Yes, in most cases you can cut down a tree on your own property in Ottawa, but not always without a permit. In the urban area, a private tree 30 cm or more across (measured 1.3 m up the trunk) on a lot of one hectare or less needs a City permit before it comes down. Smaller trees, dead trees that are an immediate threat, and ash trees infested with emerald ash borer have their own rules. Work through the checklist below, then book professional tree removal so the job is done safely and legally.
Step 1: Measure the tree
The City's Tree Protection By-law (No. 2020-340) goes by trunk diameter at breast height, which is 1.3 m above the ground. Wrap a soft tape around the trunk at that height to get the circumference, then divide by 3.14 to get the diameter.
- Under 30 cm on a lot of one hectare or less in the urban area: not a distinctive tree, so no City permit under the by-law.
- 30 cm or more on a lot of one hectare or less in the urban area: a distinctive tree. You need a permit.
- A private urban lot larger than one hectare: the by-law protects trees 10 cm or more across, so check the City's rules before you cut anything.
- Any City-owned tree: never yours to remove, urban or rural. Contact the City.
If the tree is close to 30 cm, measure twice. The full rules, the fee and the exemptions are laid out on our Ottawa tree removal permit page.
Step 2: Check who owns the tree
A tree that stands wholly on your lot is yours. A tree whose trunk grows across the property line is the common property of both owners under section 10 of Ontario's Forestry Act, and injuring or destroying it without both owners' consent is an offence. Talk to your neighbour first and get the agreement in writing. A tree on the City boulevard in front of your house is usually a City tree, not yours.
Step 3: Decide if an exemption applies
The by-law exempts some situations. Do not guess about these:
- Dead trees. The by-law exempts a tree that is dead as confirmed by an arborist. A photo alone is weaker evidence than a written confirmation.
- Immediate threat to public health and safety. The City asks you to photograph the tree before it comes down, as a record of its condition and the reason. If you are unsure whether a tree qualifies, see our guide to warning signs of a hazardous tree.
- Emerald ash borer. Private ash trees infested with the beetle are exempt from the permit requirement, but the wood has to be handled properly because the pest travels in firewood and logs.
- Pruning. Pruning that keeps a tree healthy and follows good arboricultural practice needs no permit. Topping or heavy root cutting can still count as injuring a protected tree.
Step 4: Get the report if you need a permit
When a permit is required you apply online with a Tree Information Report, which is an arborist's report on the tree. It is how the City decides, and it is submitted at the same time as the permit fee. Our guide to arborist reports and Tree Information Reports explains what goes in it and who can write one.
Step 5: Look for nests and wildlife
Federal law, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, protects the nests of most wild birds. Look carefully for active nests before any cutting begins, and if you find one, hold the work until the young have left. A qualified tree crew will check for this as part of the job.
Step 6: Think about what is around the tree
Before anyone climbs or cuts, walk the site and note:
- Power, phone and cable lines running through or near the crown. Never work near wires yourself.
- Buildings, fences, pools, sheds and vehicles in the fall zone.
- Underground services if the stump is coming out too. Have them located before any digging or grinding.
- Access for equipment and a place to put the brush and logs.
Step 7: Plan for the replacement tree
For a private tree removed outside of development, the City requires one new tree for each tree removed. Decide where the new tree will go and pick a species that suits the space. If you want a free tree, see our post on the City's Plant Your Place program.
Step 8: Hire the right crew
Taking down a large tree is dangerous work, and a mistake can damage a house or hurt someone. Ask any company for proof of insurance and a written scope of work that says what is being removed, whether the stump is included, and who cleans up. Do not accept a quote from someone who tells you a permit is not needed without looking at the tree.
What happens if you skip the permit
Fines under the by-law range from $500 to $100,000, and the City can issue a stop work order. It is far cheaper to check first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut down a tree in my backyard in Ottawa without a permit?
Only if it is not protected. A private tree under 30 cm across on an urban lot of one hectare or less does not need a City permit. A tree of 30 cm or more does, unless an exemption such as a dead tree confirmed by an arborist applies.
Can I cut down a dead tree without a permit?
The by-law exempts a dead tree as confirmed by an arborist. Get the confirmation in writing before the tree comes down.
Do I need a permit to trim a tree?
No, not for pruning that maintains the health of the tree and follows good arboricultural practice. Heavy cuts and topping can still count as injuring a protected tree.
Can I remove a tree on the property line?
Not alone. Both owners have to consent, because a boundary tree is the common property of both.
What if the tree is a danger right now?
An immediate threat to public health and safety is exempt from the permit. Photograph the tree first and call a crew right away.
Sources
- Tree Protection By-law No. 2020-340 (City of Ottawa)
- Tree permits and compensation (City of Ottawa)
- Forestry Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.26, section 10 (Ontario)
Get it done right
Need tree removal in Ottawa? Call 613-627-2017 or get a free quote for tree removal. We will tell you first whether your tree needs a permit at all.