Canada-wide tree rule guide
Protected trees
A protected tree may be defined by trunk diameter, species, heritage status, replacement status, riparian location, development conditions or a mapped natural area.
What to check.
Do not assume a smaller tree is unprotected: some municipalities also protect replacement trees, trees required by development approvals, boundary trees or trees in environmental areas.
Why there is no national yes/no answer.
Canadian municipalities use very different systems. Some regulate most larger private trees. Some regulate only woodlots, environmental lands or development sites. Others focus almost entirely on public trees. The city guide is where Tree Rules Canada publishes the local source-derived answer.
Research note
This page explains a research process, not legal or arboricultural advice. Confirm the current rule with the municipality and use a qualified arborist where tree health or structural risk is in question.