Ottawa Tree-Removal Permit Guide

First confirm whose tree it is

All City-owned trees are protected. A trunk near a sidewalk, road allowance or property line should not be labelled private from appearance alone. Check available property information and contact 3-1-1 when City ownership may be involved.

Boundary and neighbour-tree questions can also require survey or legal input. A tree-service provider should not give a legal ownership conclusion based only on the canopy or fence.

When private-tree protection may apply

Ottawa's Tree Protection By-law includes protections based on tree ownership, diameter, lot context, development and natural-area considerations. In the urban area, the City describes a distinctive private tree threshold that generally involves a diameter of at least 30 centimetres on a lot of one hectare or less. Always check the current wording and measurement method for the actual property.

A tree that appears dead or immediately hazardous may follow different provisions, but document the condition and contact the City. Emergency language should never be used as an informal permit workaround.

Prepare the application information

The City may need the address, owner authorization, tree location, diameter, species if known, condition, reason for removal, photographs, site plan, replacement information and an arborist report depending on the case. Construction or development can add tree-protection and plan requirements.

Use current City instructions rather than an old contractor checklist. Record who is responsible for the application, report, fee, revision and approval condition in the tree-service quote.

Do not schedule removal on an assumption

A quote can be prepared conditionally, but protected work should not proceed until required authorization is in place. Keep the approval and any conditions with the job record, and make sure the production scope matches the trees and work actually approved.

Rules can change. This guide was reviewed on the date shown below; follow the City link for the current process before acting.

Primary sources

Rules and requirements can change. Check the current source before acting.

City of Ottawa — Tree Protection By-law general information

Reviewed: August 13, 2026

Common questions

Does every private tree need a removal permit?

No. The answer depends on ownership, diameter, lot and project context, condition and reason. Use the current City process for the property.

Who applies for the permit?

The owner remains responsible for ensuring authorization exists. An arborist or contractor may help, but the quote should state who prepares and submits each item.

Can a dead tree be removed without contacting the City?

The by-law may treat dead or immediately hazardous trees differently, but the City recommends documentation and contact. Confirm the current process rather than relying on appearance alone.