City of Burlington Private Tree Bylaw
Updated April 19 2022

Private trees

Private trees that are removed must be replaced, either through replanting trees, or cash-in-lieu of replacement or a combination of the two. The total amount of replacement trees is based on the tree size removed. Refer to the table below to determine how many trees you will be required to plant.

Trunk Diameter (DBH) of the Tree Removed

Compensation Ratio

20 – 35 cm 2:1

36 – 74 cm 3:1

Greater than or equal to 75 cm 4:1

Replacement trees for private tree removals must be planted within a year of permit issuance or as identified on the tree permit. Replacement trees must be able to grow to a minimum of 4.5 m height at maturity.

When considering which species of trees to replant you must first consider what tree type you are removing. One of your replacement trees must be a similar species to the tree removed. For example, if you remove a deciduous (broadleaf) tree, one of your replacement trees must also be a deciduous (broadleaf) tree.

If opting to replant, there will be a replacement tree security deposit required at the time of your application. Once the trees have been replanted and verified by staff, the deposit will be refunded. The replacement tree deposit is $250 per required replacement tree.

Replacement trees shall be planted on your private property and not on a property line unless consent from your neighbour was given in compliance with the Forestry Act.

Replacement trees can also be planted on another private lot within the City’s Urban Boundary as approved by staff. If planting on an alternate lot, that lot will need to be identified on the tree replacement plan and we require a letter from the owner of that lot indicating this acceptance. The permit holder will be responsible for paying the tree replacement security deposit, and ensuring the trees are planted. The permit holder will be responsible for notifying staff once the trees are planted to get their deposit refunded. Deposits will only be refunded to the payee of the deposit.

Replacement trees must be maintained in healthy condition.

Replacement trees must be the following minimum sizes at the time of installation:

30 mm caliper if deciduous (broadleaf)

125 cm tall if coniferous (evergreen)

If there is no room for the replacement trees on your private lot or you opt to not replant, there will be a cash-in-lieu fee of $250 per required replacement tree. This money will be used toward the planting of trees elsewhere within the City.

Combinations of replacement trees and cash-in-lieu payment is also permitted to meet your tree replacement requirements for private tree removals.

Tree Permit Application Processing Fee: $51 + HST per application

Private Tree Permit 1-3 Tree Removals Fee: $331.50 + HST per application

Private Tree Permit 4th Tree Removal Fee: $229.50 + HST per tree

Private Tree Permit 5th or more Tree Removal Fee: $127.50 + HST per tree

Private Tree Permit Injury Fee: $76.50 + HST per tree

Private Tree Replacement (Cash-in-Lieu): $250 per replacement tree

Replacement Tree Security Deposit: $250 per replacement tree

Tree Permit Extension/Transfer Fee: $51 + HST per request

Compliance Inspection Fee: $510 per contravention

Public Tree Permit Removal Fee: $525.30 + HST per tree

Public Tree Permit Injury Fee: $262.65 + HST per tree

Public Tree Replacement (Cash-in-lieu): $500 per tree

Public Tree Security Deposit to be determined by staff