Burlington's tree rules are firm but predictable: a clear size threshold, published fees and a fixed replacement ratio. The fines are what make them worth taking seriously, starting at $500 and running to $100,000 for a first offence. Here is what removal costs and how to do it properly.
2026 tree removal prices in Burlington
| 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 |
Mature silver maples and spruce in Aldershot, Roseland and the lakeshore are often the expensive ones, close to houses and lines and coming down in sections. Trees on newer lots in Orchard and Alton are usually smaller and faster. Escarpment properties in Kilbride and Mt Nemo add slopes and long carries for the wood.
Budget separately for the stump: from $120 for a small one to $800 for a big old maple, plus $150 to $500 if you want the grindings gone and topsoil in so the lawn can go back. Expect a dead ash to cost a quarter to more than half again over its size band. Full numbers are in our tree removal cost guide.
Felling and climbing are handled by our insured ISA Certified Arborist partners. Our crew plants the two to four replacements the City usually asks for and puts the yard back together.
Burlington's private tree permit
Burlington's Private Tree By-law 040-2022 applies inside the Urban Planning Area Boundary, which covers the built-up city south of the rural area. A permit is needed to remove or injure a tree 20 cm (8 in) or more in diameter at 1.37 m, and for heritage trees and at-risk species of any size. Pruning up to a third of the live crown does not need one. There is no allowance for a few trees a year.
| Fee (plus HST) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application processing | $54 |
| Removal, 1 to 3 trees | $351.50 |
| 4th tree | $243.50 |
| Each tree after that | $135.50 |
| Dead, terminal or high-risk tree | Permit required, fees waived |
An arborist report may be requested, and if so it has to come from an ISA Certified Arborist, a registered consulting arborist or a registered professional forester.
Replacement trees or cash in lieu
| Diameter of tree removed | Replacement trees |
|---|---|
| 20 to 35 cm | 2 |
| 36 to 74 cm | 3 |
| 75 cm and up | 4 |
Replacements must be planted within a year, with a $257.50 security per tree. If there is no room, the City takes $257.50 per replacement tree as cash in lieu. A 50 cm maple therefore means three new trees or $772.50 in lieu, on top of the permit.
Fines and other rules
- Fines. Removing a protected tree without a permit carries a fine of $500 to $100,000 for an individual's first offence, and $1,000 to $100,000 after that.
- Emergencies. Emergency work is allowed without a permit, with written notice to the City within 72 hours.
- Boundary trees. The City requires a consent letter from the neighbour, and Ontario's Forestry Act makes removing a shared tree without consent an offence.
- City trees. Under the Public Tree By-law, any tree on public property, including the boulevard, needs a City permit and is pruned by the City. Contact Service Burlington.
- Ash wood. Halton is a federal emerald ash borer regulated area, so ash wood is chipped or disposed of locally.
- Nesting birds. Avoid late March to late August where you can; if not, the tree is checked for active nests first.
Where we work in Burlington
Aldershot, the lakeshore, Roseland, Shoreacres, Tyandaga, Brant Hills, Headon Forest, Millcroft, Orchard, Alton, Kilbride, Mt Nemo and Lowville. We help with the permit and plant the replacement trees.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost in Burlington?
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 cut down a tree in Burlington?
Inside the urban area, yes, for any tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.37 m, plus heritage trees and at-risk species. Rural Burlington is not covered by the private tree by-law.
How much is a tree permit in Burlington?
A $54 processing fee plus $351.50 for one to three trees, $243.50 for the fourth and $135.50 for each after, plus HST. Fees are waived for dead, terminal or high-risk trees.
How many replacement trees does Burlington require?
Two for a 20 to 35 cm tree, three for 36 to 74 cm and four for 75 cm or more, or $257.50 cash in lieu per replacement tree.
What is the fine for cutting a tree without a permit in Burlington?
$500 to $100,000 for an individual's first offence, and $1,000 to $100,000 for a subsequent one.
Can I prune a protected tree without a permit?
Yes, as long as you remove no more than one third of the live crown.