Tree guides
Replacement is not always one-for-one
Approval can include replacement planting or compensation. Read the number, size, species, location and deadline in the permit.
Replacement rules differ
Requirements may come from a city ratio, the removal permit or an existing landscape/development condition.
Vancouver’s permit process says a replacement tree is required for a removed tree larger than 20 cm, with the final planting requirements depending on the approved removal and other trees on the site. Required replacement trees can themselves remain protected even while small.
Ottawa publishes explicit compensation ratios. A non-development distinctive-tree removal generally requires 1:1 replacement. Infill removal requires 2:1 for distinctive trees 30–49 cm DBH and 3:1 for trees 50 cm or greater, with cash compensation possible where planting cannot fit.
Toronto’s tree-protection process requires compensation planting for protected-tree removal. The exact number and conditions depend on the permit, tree value, ownership and project circumstances rather than a single Canada-wide ratio.
Montréal replacement requirements are borough-specific. The city portal shows boroughs that require replacement within a set period and may specify minimum trunk size, planting density or equivalent canopy conditions.
A replacement tree can stay protected
Keep the permit and landscape plan. A required replacement tree can remain protected after construction, even while small.
Vancouver expressly protects certain replacement/development trees below its usual 20 cm trigger.
Plan the planting first
- Check whether the municipality requires a planting plan with the application.
- Confirm minimum caliper/height, acceptable species and prohibited invasive species.
- Leave realistic soil volume and setbacks from buildings, utilities and hardscape.
- Check whether cash-in-lieu is allowed if the full number cannot fit.
- Keep the final permit and landscape plan; they may control future treatment of the replacement tree.
Why one-for-one is not universal
Rules address canopy loss as well as trunk counts. Larger trees, public trees and development removals can require more planting or compensation. The issued permit sets the property-specific conditions.
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.