This guide helps Brampton property owners understand when a private-tree removal permit may be required, how to measure the tree, the current City-listed fee, and where to apply. It is based on official City of Brampton information and is not legal advice.
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Based on current City of Brampton information. Municipal requirements and fees can change. Confirm current requirements with the City before regulated work begins.
Tree trunk diameter is 30 cm or more, measured 1.37 m above ground
The tree is more than 2 metres from an occupied building
Under Brampton's current private-tree rules, the ordinary permit requirement generally applies when both conditions above are met.
Other provisions and exemptions can apply, including hazardous trees, emergency work and woodlots. See Brampton Tree Bylaws & Regulations and Brampton Woodlot & Land-Clearing Rules for those situations.
Other by-law provisions or exemptions may still affect the result. This is an educational decision aid, not an automated legal determination.
Measure 1.37 metres vertically from ground level at the base of the tree.
At that height, measure the trunk.
With a normal flexible tape measure, you'll get the circumference, the distance around the trunk.
Divide the circumference by 3.1416 to estimate the diameter, the distance across the trunk.
Circumference is the distance around the trunk. Diameter is the distance across the trunk. They are not the same measurement, formula: Diameter = Circumference ÷ 3.1416. Example: 94.25 cm circumference ÷ 3.1416 ≈ 30 cm diameter.
Have the circumference? Calculate the approximate trunk diameter.
This calculator assists with measurement only. It does not determine whether a permit is legally required.
The City's terminology refers to an "occupied building," not a property line, fence, driveway or lot boundary. The rule concerns the relationship between the tree and an occupied building specifically.
If the exact measurement is uncertain because of an unusual building or tree configuration, confirm the situation directly with Brampton Urban Forestry before proceeding.
The current City of Brampton online submission instructions state that the applicant should complete the tree-removal application, attach the completed application, provide a picture of the tree, submit the request, and contact 311 (or 905-874-2000 from outside Brampton) to process the applicable permit payment.
Fee verified: September 7, 2026
The City's online submission form is not itself the tree-removal permit application. The completed application must be attached.
Send us the tree details and property location. Tree Craft can help assess the tree, measurements, applicable Brampton requirements, arborist needs and removal scope.
Diameter or circumference information, measured at 1.37 m above ground.
A clear photo showing the tree and surrounding site.
Your address and the tree's location on the property.
The City's tree-removal application, attached to your online submission.
Professional tree assessment or documentation, where required or genuinely useful for your situation.
Confirm the 30 cm and 2 m conditions above.
Measure diameter at 1.37 m, or calculate it from circumference.
Fill out the official tree-removal application form.
A clear photo of the tree and surrounding site.
Submit the completed application and photo online.
Contact 311 (or 905-874-2000 outside Brampton) to process payment.
Submitting an application does not mean the tree has been approved for removal. Wait for the required authorization before carrying out regulated work.
Do not assume a tree belongs to you simply because it's directly in front of your home. City or public trees can occur on boulevards, parks and other public spaces, while private trees occur on privately owned residential or commercial property.
If ownership is uncertain, Brampton Urban Forestry can help determine tree ownership through a service request.
The Tree Preservation By-law contains provisions concerning hazardous trees. Don't self-declare an unwanted tree hazardous solely to avoid the permit process.
Read Hazardous Tree RulesEmergency work is treated separately under the by-law from an ordinary planned removal.
Read Emergency Tree RulesClearing multiple trees or a qualifying woodlot can involve different requirements from removing one residential tree.
Read Woodlot & Land-Clearing RulesThis guide covers the Brampton private-tree permit process specifically. See our Brampton service area for local coverage details.
Tree Craft Ontario can help with every stage of the process, from understanding the rules to completing approved work.
A private-tree removal permit is generally required when both apply: the tree is 30 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.37 m above ground, and the tree is more than 2 metres from an occupied building. Other by-law provisions and exemptions can apply, so confirm your specific situation with the City if you're unsure.
It's the size threshold in the City's private-tree rules: a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more, measured at 1.37 metres above ground, is one of the two conditions that generally triggers the permit requirement.
At 1.37 metres above ground level, sometimes called breast height. Measure the trunk diameter at that exact point, not at the base or higher up the trunk.
About 94.25 cm. Divide circumference by 3.1416 (pi) to estimate diameter, our calculator above does this automatically.
If a tree is 2 metres or less from an occupied building, a 2 m exemption may apply even if the tree is 30 cm or larger. The City's own wording refers to distance from an occupied building specifically.
No. The City's terminology concerns distance from an occupied building, not a property line, fence or driveway. These terms are not interchangeable.
The current City-listed fee is $55.73, verified September 7, 2026. Municipal fees can change, verify the current amount with the City before submitting payment.
The completed tree-removal application and a clear photo of the tree. After submitting online, you'll need to contact 311, or 905-874-2000 from outside Brampton, to process the fee.
Yes. Tree Craft Ontario can coordinate professional arborist services and documentation where required or appropriate for your situation.
Don't assume a tree is yours simply because it's in front of your home, boulevards and other public areas can contain City trees. Brampton Urban Forestry can help confirm ownership through a service request.
The Tree Preservation By-law has provisions for hazardous trees, but a tree can't simply be self-declared hazardous to avoid the permit process. See our Brampton Tree Bylaws and Regulations guide for more detail.
Clearing multiple trees, or a qualifying woodlot, can involve different requirements than removing a single residential tree. See our Brampton Woodlot and Land-Clearing Permits guide.
This guide is based primarily on official City of Brampton information and is provided as practical general information, not legal advice.
