Tree Protection By-laws Review

Updates to Mississauga's tree protection by-laws

Council approved updated Public and Private Tree Protection By-laws that took effect on April 1, 2022. These changes will ensure that the City’s tree by-laws meet current urban forestry standards and help protect Mississauga’s tree canopy.

Public Tree By-law updates

• Clearer definition of what is a “City tree” and “shared tree” – both fall under the Public Tree By-law
• Requiring a permit to injure a tree located on public property
• Prohibiting the storage of materials, equipment or anything that would affect the health of a tree’s roots
• Requiring approval for work within the tree protection zone and prohibiting any grade (ground) changes
• Prohibiting liquid, gaseous or solid substances to be in contact with the tree’s root system
• Prohibiting the removal of any woody debris (e.g., branches) that has fallen or been cut down by the City in a natural area
• Prohibiting tree planting on public land – a tree planted on public land falls under the Public Tree By-law

Private Tree By-law updates

• A permit is required for the injury, destruction or removal of any individual tree 15 cm (6 in) in diameter or greater – a tree measuring 15 cm (6 in) in diameter is typically a well-established, semi-mature tree that contributes to the overall health of an urban forest
• A permit may be refused based on the health of the tree
• Trees located in interior courtyards will no longer be exempt from the tree removal permit process
• Permit holders for tree removal will be required to notify the City when they begin planting replacement trees – replacement trees ensure the recovery of removed trees that are healthy based on their size
• Tree replacement is required for every 15 cm (6 in) of diameter of the tree removed – for example, when a tree with a diameter of 45 cm (18 in) is removed, three replacement trees are required
• Replacement trees (no matter the size) cannot be injured or removed without a permit

The City also amended the Fees and Charges By-law to include the new permit fees for tree removal – $304 for one tree removal permit and $109.86 for each additional tree removal permit.

To learn more about changes to the tree by-laws, read the corporate reports for the Public and Private Tree By-law updates.

Public engagement

In summer 2021, the City engaged with the public to seek feedback on proposed changes to its Public Tree By-law and what they would like to see changed in the Private Tree By-law. This engagement included a virtual public meeting and online survey to gather resident feedback.