Brampton’s Tree Preservation By-Law is intended to:
- Promote good forestry practices to support a healthy urban forest
- Control removal
- Maintenance and protection of our trees
- Protect, promote and enhance the value of our trees
- Support our quality of life through the maintenance of our tree cover
- Maintain and improve water quality and avoid erosion
- Reduce pollution in the air
Why does the City need a Tree Preservation Bylaw?
The City of Brampton appreciates the value of all trees within our community. In an effort to maintain and protect the tree canopy of Brampton, Council passed a by-law to control arbitrary cutting of trees and promote their importance within our community.
Do I have to apply for a permit to cut a tree in my backyard?
Private property owners do not need a permit if their tree belongs to one of the following categories:
- Trees located within 5 metres (16 feet 3 inches) of an occupied building – these measurements are from the edge of the building to the centre of the trunk.
- Trees with a diameter of under 40 centimetres (16 inches) at 1.37 metres height from the ground.
- If the tree is a Manitoba Maple, Siberian (Chinese) Elm, Buckthorn, Poplar – these tree varieties do not require a permit for removal.
- Hazardous trees that have been inspected and approved by City Forestry staff. An Arborist from the City will inspect the tree; if it is dead or dying or appears seriously damaged and unsafe.
- Trees located within the area in which a building is to be constructed, where a building permit for construction has been issued.
- Tree-works required as a result of emergency situations potentially causing danger to people or property.
Call the City’s Parks Maintenance and Operations Division at 905-874-2906 for more information about obtaining a permit.
Why would a tree removal permit be refused?
The following examples of requests for tree removal may be denied. They are not reasonable grounds for removing a tree:
- Leaves/fruit/seeds of the tree are a nuisance
- Leaves fill the eaves troughs and are a nuisance
- Leaves from the tree are plugging the catch basin
- Seeds from the tree are unsightly
- Residents are unable to clean up the leaves/fruit/seeds because of age or physical ability
- Insects attracted to the tree are a nuisance
- The tree is shading the garden/patio/turf
- The tree is blocking the streetlight
- The tree is obstructing a view
- The tree roots are growing into the water/sewer line
- The tree roots are damaging a walkway/driveway
- The tree does not meet private landscaping plans
- The tree roots come through the lawn, interfering with lawn mowing
In order to not negatively affect the health or structure of a tree, the City may recommend other actions to lessen a particular problem or nuisance.
Under what circumstances are tree removal requests considered?
Tree removal requests are considered under any of the following scenarios:
- Individual trees are deemed inappropriate for the space they occupy within the landscape.
- The investigating arborist determines there has been a history of valid, repeat maintenance calls as a result of the tree’s weak wood The investigating arborist considers the continual weak woods of the tree will present major maintenance problems in the future.
- The investigating arborist determined there is major limb presenting a potential hazard to people or property.
- The investigating arborist determines overhanging branch(s) of the tree cannot be removed without ruining the structure of the tree or causing potential hazard.
- If a removal permit is approved, it may include conditions calling for replacement trees to be planted.
- More than 30 per cent of the crown of the tree is dead.
- More than 30 per cent of the crown is infected by disease.
Who do I contact if I am concerned trees are being wrongfully damaged?
The City’s Urban Forestry Section is responsible for investigating any complaints or concerns regarding the possible illegal removal or injury of trees. Call the Parks Maintenance and Operations Division at 905-874-2906 or e-mail forestry@brampton.ca.
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