they can remove it.
How to Check If Your Tree Requires a Permit
Before scheduling a removal, work through a few basic questions.
1. Is the Tree on Private or City Property?
First, determine who owns the tree. City-owned trees are subject to the Tree Protection By-law, so you should not assume you can remove a tree simply because it is close to your property.
If you’re unsure about ownership, the City recommends contacting 3-1-1 for assistance.
2. Where Is Your Property Located?
For smaller private properties, the applicable distinctive-tree threshold depends on whether the property is inside or outside the Greenbelt.
If you’re not sure where your property falls under the by-law, Ottawa provides maps through geoOttawa to help determine the applicable area.
3. Measure the Tree
Measure the trunk at 1.3 metres above ground level to determine its DBH. If you’re using a measuring tape, measure the circumference around the trunk and divide that measurement by 3.1416.
For multi-stemmed trees, leaning trees, trees on slopes, and forked trees, the City has specific measurement rules, so a simple measurement may not always be enough.
4. Check Whether Another Rule Applies
If your property is larger than 1 hectare, involves development, or is subject to a Planning Act application, don’t rely on the standard 30 cm or 50 cm distinctive-tree thresholds.
The City’s Tree Protection By-law flowchart can help you determine which requirements apply to your situation.
When Do You Need an Tree Removal Permit in Ottawa?
If your tree falls into a category protected by the by-law, you need to obtain the appropriate approval before removing it. The City specifically requires permits before City-owned trees or protected privately owned trees are removed.
A distinctive-tree permit isn’t automatically granted simply because you want the tree removed. The City can approve the application, approve it with conditions, or refuse it. The by-law allows approval in circumstances such as when a distinctive tree is dangerous, dead, diseased, severely damaged, damaging or potentially damaging a structure, or when removal is otherwise justified under the by-law.
The practical rule: If you’re not sure whether your tree is protected, check before the tree comes down, not afterward.
How to Apply for an Ottawa Tree Removal Permit
If you’ve determined that your tree is protected, the next step is to submit the information the City needs to review the removal. The process is relatively straightforward for a typical homeowner, but you should complete it before arranging for the tree to come down.
1. Submit a Tree Information Report
Ottawa uses a Tree Information Report (TIR) as part of the tree permit application process. Homeowners can submit the report online, along with the required information about the tree and the proposed removal.
Depending on the circumstances, additional documentation, such as an arborist report, may also be needed to assess the tree’s condition or support the application.
The report helps the City assess the tree and determine whether the proposed removal meets the requirements of the by-law.
2. Pay the Application Fee
The current tree removal permit in Ottawa fees took effect February 1, 2026:
| Type of removal | Application fee |
|---|---|
| City-owned or distinctive tree, not related to infill | $200 per tree |
| Tree removal related to infill development | $1,240 per tree |
| Removal as part of a Planning Act application | Included in the development application fee |
The first two fees are capped at five trees per ownership, meaning the maximum application fee is $1,000 or $6,200 respectively. The application fee is paid when the online report is submitted and is non-refundable.
3. Wait for the City’s Decision
Don’t schedule the removal while you’re waiting for approval. The City can approve a tree removal permit, approve it with conditions, or refuse the application depending on the circumstances.
For a typical homeowner application, it’s best to allow enough time for the City to review the information rather than assuming the permit will be issued immediately.
Important: A permit application is not the same as permission to remove the tree. Wait until the permit has actually been granted.
4. Follow the Posting Requirements
If a distinctive tree removal permit is granted, the permit must be posted in a prominent location on the property and on the tree itself for at least seven days before removal. The property notice must also remain posted for at least seven days after removal.
How Much Does a Tree Removal Permit Cost in Ottawa?
For homeowners dealing with a standard distinctive-tree removal that isn’t related to infill development, the current Ottawa tree removal permit application fee is $200 per tree, with the fee capped after five trees on the same ownership.
However, the application fee may not be the only cost associated with removing a protected tree. Ottawa can also require replacement trees or financial compensation, depending on the type of removal.
In addition, the cost of tree removal itself will depend on factors such as the tree’s size, location, condition, and the complexity of the job.
For example, private-tree removals outside development generally require replacement at a 1:1 ratio, while infill development has higher replacement requirements for distinctive trees.
What Happens If You Remove a Protected Tree Without a Permit?
Removing a protected tree first and asking questions later can be an expensive mistake. Under Ottawa’s Tree Protection By-law, destroying or injuring a protected tree without the required tree removal permit can constitute an offence.
Fines and Other Penalties
If convicted, offences under the by-law can result in fines ranging from $500 to $100,000. The City can also impose special fines in circumstances where the unauthorized removal could result in financial gain.
In addition to potential penalties, unauthorized removal can trigger tree replacement or compensation requirements.
The bottom line: If you’re unsure whether a tree is protected, check with the City before removal. The cost and inconvenience of confirming the requirements beforehand are far lower than dealing with an unauthorized removal afterward.
Need Help With Tree Removal in Ottawa?
Not sure whether your tree is protected or what steps you need to take before removal? SpinBlade can help assess your tree, explain your options, and guide you through the removal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still scratching your head? Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions people have.
In Short,
Ottawa’s tree protection rules can seem complicated, but the basic first step is straightforward: determine whether your tree is protected before you arrange for its removal. Check who owns the tree, where your property is located, the tree’s size, and whether any additional rules apply.
If you need a tree removal permit in Ottawa, don’t wait until the tree is scheduled for removal to check the requirements. Getting the right approval first can help you avoid fines, replacement obligations, and other problems later.
