Key takeaways
- Explain the 30 cm rule and what counts as injury, in a few sentences.
- Link to the City’s official tree permit pages.
- Say how you plan around trees, and when you bring in an arborist.
What are Toronto’s tree protection rules?
The City’s Tree & Ravine Protection (opens in a new tab) pages explain that many private trees, all City street trees and designated ravines are protected. Any activity that can injure or remove a private tree 30 cm or more in diameter needs a permit. Harmful activities listed by the City include excavating, building patios, walkways, driveways and retaining walls, and storing materials near trees.
Why explain this on a landscaping website?
Homeowners often don’t know these rules until a project stalls. A short explanation shows you’re professional and helps them plan, and it attracts clients who want the job done properly.
What should the website say?
- That you check for protected trees during the site visit
- Whether you work with certified arborists for reports and protection plans
- How permits can affect timelines
- A link to the City’s how to apply for a tree permit (opens in a new tab) page
Where should it go?
In your hardscaping, garden design and tree services pages, and in your FAQ. Keep it short and link to the source. Our landscaping websites include a ‘Trees and permits’ FAQ for Toronto clients.
How does this help local SEO?
Useful, specific local information is exactly what makes a page worth showing. Homeowners in leafy parts of Toronto, North York and Etobicoke search these questions, and a landscaper who answers them well stands out.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landscaper remove a large tree without a permit in Toronto?
Not if it’s protected. Private trees 30 cm or more in diameter need a permit to injure or remove. Check the City’s page for details.
Does digging near a tree count as injury?
The City lists excavation and building structures near trees among activities that can injure them. Check before you start.
Should my website give legal advice on tree permits?
No. Summarize briefly, link to the City’s official pages, and recommend homeowners confirm with the City or an arborist.
Sources & further reading
- Tree & Ravine Protection (toronto.ca)
- how to apply for a tree permit (toronto.ca)
Programs, rules and platform guidelines change. Always check the official source before acting. This article is general information, not legal advice.
