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Private tree removal, exemptions and replacement requirements in Cambridge
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Cambridge private-tree permits cover one to nine protected trees.
Key information
Cambridge private-tree permits cover one to nine protected trees. Ten or more use the site-alteration route, and dead, hazardous and emergency trees have evidence requirements rather than an automatic exemption.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Which private trees require a permit? | Private Tree Bylaw 23-105 covers removing, cutting or injuring trees at least 20 centimetres in diameter at breast height. |
| What does the application cost? | The non-refundable fee is $64.98, shown as $57.50 plus HST. |
| What evidence is needed for a dead tree? | Send forestry@cambridge.ca a request before removal, with a photo, location description, species and diameter. |
Sources: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Your next steps
- Measure and identify the tree
Measure and identify the tree.
- Check the permit rules
Check the permit rules.
- Plan required replacement trees
Plan required replacement trees.
Sources: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Private tree replacement scale
- 20-30cm1 trees
- 31-40cm2 trees
- 41-70cm3 trees
- Over 70cm4 trees
| Removed tree diameter | Replacement trees | Cash instead, before HST |
|---|---|---|
| 20-30cm | 1 | $607 |
| 31-40cm | 2 | $1,214 |
| 41-70cm | 3 | $1,821 |
| Over 70cm | 4 | $2,428 |
Sources: Official service rules
Protected size, permit type and evidence
Which private trees require a permit?
Private Tree Bylaw 23-105 covers removing, cutting or injuring trees at least 20 centimetres in diameter at breast height. The main instructions use 1.4 metres above ground, while an FAQ says approximately 1.37 metres. Ask staff about a borderline measurement.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
What if I need to remove ten or more trees?
For ten or more trees greater than 20 centimetres, the City directs applicants to a Site Alteration Permit through engineering@cambridge.ca. The ordinary private-tree application covers one to nine protected trees across land-use types, including single-family properties.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
What documents are needed for a normal application?
Provide an arborist assessment by a qualified tree professional with location, species, diameter and condition; clear whole-tree photos; and adjacent-owner consent where applicable. Apply through Cambridge Online Applications. Submission and payment do not guarantee approval.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Sources: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Fees and replacement planting
What does the application cost?
The non-refundable fee is $64.98, shown as $57.50 plus HST. Cash-in-lieu compensation can add costs before permit issue. The page lists $607 plus HST per replacement tree for private-tree permits, versus $784.13 plus HST under development or site-alteration applications.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
How many replacement trees are required?
The table requires one replacement for a 20-to-30-centimetre tree, two for 31-to-40 centimetres, three for 41-to-70 centimetres and four above 70 centimetres. A permit may use qualifying plantings, cash in lieu or a combination.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
What qualifies as a replacement planting?
The page requires at least a seven-gallon pot size and a trunk diameter of at least 20 millimetres. Invasive and dwarf varieties are not permitted. Confirm suitable species and compensation arrangements before purchasing trees or removing the original.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Sources: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Dead trees, hazards, ownership and help
What evidence is needed for a dead tree?
Send forestry@cambridge.ca a request before removal, with a photo, location description, species and diameter. Dead-tree exemption review is separate from a normal paid application. Do not remove the tree first merely because its canopy looks bare.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
How are imminent hazards and emergencies different?
An imminent-hazard request needs an arborist report and clear supporting photos before removal. A genuine emergency such as storm failure can be mitigated first, but documentation must reach forestry@cambridge.ca within 48 hours. Compensation can still apply if the evidence fails to show an emergency.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Can I prune or remove a tree near the street?
Good maintenance pruning can be exempt for private trees, but City trees must not be trimmed or removed by residents. Ask staff to confirm ownership when the boundary is uncertain. Trees between a sidewalk and curb are City-owned under the page's guidance.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Who handles tree concerns and urgent damage?
Call Service Cambridge at 519-623-1340, including for after-hours emergency tree service. Use forestry@cambridge.ca for exemption evidence. For hydro-related tree concerns the page directs people to GrandBridge Energy at 1-877-871-2215.
Source: Forestry | City of Cambridge
Sources: Forestry | City of Cambridge