Board Certified Master Arborist serving Burlington
Arborist reports and tree protection plans prepared to City of Burlington standards, informed by direct experience working in the city.
Burlington at a glance
| Protected | The rule |
|---|---|
| Private trees | 20 cm or more, measured at 1.37 m, inside the urban area |
| Public trees | Any size, under a new bylaw since January 1, 2026 |
| Replacement | 2 to 1, 3 to 1 or 4 to 1, depending on the size removed |
Two bylaws
Burlington sits between the Niagara Escarpment and the lake, with established neighbourhoods under mature canopy, newer subdivisions, and escarpment properties where environmental protections sit on top of the tree bylaw.
Private trees. Inside the urban area, a permit is needed to injure or remove a tree 20 cm or more in diameter, measured at 1.37 m. Replacement is 2, 3 or 4 trees for each one removed, depending on its size, with cash-in-lieu where you can’t replant.
Public trees. A new Public Tree By-law took effect on January 1, 2026. City trees are protected at any size, compensation for removing one is calculated from its appraised value, and fees and securities now scale with the size of the tree. If your work affects both private and public trees, both bylaws apply.
What triggers an arborist report in Burlington?
- Additions and rebuilds, especially in the central and south end, where mature canopy overlaps where owners want to build.
- Infill and severance lots, where the report decides what stays, what goes and what compensation is owed.
- Pools, which go through the City’s combined pool application with a Forestry review.
- Work near City trees, including driveways, servicing and boulevard access.
- Escarpment and conservation area properties, which carry extra environmental review.
How I can help
- Arborist reports to Burlington’s submission standards
- Tree protection plans
- Public tree documentation under the new bylaw
- Construction monitoring and AirSpade root investigation
- Early design advice. A small foundation change at design stage can save a tree, its replacement cost and a round of review.
For most additions and rebuilds, five to seven business days from the site visit. Projects with both private and public trees, or near the escarpment, can take longer. When Forestry comments, I respond directly.
Official sources
For the full rules, go to the source. Last checked 6 October 2026.
Also working in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton. Compare the rules side by side in the tree bylaws guide.
Common questions
What does a tree removal permit cost in Burlington?
In 2026, a $54 processing fee plus $351.50 for up to three trees, with a lower rate for each tree after that, all plus HST. Dead, terminal and high-risk trees still need a permit, but the fees are waived. Replacement trees, or cash-in-lieu of $257.50 each, are on top.
Does the bylaw apply everywhere in Burlington?
The Private Tree By-law applies inside the urban area. Large woodlands fall under Halton Region’s tree bylaw instead. City trees are protected everywhere.
How does your experience in Burlington help?
I worked throughout Burlington in tree care and consulting, including the City’s street tree pruning contract. I know the City’s trees and how its forestry staff approach a review, so I format submissions to move through efficiently.
How much does an arborist report cost in Burlington?
It depends on the number of trees, whether public trees are involved, and the application. I give a fixed quote after a short conversation.
Working on a project in Burlington?
Tell me what you are dealing with, and I will tell you what you need and what you can skip.