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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 Markham with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres (about 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.37 metres (about 54 inches) above the ground at the base of the tree.

Anyone contravening the Tree Preservation By-law and found guilty of an offence will be subject to penalties.

Note: All trees that have 20cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) or greater require a Tree Permit, regardless of health, structure, or risk level.

Permit Process

  1. Fill out the application form below. Effective November 1, 2025, a non-refundable processing fee of $20.00 applies to each application. You will be required to make a payment at the end of your application. Once submitted, applications may take up to 45 days to process.
  2. Where a permit is applicable and the tree is not assessed as a "Dead or Dying Tree" or "Hazard Tree" (as per By-law definitions), planting requirements and/or cash in lieu payments will be required as a condition of your permit.
  3. If you have a tree that is high risk or at imminent risk of failure and you are looking to have the permit application expedited, a Tree Risk Assessment Report by a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist is required as part of your application submission.
  4. If tree failure has already occurred, or the tree is deemed hazardous as per By-law definitions, the owner is required to document the tree with photographic evidence and provide documentation to TreePreservationAdmin@markham.ca.    

In relation to Residential Grading and Servicing (RGS) development applications, Pool Enclosure (PE) Permits, Housing Permits (HP), Demolition Permits (DP), or other landscaping, construction or commercial projects where trees may be impacted, City staff will require the submission of Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan [PDF] prepared by a Qualified Tree Expert and/or submission of a Declaration Form. 

Important Information

  • A report from a Qualified Tree Expert may be required as a condition of permit approval, but is not required for the initial permit application.
  • If any part of the tree trunk or root flare at ground level is located on adjacent property, the adjacent property owner must also provide permission for the application as per the Forestry Act. If this is the case, please complete and submit the printable application form [PDF], ensuring the adjacent owner signs Page 4 of the application where required.
  • If contact information (mailing address, phone number or email) needs to be altered for accuracy, you are responsible for notifying the Tree Preservation Unit.
  • The results of the application are provided in respect to the contact information for the property owner(s).
  • If conditions apply, permits will be provided to the registered property owner(s). The onus is upon the property owner(s) to comply by notifying the Tree Preservation Unit they have met the conditions. 
  • A Person may appeal the Administrator’s decision to refuse or to revoke a Permit by sending a request for an appeal to the City within ten (10) days of the Administrator’s written decision, including any applicable fees as set out in Licensing, Permit and Service Fees By-Law 2012-137, as amended.
  • For additional information and By-law definitions, please refer to the Tree Permit Commons Terms and the Tree Preservation By-Law Page.

If you require any assistance, please contact the Tree Preservation Unit at TreePreservationAdmin@markham.ca.