Tree Policies and By-laws

A person's hands around a tree

Whitby’s urban forest provides numerous benefits, including enhancing our environment, supporting mental well-being, adding natural beauty, and economic advantages. To help protect and preserve our urban forest, the Town has established policies and by-laws that guide what property owners can and cannot do when it comes to tree planting, maintenance, and removal.

As by-laws and policies may change, we recommend returning to this page or visiting our by-laws web page for the most up-to-date information. You can also contact us before starting any tree work to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Tree Care and Planting on Private Property

Property Owner Responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for the care of trees on their property, including tasks like pruning. While there is no specific by-law regulating pruning on private property, following best practices helps support long-term tree health and safety.

Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist is recommended for proper tree care.

Please note: Tree removal on private property may require a permit. For more information, see the section "When is a Tree Removal Permit on Private Property Required" below.

Planting Trees on Private Property

Residents are encouraged to plant trees to help grow Whitby’s urban forest. Click “Learn More” below to explore available planting subsidy programs and find best practices for caring for newly planted trees on private property.

Learn more

When is a Tree Removal Permit on Private Property Required?

To protect Whitby’s urban and rural trees, both the Town of Whitby and Durham Region have by-laws regulating the removal of trees from private land. If you're unsure whether a permit is required, consult the Town's Planning and Development Department before undertaking removal to ensure compliance with any applicable guidelines.

When a Tree Removal Permit is Required

A Tree Removal Permit is required for private property trees located in the following areas:

Woodlots between 0.2 to 1.0 hectares
Major Open Space or Hazard Lands (Schedule A of Whitby’s Official Plan)
Environmental Protection, Conservation Lands, Greenbelt, or Oak Ridges Moraine lands (Schedule P in Whitby's Official Plan )
Mature Woodlands or Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Schedule C in Whitby's Official Plan)
Areas with an approved Tree Preservation Plan
Residential lands 2.02 hectares or larger
Designated Heritage Districts like Werden’s Plan Heritage Conservation District and Brooklin Heritage Conservation District. Request a map.

When a Tree Removal Permit is NOT Required

A Tree Removal Permit is not required for private property trees if:

The total wooded area is less than 0.2 hectares
The property is not in a designated Heritage District (Werden's Heritage Conservation District, Brooklin Heritage Conservation District). Request a map.
The tree is not part of a designated Tree Preservation Plan
No other agency (e.g. Durham Region, CLOCA) requires one

Durham Region Tree Removal Regulations

The Durham Region Woodland Conservation By-law (30-2020) applies to woodlands one hectare or greater.

Types of Regional Permits:

Good Forestry Practices Permit – for selective removals and pruning
Clear Cutting Permit – required for removing:
- 0.1–1.0 ha: Minor Clear Cutting Permit
- Over 1.0 ha: Major Clear Cutting Permit (includes public consultation and Regional Council approval)
- More information can be found here: Regional Woodland By-Law - Region of Durham

More Information:

Restrictions on Town-Owned Trees on Municipal Property

To help protect and preserve our community’s trees, the Town has by-laws in place that clearly outline what residents can and cannot do to or around Town-owned trees.

As per the Town’s Property and Boulevard Maintenance By-law, the following activities are not permitted:

No Removal or Injury

No person is permitted to injure or remove trees located on Town property, including street and park trees.
“Injure” includes any action causing physical, biological, or chemical damage.
If you’re unsure whether a tree is on private or Town property, please contact us for clarification.

No Hard or Solid Materials Around Town Trees

Placing hard or solid materials on adjacent boulevards is not allowed without Town approval.
Constructing wells or using hard surfaces around trees can harm root systems and impact tree health.

No Unauthorized Planting on Town Property

Residents may not plant vegetation taller than 0.9 metres on adjacent boulevards.
Please note that digging to plant flowers, shrubs, or other plants near established Town-planted trees can disturb or damage the tree’s surface roots, which are essential for water and nutrient absorption. Additional vegetation can also interfere with routine tree maintenance.
To request a tree, please contact us here.

If you have a driveway widening project that extends onto the boulevard, with or without trees, you'll need to apply for a curb-cut permit.

No Driveway Widening Without Approval

Driveway widening requires Town approval. Learn more

Tree Protection Requirements for New Developments

For new developments, landowners and developers must comply with Tree Protection Requirements (TPR), which include submitting:

A Tree Inventory
An Arborist Report
A Tree Protection Plan

These documents must be approved as part of Site Plan and Subdivision applications before any tree removals take place. Please click 'Learn more' below for detailed information and requirements.

Learn more