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Tree Permit Application

Call Before You Cut! - Permit Required

Property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any private tree in the City of Markham with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres (approximately 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.37 metres (approximately 54 inches) above ground level at the base of the tree. This requirement applies regardless tree health or risk level.

Failure to comply with the Tree Preservation By-law (2023-164) may result in penalties.

Permit Process

Effective January 16, 2026, a non-refundable processing fee of $20.50 applies to each Tree Permit application.

  1. Complete and submit the application form below.
  2. You will receive an email from TreePreservationAdmin@markham.ca containing your Bill Number and Folder Number. Payments must be received within 24 hours of the email being received and may be made on the Tree Permit Application Payment Page. Applications submitted without a timely payment may be cancelled or withdrawn.
  3. Applications are reviewed within 45 days of payment being received.
  4. After review the application decision will be communicated using the contact information provided for the property owner(s).

Expedited Applications - High-Risk Trees

  • Expedited review for high-risk or imminently failing trees requires a Tree Risk Assessment Report prepared by a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist.
  • If tree failure has already occurred, or the tree is deemed hazardous under By-law 2023-164, photographic evidence and supporting documentation must be submitted to TreePreservationAdmin@markham.ca

Where a permit is issued and the tree is not classified as a Dead or Dying Tree or Hazard Tree (As per Bylaw 2023-164), replacement planting and/or cash-in-lieu may be required.

Important Information

  • Trees located on or crossing property lines require adjacent owner consent in accordance with the Forestry Act. In these cases, please complete and submit the printable application form, ensuring the adjacent owner signs where required.
  • A Qualified Tree Expert report may be required as a condition of approval.
  • Tree-related development or construction projects (including RGS, PE, HP, DP, or similar permits) may require a Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan and/or Declaration Form prepared by a Qualified Tree Expert.
  • Property owners are responsible for notifying the Tree Preservation Unit of any changes to permit contact information.
  • Where conditions apply, permits will be issued to the registered property owner(s). It is the responsibility of the property owner(s) to notify the Tree Preservation Unit once all permit conditions have been satisfied.
  • Appeals of permit refusals or revocations must be submitted within 10 days, with applicable fees, in accordance with By-law 2012-137.
  • For additional information and By-law definitions, please refer to the Tree Permit Commons Terms and the Tree Preservation By-Law.

Need help?

Contact the Tree Preservation Unit at TreePreservationAdmin@markham.ca or call 905.477.7000.