Burlington Tree Planting Rules - City Bylaw Guide

Land Use and Zoning Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Burlington, Ontario, tree planting on private property, boulevards and public lands is governed by municipal urban forestry policies and specific permit rules administered by city staff. This guide explains when you need permission, common compliance steps, who enforces the rules, and how to appeal or report problems. It summarizes official city resources and forms so homeowners, landscapers and developers can follow Burlington requirements and avoid fines or corrective orders.

Overview of Requirements

Burlington encourages appropriate tree planting to support canopy cover while managing conflicts with utilities, sidewalks and sightlines. Private property owners should check species lists, location setbacks from sidewalks and roads, and boulevard rules before planting. For planting on or affecting city land you will usually need a permit or prior approval; check the city tree permit page for application details and restrictions Tree permit information[1].

Select species appropriate to the site and utilities to avoid future removals.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Burlington by-law and urban forestry teams; specific complaint and inspection pathways are managed through By-law Enforcement and service request channels By-law Enforcement[3].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page[3].
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page[3].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remediate, replace or remove trees; possible city-ordered work and cost recovery (details not specified on the cited page)[3].
  • Enforcer: City of Burlington By-law Enforcement and Urban Forestry staff; inspections typically follow a service request or municipal patrols[3].
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact By-law Enforcement for process and deadlines[3].
If a tree affects public infrastructure, report it promptly to the city to start an inspection.

Applications & Forms

The main application is the city tree permit; the city page lists how to apply and submission instructions. Fee amounts and permit form numbers are not specified on the cited page, so consult the permit page or contact staff for current fees and documents Tree permit information[1].

  • How to submit: follow the online application instructions on the city permit page; forms may be downloadable or submitted through specified city channels[1].
  • Deadlines: seasonal restrictions may apply for permits and tree planting; check the permit page or contact urban forestry for timing details[1].
Always confirm species and planting location with city guidance before you plant on or near the boulevard.

Common Violations

  • Unauthorized removal of trees from city boulevards or public lands.
  • Planting prohibited species or placing trees too close to sidewalks, utilities or sightlines.
  • Failing to obtain a required tree permit before removing or altering trees.

Action Steps

  • Check the city tree permit page to determine if a permit is required and to download application instructions[1].
  • Report concerns or request inspections via the City of Burlington by-law enforcement contact page[3].
  • If ordered to remediate, follow the corrective order and document completed work to avoid further enforcement.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to plant a tree on the boulevard in front of my house?
Yes, planting on city-owned boulevards usually requires approval or a permit; check the city tree permit page for details and application steps.[1]
What happens if I cut down a street tree without permission?
Unauthorized removal can result in orders to replace the tree and possible fines or cost recovery by the city; specific penalties are not specified on the cited page.[3]
Where do I report a damaged or hazardous tree?
Report damaged or hazardous trees to By-law Enforcement or through the city service request channels listed on the By-law Enforcement page.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is on private property or city-owned land and check species and setback guidance.
  2. Consult the City of Burlington tree permit page to confirm if a permit is required and to obtain application instructions[1].
  3. Prepare a site sketch, species selection and any utility locate information required by the application.
  4. Submit the application and required documents following the city instructions; pay any applicable fee if listed.
  5. If inspected or issued an order, comply promptly and keep records of remediation or replacement work.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the City of Burlington permit guidance before planting or removing trees.
  • Use the city by-law enforcement contact for inspections, complaints and to learn appeal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burlington - Tree permit information
  2. [2] City of Burlington - Trees on your property
  3. [3] City of Burlington - By-law Enforcement

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