In the city of Toronto and in most surrounding municipalities, there are bylaws protecting private trees over a certain size, and all city owned trees. Working on these trees in any circumstance requires a permit, along with a completed arborist report.

 

An arborist report is a detailed summary of the condition of the tree, its species, size, location, the owner’s reason for desired work and the arborist’s analysis and recommendation. It also details a re-planting plan. For each tree removed, the owner is responsible for re-planting at least one tree in its place.