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.