Fully Managed Arborist Reports and Tree Permit Process
Arborist Reports in Toronto
Need an arborist report to remove a tree? Planning construction or renovation and need an arborist report? Need a tree permit? We’ve got you covered.
With new construction cropping up all over the Toronto area, many homeowners and companies need arborist reports to get their projects underway! Talk to us today about how we can help you with a certified arborist report for your property.
Affordable Excellence
At Vista Tree, we’re committed to providing exceptional value to our clients.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, our tree services are tailored to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
We provide options for tree care customized to your budget and discerning tastes.
Get a permit to remove a tree on your Property
Standard Arborist Report for Tree Removal Permit
To remove a tree that is protected, you’ll need an arborist report. What is a protected tree? In the City of Toronto, that includes trees that are under 30 cm DBH (Diameter at breast height) which is roughly equivalent to the width of a wooden telephone pole. In Mississauga, it is 15cm.
Remove or manage trees for Construction
Construction Tree Permits & Arborist Reports
If you’re planning construction, whether it’s a new home, addition, new deck, or pool, you’ll need a construction arborist report if there are trees that may be affected by your construction. Whether you’re looking to remove trees, construction will be in the immediate area, or construction materials or equipment will be stored by or moved around your trees, a plan for protection or replanting is necessary.
An arborist can help you with a report outlining how your trees may be affected by the new construction and create a plan to protect trees on the property during construction.
Build a Garden Suite or Laneway House
Laneway House & Garden Suite Tree Permits
Looking to build a garden suite or laneway house in the City of Toronto? These developments are more challenging than other building projects due to limitations on the trees that can be removed to make way for construction. Ensure you hire an expert in municipal arboriculture with a proven track record of guiding garden suite projects to completion. Learn more about the City of Toronto Garden Suite requirements.
Cut through ravine tree red tape
Ravine Tree Removal & Arborist Reports
Ravine and Conservation area trees are protected under additional legislation that limits the scope of tree pruning, tree removal and other activities. If you’re looking to prune or remove trees from a protected area, you’ll need a Certified Arborist to create a Ravine plan for your tree permits and application.
Arborist Reports for Unique Situations
Special Situations when you Need an Arborist Report
For most homeowners, the biggest room in the house is the backyard or side yard. A yard can be an oasis and sanctuary – from the city, from the heat… even from your neighbours! Green spaces also influence the value of your home and its curb appeal.
Tree Pruning Knowledge Centre
Arborist Reports for Tree Permits in Toronto FAQ
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tree pruning services in Toronto.
Do I need an arborist report to remove my tree?
Probably. Unless your tree is dead, imminently hazardous or under 30cm diameter at breast height, then you will need a permit to remove it in the city of Toronto, Mississauga (15cm DBH), Markham, Vaughan and other GTA municipalities. If your tree is not in good condition and is not being removed for construction, it is unlikely to get approved.
What arborist report do I need?
Am I guaranteed to get a tree permit if I get an arborist report?
No. That being said, we have a 98% success rate because we do not take on projects we do not think could be successful..
For a regular permit unrelated to construction, the tree must be either dying or in very poor condition to be considered for a permit. The City of Toronto is very restrictive in the trees it will allow you to cut down because the loss of canopy in the city is a significant environmental and public health concern.
For construction, the rules are far more lenient and allow the removal of trees especially related to the construction of principal residences. Garden Suites, Laneway Houses, extensions/expansions to existing house do not fall under this category.
However, our Board Certified Master Arborist is a Municipal Specialist with more than ten years experience working for the city and dozens of years in the industry. He is an expert at navigating the ins-and-outs of the tree permit process and has secured thousands of permits – many of them considered unobtainable by other companies.
When do I need a tree permit?
For a regular permit unrelated to construction, the tree must be either dying or in very poor condition to be considered for a permit. The City of Toronto is very restrictive in the trees it will allow you to cut down because the loss of canopy in the city is a significant environmental and public health concern.
For construction, the rules are far more lenient and allow the removal of trees especially related to the construction of principal residences. Garden Suites, Laneway Houses, extensions/expansions to existing house do not fall under this category.
However, our Board Certified Master Arborist is a Municipal Specialist with more than ten years experience working for the city and dozens of years in the industry. He is an expert at navigating the ins-and-outs of the tree permit process and has secured thousands of permits – many of them considered unobtainable by other companies.
Do I really need a permit, can’t I just cut the tree down?
You do you, but we can’t in good conscience advise you to break the law or do something that could cost you a ton of money. Reputable companies with insurance, Certified Arborists and good reviews are not going to cut down your tree for you without a permit. Why? There is already enough work that is legal, causes no extra problems and doesn’t result in fines of thousands of dollars. Can you find a fly by night guy with a chainsaw, or a landscaper who doesn’t care? Sure.
The risk you run is being caught – Toronto and especially Oakville and now Mississauga take illegal tree removal very seriously. You may be fined thousands of dollars, be obligated to replant another large tree, or other costly “remedies” for the wrong. When you try to skirt the law and get caught, you’ll pay the price – twice. First for the removal, and then for the headache, fines and other orders to comply you may be hit with. We see it happen everyday.
My tree is dangerous and I think it should be cut down right away, can I get an exemption and avoid the permit fees and replacement costs?
Likely, no. I know this is likely not the answer you want to hear, and you may be able to find another random website that will tell you otherwise. We are going to give you a few tips to help, but its with the caveat that it may not work. We spend a lot of time dealing with the city, and want you to be prepared too. You can read more about it here
