Tree Cutting Permit

Richmond Hill works to protect our community's trees which are important for our quality of life today and for the future. We control the removal of trees on private property through our Tree Preservation By-law. This by-law requires that you get a permit before removing or injuring any tree with a diameter at breast height of 20 cm or more.

How to get a permit

Fill out the Application to Permit Injury or Destruction of Trees on Private Property. You must also include an Arborist Report on your tree or trees, prepared by a certified arborist. Mail your application, report and required fee to the Park and Natural Heritage Planning section in the Municipal Offices at:

225 East Beaver Creek Road, 3rd Floor
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4

You can drop-off your application in-person as well.

Fees

Your application must include a non-refundable fee of $150 for the first tree. Each additional tree will cost you $50 each, to a maximum of $400.

Exceptions to the by-law

You don't need a permit to remove:

• dead trees
• diseased trees
• hazardous trees

For this type of removal, you need to submit an Arborist Certificate from a certified arborist to the Park and Natural Heritage Planning at:

225 East Beaver Creek Road, 3rd Floor
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4

Trees on development sites are also excluded from the by-law because site plan submissions must include Tree Inventory and Preservation Plans. These plans are approved by the Park and Natural Heritage Planning section.

Report illegal tree removal

Report suspected illegal tree removal to Richmond Hill's By-law and Licensing Enforcement section at 905-771-0198.

More information

Read the Tree Preservation FAQs to learn more about:

• Guidelines for construction near trees
• Arborist reports and certificates
• Arborist input during the five stages of the development process