Archived Completed in 2022 City project

Tree Protection By-laws review

The City of Mississauga updated the Public and Private Tree Protection By-laws. They took effect on April 1, 2022.

This project was archived on October 11, 2022.

The following information will no longer be updated. It remains for reference only.

About the review

The City of Mississauga reviewed the Private and Public Tree Protection By-laws to ensure that they reflect current best practices.

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

Public Tree Protection By-law updates

  • Clearer definition of what is a “City tree” and “shared tree” – both fall under the Public Tree By-law
  • You require a permit(External link) to injure a tree located on public property
  • You’re not allowed to store materials, equipment or anything that would affect the health of a tree’s roots
  • You’ll need approval to work within the tree protection zone and any grade (ground) changes are not allowed
  • Liquid, gaseous or solid substances are not allowed to be in contact with the tree’s root system
  • You’re not allowed to remove any woody debris, like branches, that have fallen or been cut down by the City in a natural area
  • You’re not allowed to plant trees on public land – a tree planted on public land falls under the Public Tree By-law

Private Tree Protection By-law updates

  • You need a permit(External link) to injure, destroy or remove any individual tree 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter or greater. A tree that size is typically a well-established, semi-mature tree that contributes to the overall health of an urban forest
  • We may refuse a permit based on the health of the tree
  • Trees located in interior courtyards are no longer exempt from the tree removal permit process
  • If you have a tree removal permit, you’ll need to notify the City when you begin planting replacement trees. Replacement trees ensure the recovery of removed trees that are healthy based on their size
  • A tree replacement is required for every 15 cm (6 inches) of diameter of the tree removed. For example, if you remove a tree with a diameter of 45 cm (18 inches), three replacement trees are required
  • Replacement trees, no matter the size, cannot be injured or removed without a permit

The City also amended the User 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.

Public engagement

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

Project contact

For questions about this project, contact the project lead at wayne.holder@mississauga.ca.

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