Understanding the Tree Protection By-law in EG

The Town has developed a tree protection by-law for private properties to protect mature trees in EG. The goal of the by-law is to protect existing tree canopy and preserve Natural Heritage areas throughout our community. The new by-law addresses the removal of trees with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or greater.

Review the by-law

Help keep EG green and healthy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove trees on my private property?

The tree protection by-law allows residents to:

  • Remove up to three live, healthy trees that do not individually exceed 30 cm diameter per year
  • Prune or maintain trees
  • Remove dead, dying, diseased trees
  • Remove trees that pose an immediate threat to persons or property (i.e. hazardous trees)
  • Remove trees as part of emergency work
  • Remove trees with a diameter of less than 20cm
  • Remove trees that are Invasive species, as identified in Schedule A of the by-law
  • Remove trees located within a building, solarium, rooftop garden or interior courtyard
Will Town staff enter my property without contacting me?
No. Town staff will consult with private property owners to review the by-law and seek to ensure private property owners are present and permission is granted to enter private property.
Will there be permit fees?

No. The Town will not be collecting fees related to obtaining a permit. 
What does this by-law mean for farmers and agricultural property?

Town staff worked closely with the York Region Federation of Agriculture to include provisions within the by-law that support Normal Farm Practices. 
How can I appeal the tree by-law decision for my property?
Appeals to permit decisions and/or conditions of a permit will be provided for through the Town’s administrative process.

Forms and Supporting Documents

Tree Permit Application Form

Authorized Agent Form – to be completed when the applicant is someone other than the registered property owner and is submitting on their behalf. Requires written confirmation from the registered property owner.  

Boundary Tree Authorization Form – to be completed when the application includes tree(s) that cross property lines. Written permission from adjacent property owner(s) must be provided. 

To learn more, email the project team.

Background and Resources
Past Consultations

Members of the community were invited to attend public open houses to review the draft by-law, ask questions, and provide feedback to the project team. Open houses were held on:

  • Holland Landing Community Centre, January 24, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Mount Albert Community Centre, February 8, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Civic Centre, February 28, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.

These open houses were communicated using the Town's various channels and mediums including social media, weekly eNewsletter, road signs, and more.

For more information on this project, please read the Tree Preservation Update and Draft Tree Protection By-law Council Report and draft tree protection by-law appendix.

A summary of the draft tree protection by-law, exemptions, and next steps are also included in the presentation slides. 

View the Public Meeting presentation slides