Plant Street Trees in Toronto - Bylaw & Forestry Steps

Land Use and Zoning Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Planting street trees in Toronto, Ontario requires coordination with the City of Toronto Urban Forestry team and compliance with municipal bylaws and planting standards. This guide explains the practical steps to request a boulevard tree, follow species and planting standards, obtain any required permits, and how enforcement and appeals typically work. It focuses on city-managed public rights-of-way (boulevards) and the roles of Urban Forestry and municipal enforcement so property owners, contractors and landscape professionals can plan and act correctly.

Requirements & Standards

Street trees on city boulevards must meet Urban Forestry standards for species selection, planting location, root- and soil-protection measures, and spacing. Detailed planting criteria, approved species lists and planting instructions are published by the City’s Urban Forestry division; follow those specifications when preparing a planting plan and hiring contractors. For official planting guidance and how to request a boulevard tree, use the City’s plant-a-tree service Plant a Tree on City Property[1].

  • Confirm boulevard width, sightlines and utilities before planning.
  • Use approved species lists and soil/planting specs from Urban Forestry.
  • Plan root barriers and root-space treatments where standards require them.
  • Coordinate timing with city planting windows and local construction seasons.
Always consult Urban Forestry standards before ordering trees or scheduling work.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces tree and boulevard rules under Toronto municipal bylaws and through Urban Forestry inspections. Specific fines, fee schedules and statutory penalties are set out in the City’s municipal code and related enforcement documents; fine amounts and escalation details are not specified on the cited municipal code overview page Toronto Municipal Code[2]. When the municipal code page does not list monetary amounts or precise escalation steps, city staff or the enforcement office will provide the current figures on request or in the applicable chapter.

  • Enforcer: Urban Forestry and By-law Enforcement inspect trees and issue orders.
  • Fines/penalties: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code chapter or contact Urban Forestry for amounts and schedules.
  • Escalation: first offences, repeat offences and continuing orders are governed by the implementing bylaw; details not specified on the cited overview.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, restoration requirements, stop-work orders and prosecution are possible under city bylaws.
  • Inspections and complaints: report issues or request enforcement through the City 311 online service 311 Online Service[3] or contact Urban Forestry.
If you are served a restoration or removal order, act quickly and ask the city for timelines and appeal information.

Applications & Forms

  • Request a boulevard street tree - online application via the City’s Plant a Tree page; follow instructions and provide location details.
  • Fees: any planting or permit fees are listed on the City service page or communicated after application; specific fee amounts are not specified on the general overview page.
  • Tree permits: if private trees or construction impacts are involved, a tree permit or protective plan may be required—check Urban Forestry permit guidance on the City website.

How-To

  1. Identify the desired planting location and ensure the boulevard meets minimum width and clearance guidelines.
  2. Contact City Urban Forestry or submit a boulevard tree request via the Plant a Tree service and provide a precise address and photos.[1]
  3. If required, apply for any tree permits or provide a planting plan to Urban Forestry or the appropriate permit office.
  4. Hire qualified contractors who will follow City planting standards and install required root protection or soil volumes.
  5. Schedule an inspection or confirm the City’s acceptance once planting is complete; keep records and photos in case of future enforcement or warranty claims.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to plant a tree on the boulevard?
The City manages trees on public boulevards; residents must request boulevard trees through Urban Forestry. Specific permits for private-tree works or for activities that may damage trees may be required depending on the work; check the City’s tree permit guidance and the Plant a Tree service.[1]
Who pays for street tree planting?
Boulevard tree planting by the City is handled through Urban Forestry programs; fees or cost-share options, if any, are explained on the City service page or during the application process. Specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited overview page.
What if a contractor damages a city tree?
Report damage to Urban Forestry via 311 so the City can inspect and determine enforcement or restoration measures. Fines or restoration orders may apply as set out in municipal bylaws.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Always start with the City’s Plant a Tree service and Urban Forestry standards before planting.
  • Use 311 or Urban Forestry contact channels for applications, inspections and reporting.
  • Permits, restoration orders and fines are governed by the municipal code; check with the City for specific amounts and timelines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Toronto - Plant a Tree on City Property
  2. [2] City of Toronto - Municipal Code (bylaws overview)
  3. [3] City of Toronto - 311 online service

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