Maybe a tree has become a nuisance or an eyesore. Or maybe it’s leaning precariously and you aren’t sure it will last the winter. Either way, you might find yourself wondering: “Is it okay to simply cut down the tree or do I need to get permission?”
For residents in Ottawa, the general rule is that you do need a permit to remove a tree. However, it also comes down to the health of the tree, as a dead or hazardous tree can be removed without a permit, provided there is proof that the tree was a safety risk.
Read on to understand more about the scenarios and situations to consider!
When is a permit needed?
In Ottawa, the Tree Protection By-Law was put into effect on January 1, 2021 which set clear standards for which trees required a permit.
Here’s information directly from https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/environment-conservation-and-climate/trees-and-urban-forests/tree-protection-law/general-information:
- All City-owned trees throughout the urban and rural area
- All trees 10 cm or more in diameter at breast height on private properties within the urban area that are subject to a Planning Act application for Site Plan, Plan of Subdivision, or Plan of Condominium
- All trees 10 cm or more in diameter at breast height on private properties within the urban area that are over 1 hectare in size
- All distinctive trees, which are trees 30 cm or more in diameter at breast height on private properties within the urban area that are 1 hectare or less in size
This covers the majority of the situations when a tree would be removed for residents of Ottawa, which is why the general rule is that a permit will be required.
Note that the permit process is important as it can help identify potential risks to nearby power lines or any other city infrastructure that could be affected by the removal of a tree.
If you plan to hire a tree removal company like VS Tree then you can expect them to have lots of experience with the process and procedures around cutting down a tree. They will be able to give a more clear understanding of the rules that apply specifically to your property and the tree you are removing.
When is a permit not needed?
When there is urgency or risk involved due to a tree that is damaged or has become a hazard, then a permit is not required as long as there is photo evidence. This makes sense as waiting for a permit to remove a tree that is hanging dangerously over a house or other property would be a risky matter.
Note that you should document evidence of the condition of the trees by taking photos or video, in case there are any questions that come up in the future.
Another case where a permit is not required is if a tree has been infested with the emerald ash borer, a common threat in the Ottawa region. In these cases, a tree can be removed quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading further.
Got any more questions?
If so, ask us here directly at VS Tree, Ottawa’s tree services company any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
