Newmarket branches out with new tree protection bylaw

Rules govern removing trees on private property

yorkregion.com
Lisa Queen
Feb. 25, 2022

Want to cut down a tree on your property? Better read this first.

Newmarket’s new private tree protection bylaw requires property owners to obtain a permit if they wish to remove a tree greater than 20 centimetres in diameter.

Property owners who remove, destroy or injure a tree without a permit are subject to fines.

The fine for injuring or destroying a tree is $750, while the penalty for injuring or destroying a heritage tree is $3,750.

Those fined will also have to pay the permit fees charged for legally removing a tree.

Permit fees are $100 for one tree removed, $300 for two to four trees, $1,000 for five to 10 trees and $5,000.

Potential compensation charges are determined on a case-by-case basis. Compensation can be replanting tree(s) or the following cash-in-lieu charges:

• For non-construction removals and trees causing property damage: $300 per tree

• For construction-related removals: $450 per six centimetres of tree not replanted

• In some cases, a deposit could be required to protect other trees on the property, such as during construction.

There are no fees for trees that are dead, dying or hazardous. However, property owners are still required to obtain a permit to remove the tree.

All fees and charges associated with a tree removal permit are waived until July, but property owners must still apply for a permit.

The town will continue to assess and either remove or prune dead, diseased or dying municipal trees on town boulevards, as needed.

“Trees are a valuable asset and provide many environmental benefits to our community regardless of the property they are on,” Mayor John Taylor said.

“With this bylaw in effect, we are hoping to start a conversation with property owners about the importance of mature trees and, hopefully, deter them from removing mature trees from their property in order to continue to expand Newmarket’s tree canopy and fostering council’s priority in environmental stewardship.”

It’s estimated trees in Newmarket annually help to avoid more than 200,000 cubic metres of water runoff, reduce residential energy costs by more than $3 million and remove 40 tonnes of air pollution.

For more information and additional requirements, visit newmarket.ca/privatetreeremoval.