Private Tree Protection

The rules for removing trees on private property in one of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake five urban areas have changed. As of March 11, 2019, property owners must apply for a Tree Removal Permit before removing any tree that has a trunk measuring 12.5 cm or larger in diameter. For more information on this matter, please reference By-law No. 5139-19A By-law to Regulate the Destruction or Injuring of Trees on Private Property in the Urban Areas.

Do I need to apply for a permit?

The following Guide and Interactive Flowchart will assist in determining your needs, including:

  • A Map of the Urban Areas
  • How to measure the DBH of a tree
  • Nuisance and Weed Tree List
  • Tree Replacement requirements
  • Associated Fees
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Private Tree Protection By-law Reference Guide
Interactive Flowchart
Open House, April 25, 2019 - Presentation 

Permit fees include consultation and administration.

  • $0 - No fee is required for a high-risk/hazardous tree, dead tree or a nuisance/weed tree. A Private Tree Removal Application Form (see below) is still required.
  • $50 - Non-refundable fee (for owners who are individuals) for the first regulated tree application that has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm AND
  • $25 - Non-refundable fee (for owners who are individuals) for every subsequent regulated tree application that has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm.
  • $250 - Non-refundable fee (for owners who are corporations) for each tree that has a DBH of at least 12.5 cm.

A security deposit is required per tree.

  • $250 - A security deposit per tree (for owners who are individuals) required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete. If it is deemed that the replacement planting cannot be fulfilled on-site, the deposit will be considered cash in lieu of tree.
  • $500 - A security deposit per tree (for owners who are corporations) is required for each tree to be planted. The security deposit will be refunded once a final inspection of the replacement plantings is complete. If it is deemed that the replacement planting cannot be fulfilled on-site, the deposit will be considered cash in lieu of tree.

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