What does St. Thomas's private tree by-law cover?

The by-law requires a permit to injure or destroy a private tree with a trunk diameter of more than 30 centimetres at breast height, measured 1.37 metres above the ground, to fell a dead private tree of that size, and to deforest a woodlot or woodland. A tree counts as private when more than 40% of its trunk at ground level is on private property. An application needs an arborist report and the written consent of any neighbour on whose land the base of the tree partly stands. The application fee is $100 for fewer than 10 trees, $150 for 10 to 100 and $250 for more than 100, and the by-law waives it for a dead or severely diseased tree and for one removed mainly because it is a hazard.

Where replacement is a condition, Schedule C sets one replacement tree for a tree of 30 to 49.99 cm, rising to four for one of 100 cm or more, or $400 for each replacement tree not planted on the property, paid towards the City's urban forest. The by-law says a permit is deemed revoked on a change of owner unless the Director consents to a transfer in writing. A rule summary says what the by-law covers; it doesn't say who owns a given tree or how wide its trunk is.

• By-laws: the City's list of frequently referenced by-laws, including the private tree by-law
• Private Tree Preservation By-law 101-2021: the by-law with its fee, replacement and fine schedules (PDF)

Tree and ravine limits is in the free check as a summary of the City's rule, from our hand-kept table, with a link to the City's page. It is a rule for the city, not a survey of the trees on a lot.

Free check: pick “Tree and ravine limits” See the sample report