This guide explains when a Tree Permit is required under Caledon's Tree Preservation By-law 2025-101, which took effect January 1, 2026. It also explains how this By-law differs from the separate Woodland Conservation By-law that applies to trees within woodlands. It is based on official Town of Caledon information and is not legal advice.
Last reviewed: September 24, 2026
Based on current Town of Caledon information as of the reviewed date above. Municipal requirements can change. Confirm current requirements with the Town before regulated work begins.
Tree DBH is 30 cm or more, measured 1.37 m above ground, and the tree is outside a woodland
Under Caledon's Tree Preservation By-law 2025-101, effective January 1, 2026, a permit is generally required to injure, destroy or remove a private tree that meets this threshold, unless it qualifies for an exemption. Dead trees and Hazardous Trees, as defined in the By-law, are exempt.
If the tree is within a woodland, this By-law does not apply, do not submit a Tree Permit application. See the Woodland Conservation section below.
Caledon regulates trees under two separate frameworks, and it's important not to confuse them. The Tree Preservation By-law 2025-101 covers individual trees 30 cm DBH or greater outside woodlands. The separate Woodland Conservation By-law covers trees within a woodland, and is administered by the Town's Municipal Law Enforcement department rather than Natural Heritage.
Because Phase 1 research for this guide could not conclusively confirm every detail of the Woodland Conservation By-law's current operative text, including the exact area threshold that defines a "woodland," we're keeping this section deliberately general. If your property includes a wooded area and you're planning broader clearing, confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Caledon before proceeding, trees within a woodland can be subject to a separate regulatory process with its own application, site plan and forestry-consultant requirements.
If your project involves lot clearing, multiple trees, or a construction or development site rather than a single tree, see Land & Lot Clearing in Caledon for how Tree Craft approaches that kind of project, alongside confirming any applicable Town requirements.
The most common exemptions are trees that are dead, trees with less than 30% of their live crown remaining, and Hazardous Trees as defined in the By-law. If you're not certain an exemption applies, contact the Town before removing the tree, an incorrect decision can lead to enforcement action.
Applications can be submitted online or by printable form. You'll need the tree's common and botanical name, DBH, condition, the action planned, whether it's a shared tree, and a site plan, sketch or aerial image showing each tree's location.
Replacement trees are required for permitted removals, based on the DBH removed. There is currently no application fee, but refundable securities apply for replacement trees, returned after a Town inspection confirms healthy establishment.
Tree Craft Ontario can help with every stage of the process, from understanding the rules to completing approved work.
Generally yes, under the Tree Preservation By-law 2025-101, if the tree is 30 cm or greater in diameter (DBH), measured 1.37 m above ground, and is outside a woodland. Dead trees and Hazardous Trees, as defined in the By-law, are exempt.
DBH stands for Diameter at Breast Height. It's measured 1.37 metres above the ground, using a diameter tape. If your tree's DBH is less than 30 cm, no permit application is needed, though the Town encourages replacement planting even when it isn't required.
As of January 2026, the Town of Caledon does not charge an application fee. This may be revised in future, so confirm the current amount before applying. Note that refundable securities are still required for replacement trees planted on site.
Yes. Dead Trees and Hazardous Trees, as defined in the By-law, are exempt from needing a Tree Permit. If you're not entirely certain a tree qualifies, the Town recommends contacting them (311 or naturalheritage@caledon.ca) before removing it, since a wrong decision based on the exemption criteria can lead to enforcement action.
Not automatically. You don't have to hire an arborist for every application, but the Town may request an Arborist Opinion or Report in specific situations, for example where it's unclear whether more than 70% of the crown is dead, there's a discrepancy in the health assessment, or Hazardous Tree status is unclear.
Generally yes, for any tree removed or injured under a permit. The number of replacement trees is based on the DBH of the tree removed, confirmed by the Town after application review. On-site planting is preferred; cash-in-lieu is only available where site constraints prevent it, and planting can occur up to three years after the permit is issued.
No. Trees within a woodland fall under Caledon's separate Woodland Conservation By-law, not the Tree Preservation By-law. Do not submit a Tree Permit application for woodland trees. If you're unsure whether your property qualifies as a woodland, contact the Town's Natural Heritage department before proceeding.
The By-law applies to all private property, including commercial. Some tree removals that are already required under an active Planning Act site plan or subdivision agreement may be handled through that separate approval process rather than a standalone Tree Permit. If your project involves development approvals, confirm directly with the Town how your specific tree removal is being handled.
Boundary trees fall under the Ontario Forestry Act, and it's the landowner's responsibility to ensure compliance with that Act. For the Tree Permit application itself, the person wanting to remove the tree needs to follow the process for shared trees, which may include getting consent from the other owner.
This guide is based primarily on official Town of Caledon information and is provided as practical general information, not legal advice.
