Oakville protects its tree canopy harder than almost anywhere in the region, and the rules apply on every private lot in town. That does not make removing a tree hard, but it does mean the permit comes before the chainsaw. Here is what it costs and how the process works.
2026 tree removal prices in Oakville
| Tree | Height | Trunk diameter | Removal (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 25 ft | Under 25 cm | $350 - $750 |
| Medium | 25 - 50 ft | 25 - 45 cm | $750 - $1,900 |
| Large | 50 - 75 ft | 45 - 70 cm | $1,900 - $3,800 |
| Very large or mature | 75 ft and up | 70 cm and up | $3,800 - $9,000 |
Old Oakville, Morrison, Eastlake and Bronte have some of the biggest trees in the region, often over houses, pools and neighbours' yards, and those are rigged down in sections, which sits at the top of each range. Newer streets in north Oakville and Glen Abbey mostly have younger trees that come down quickly.
Grinding the stump adds $120 to $800 depending on its width, and hauling the grindings away with topsoil to sod over adds $150 to $500. Ash that has been dead a while is brittle and slow to rig, so it runs 25% to 60% over the size band. See the tree removal cost guide for the full breakdown.
The cutting itself is done by ISA Certified Arborists we partner with. We look after the permit paperwork with you, the cleanup and the replacement planting the Town will ask for.
Oakville's private tree permit
Under the Town's Private Tree Protection By-law, you need a permit to remove or injure any tree on private property with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more, measured at 1.37 m above the ground. It applies town-wide, on every lot, with no allowance for a few trees a year. Trees in larger woodlands fall under the Halton Region tree by-law instead.
| Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| First tree of 15 to 24 cm in a 12 month period | $65 |
| Each additional tree, or any tree over 24 cm | $425 |
| Dead or high-risk tree, ash, buckthorn | No fee, permit still required |
| Security per replacement tree | $300 |
After you submit the permit application, a Town inspector contacts you within five business days. A certified arborist report is needed for high-risk trees and for construction or development sites, not for a routine removal. If a permit is refused, you can reapply after 12 months.
Replacement trees
Most permits come with a replanting condition: one new tree for every 10 cm of diameter of healthy tree removed, planted on the same property, at least 30 mm caliper and deciduous. Cedars no longer count as replacements. A 40 cm maple therefore means four new trees. Dead high-risk trees and buckthorn carry no replacement; Norway maple and tree of heaven are approved but must be replaced. The $300 per tree security is returned once the new trees are planted and established.
Other Oakville rules
- Emergencies. A tree that is an immediate danger can be removed without waiting, but you must notify the Town as soon as possible.
- Boundary trees. The Town needs a signed consent letter from the neighbour, and under Ontario's Forestry Act removing a shared tree without consent is an offence.
- Town trees. Street trees belong to the Town. Report problems through ServiceOakville rather than cutting them.
- Ash. The Town advises removing and replacing untreated ash. Oakville is in the federal emerald ash borer regulated area, so ash wood stays local.
- Oaks. Oakville has plenty of them. Ontario advises against pruning or wounding oaks from April to July because of oak wilt, and ideally not until November.
- Nesting birds. Late March to late August is the main nesting period; we check for active nests before any work in that window.
Where we work in Oakville
Old Oakville, Morrison, Eastlake, Clearview, Bronte, Glen Abbey, West Oak Trails, River Oaks, Joshua Creek and north of Dundas. We can handle the permit application with you and build the inspector's visit into the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost in Oakville?
About $350 to $750 for a small tree, $750 to $1,900 for a medium tree and $1,900 to $3,800 for a large tree in 2026, plus permit fees and stump grinding.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Oakville?
Yes, for any tree 15 cm or more in diameter at 1.37 m on private property, anywhere in town.
How much is a tree removal permit in Oakville?
$65 for your first tree of 15 to 24 cm in a 12 month period, and $425 for each additional tree or any tree over 24 cm. Dead, high-risk, ash and buckthorn trees pay no fee.
How many trees do I have to replant in Oakville?
One tree for every 10 cm of diameter of healthy tree removed, at least 30 mm caliper, on the same property. Cedars do not count.
Can I remove a dead tree without a permit in Oakville?
No, you still need a permit, but there is no fee and no replacement condition for a dead high-risk tree. In a true emergency, remove it and notify the Town right away.
Do I need my neighbour's permission for a boundary tree?
Yes. The Town requires a signed consent letter, and Ontario's Forestry Act makes removing a shared tree without consent an offence.