Tree guides
Keeping the tree? Protect the roots too.
Excavation, grading, equipment access and storage can trigger tree rules even when the trunk is staying.
Retained trees can still be affected
Check roots and protection zones before excavation, grade changes, root cutting, soil compaction, equipment access or storage.
Work that can injure a protected tree or affect its Tree Protection Zone can require a permit. Toronto publishes minimum protection-zone distances by trunk size and ownership, and construction drawings may need a tree declaration or protection plan.
Development involving trees 20 cm or larger requires arborist information, and retained on-site, adjacent and boulevard trees that are at risk from construction must be protected.
Ottawa uses a critical root zone based on trunk size and requires Tree Information Reports or Tree Conservation Reports for work that affects protected trees. The TCR must explain retention, removal and mitigation and stay consistent with grading, engineering and site plans.
A tree protection plan is required when construction or development occurs within six metres of a public tree. Calgary asks the plan to identify City trees near the site and the measures used to protect them.
Plan around trees early
Locate protected trees before fixing the building footprint, driveway, service trench, retaining wall and access route. An early design change can avoid a later removal request.
What a protection plan includes
- Tree locations, species, DBH and ownership.
- Which trees are retained, removed or potentially affected.
- Root/protection-zone fencing and no-storage areas.
- Excavation, grading and utility limits near roots.
- Pruning or clearance work requiring authorization.
- Replacement or compensation if removal is approved.
A building permit may not cover it
Ottawa expressly says a building permit does not authorize tree removal. Tree approval can remain a separate requirement even where it is coordinated with development review.
See the local guides for Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary.
Official sources
Sources were re-checked for this guide on September 29, 2026. Municipal bylaws, fees, exemptions and development conditions can change. Use the linked municipality for the current rule before work begins.
Independent information, not legal or arboricultural advice. Ownership, site conditions and professional assessments can change the answer.