Ottawa Tree Protection By-Law
On January 1, 2021, Ottawa’s new Tree Protection By-Law came into effect. It consolidates and replaces the Urban Tree Conservation By-Law and the Municipal Trees and Natural Areas Protection By-Law. With this new by-law comes changes to how tree protection rules apply, tree removal permit requirements and more. If you are planning to have a tree removed, then read on to learn how this new by-law applies to you.
Do You Need A Tree Removal Permit?
All city-owned trees throughout the urban and rural area need a permit for removal. If the tree is privately owned or on private property, here is a checklist to find out whether or not you need a permit:
| The tree is 10 cm in diameter or more and is subject to a Planning Act application | YES |
| The tree is 10 cm or more in diameter at breast height on private property over 1 hectare in size that is within the urban area. | YES |
| The tree is 30 cm or larger in diameter within the urban area on properties less than 1 hectare in size. | YES |
| The tree is 30 cm or more in diameter on a multi-residential property in the urban area. | YES |
| The tree is 50 cm or more in diameter within the suburban area on properties less than 1 hectare in size. | YES |
| The tree is 50cm or more in diameter on a multi-residential property in a suburban area. | YES |
| Ash trees that are infested with the emerald ash borer | NO |
| The tree is in a courtyard, solarium or rooftop garden | NO |
| The tree is a threat to safety & health if not removed | NO |
| The tree is on an orchard, farm, golf course or nursery | NO |
Areas Designated in the By-Law
The Tree Protection By-Law follows a different set of rules based on where in the Ottawa area the trees are located. The areas are divided into 3 zones:
Urban Areas
- Ottawa
- Nepean
- Vanier
Suburban Areas
- Kanata
- Orleans
- Barrhaven
- Stittsville
- Greely
- Manotick
Rural Areas
- The rest of the Greater Ottawa Area
Arborist Report Requirements
Any tree removal permit application will need to be submitted with an arborist report. For most tree removal applications, a Tree Information Report (TIR) will be needed. If the tree is on a property greater than 1 hectare in size, or is subject to a Planning Act application, then a more detailed Tree Conservation Report (TCR) will be needed for the application.
Depending on the reasons for removing a tree, the level of detail needed in an arborist report will change. Reasons for removal fall into three separate categories:
No Development
- This includes requests for tree removal due to the condition of the tree, or for non-primary construction on a site (house addition, decks, pools, driveways, walkways, etc.). These reasons can use a TIR Short report.
Infill Development
- New low-rise residential development that is not subject to a Planning Act application within the urban or suburban areas. Under the new by-law, a Tree Information Report is needed at the earliest application stages for development (Committee of Adjustment stage, demolition or building permit stage). These developments need a TIR Full report.
Planning Act
- Trees on properties that are one hectare in size or greater within the urban and suburban areas and properties subject to a Planning Act application require a Tree Conservation Report which follows the same guidelines as the Urban Tree Conservation By-Law.
Every Tree Information Report will have the contact information of the tree owner, the arborist who prepared the report and the contractor (if known) who will be removing the tree.
Tree Information Reports
Short reports include the following information:
- Tree Species and Size (Diameter at Breast Height)
- Tree Ownership
- Detailed Tree Condition
- Location of Tree
- Reason for Removal
- Arborist Recommendation
- Additional Reports as Requested to Support Removal Justification
- Tree Photo
Full reports include everything in the short report and:
- Tree Protection and Mitigation Measures
- Boundary Tree Confirmation (Including Trees on Adjacent Properties with Critical Root Zones Extending into the Construction Area)
- Grading and/or Site Plans Showing the trees to be removed, retained trees with critical root zones, relevant measurements, and replacement tree locations
Changes to Permitting and Posting
The changes to permitting and posting of tree removal permits are as follows:
Permit Name:
- Was “Distinctive Tree Permits”
- Is Now “Tree Removal Permits”
Protection On Distinctive Trees
- Was “Protected Trees: Greater than or equal to 50 cm in diameter in urban area”
- Is now “Protected Trees: Greater than or equal to 30 cm in diameter in the urban area, greater than or equal to 50 cm in the suburban area, and all city-owned trees.
Permit Coverage:
- Were able to use a single permit for all permitted trees on the property.
- Now needs a permit for each tree being removed.
Public notice of tree removal must also now be posted on each permitted tree 7 days prior to removal.
Learn More About The Tree Protection By-Law
These points are just a summary of the changes made to tree protection rules in Ottawa. If you are planning on removing any trees in the future for any reason, it is important that you become familiar with the new Tree Protection By-Law so you can be better prepared to secure a removal permit. Find the full regulations of the Tree Protection By-Law here.
Our Arborist Services
We employ certified arborists who have passed comprehensive and regularly repeating exams developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. An arborist is an individual who is trained in caring for, planting, and maintaining trees.
When you hire Croft Tree Experts to remove a tree in Ottawa, you're getting the services of a certified arborist on staff. That's how we ensure that we're removing your tree safely as well as within compliance of Ottawa tree permit bylaws.
WHY IS AN OTTAWA TREE REMOVAL
PERMIT NECESSARY?
The implementation of Ottawa tree removal permits was designed to conserve a healthy amount of greenery in the city. Trees produce oxygen, after all, and trees have an aesthetic quality for everyone in the surrounding area – especially as more construction and development occurs in Ottawa. Even though the tree may be on your property, your neighbours benefit from having a multitude of trees throughout the community.
HOW DOES ONE GET A TREE REMOVAL
PERMIT IN OTTAWA?
If you plan on removing a tree with a diameter of 50cm+ (can you wrap your arms around it?), you’ll need to apply for a Distinctive Tree Permit from the City of Ottawa. If the tree trunk straddles your property and your neighbour’s, you’ll need their approval as well. The best way to ensure full compliance with City of Ottawa tree permit bylaws is to hire the services of a professional arborist in Ottawa. Talk to Croft Tree Experts in Ottawa today about how we can help with your tree removal.
Other Related Resources
Tree Pruning
Arborists can determine what type of pruning is best for the individual tree to maintain its health and improve its appearance and safety.
Hedge Trimming
Appropriate watering and fertilization with a professional trim will keep your hedges looking amazing.
Tree Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed.
Stump Grinding
Arborists have the expertise and the equipment necessary to remove unsightly tree stumps from your yard.
Contact Us
Get in touch with Croft Tree Services today! We’ll answer any questions you may have, and work with you to find the right solution and the most convenient scheduling options for your tree and landscaping needs. Please be as specific as possible in the field below, so that we can help you in the most effective way.
ADDRESS
208 Royalton Private
Ottawa, ON K1V 9S3
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