An arborist report for a Toronto tree removal permit typically costs between $400 and $800 for a single residential tree. Reports covering multiple trees, complex construction sites, or ravine-adjacent properties run higher, often $800 to $1,500 or more. The report fee is separate from the City's permit application fee and separate from the tree removal cost itself. Here is exactly what drives the price and what the report must include.
The cost depends on what type of assessment is needed and how complex the site is. Here are typical ranges for the GTA in 2026:
| Report Type | Typical Cost | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Single tree permit report | $400 to $650 | One tree, residential lot, straightforward removal |
| Multi-tree permit report | $600 to $1,000+ | Two or more trees on one application |
| Hazard assessment | $350 to $600 | Assessing structural risk, no permit involved |
| Construction / TAPP report | $800 to $2,000+ | Development sites, building permits, tree preservation plans |
| Ravine or TRCA site | $700 to $1,500+ | Properties in or adjacent to a regulated ravine |
| Insurance or legal report | $500 to $1,200 | Dispute, damage claim, property sale |
These figures reflect Toronto-area market rates in 2026. Fees vary between arborists based on credentials, firm overhead and the depth of analysis required for your specific site.
Toronto's Chapter 813 private tree bylaw protects trees measuring 30 centimetres or more in diameter at breast height on private property. Before the City will consider a permit to remove or injure a protected tree, it requires a written report from an ISA certified arborist that explains the tree's condition, the reason for the proposed work, and what replacement planting is recommended.
The report is the City's main tool for evaluating an application. A well-prepared report gives Urban Forestry what it needs to make a fast decision. A weak or incomplete submission triggers requests for more information, which adds weeks to the process and delays any work you are planning around the tree.
The ISA certification requirement is firm. Toronto Urban Forestry does not accept reports from uncertified tree workers or landscapers. If you are comparing quotes, confirm that the arborist preparing the report holds an active ISA certification and is prepared to include their certification number in the signed document.
A Chapter 813-compliant arborist report covers these elements at minimum:
A report missing any of these elements typically results in a request for additional information from Urban Forestry, which stalls the permit. A thorough first submission is worth the extra investment if your arborist charges more for a detailed write-up.
Each additional tree on the application adds time to the site visit and to the written report. Many arborists charge a flat fee for the first tree and a reduced rate per additional tree when assessed on the same visit. If you have several protected trees on your property and you think any of them may need attention in the next few years, it often costs less per tree to address them together in one comprehensive report rather than commissioning separate reports over time.
A single large maple in the centre of an open backyard is a faster assessment than three interconnected trees on a sloped lot that backs onto a ravine. Sloped terrain, drainage easements, overhead utilities, neighbouring root systems and tight site access all add assessment time and therefore cost. Ask your arborist to walk you through what factors on your specific property affect the scope before they quote.
A standard permit report is the most common type and has a fairly predictable scope. A Tree Assessment and Protection Plan (TAPP) or Tree Protection Plan for a home renovation or development project goes considerably further: detailed root zone mapping, protection barrier specifications, construction sequencing notes and typically one or more monitoring visits during construction. These are priced accordingly and should not be compared directly to a standard single-tree permit report.
Most arborists deliver a completed report within three to seven business days of the site assessment. If you need faster turnaround because a permit is urgent or construction is scheduled to start, many firms offer rush service for an added fee, commonly $100 to $200 above the base report cost. Build the standard timeline into your project planning to avoid paying the premium unnecessarily.
You need a report whenever the tree you plan to remove measures 30cm DBH or more on private residential property within the City of Toronto. There is no exception for trees that are dead, severely diseased, structurally failed or a hazard to property. The requirement applies to every protected tree regardless of condition.
If your tree is under 30cm DBH, Chapter 813 does not require a permit or arborist report for removal. That said, you may still choose to hire an arborist for the removal work itself, and some property insurance policies require documentation from a certified arborist when a tree is involved in a damage event.
Trees in or near Toronto's ravine system may face additional requirements from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority on top of the Chapter 813 process. Your arborist will identify this if your property falls within or adjacent to a regulated valley land.
These two things are not interchangeable when it comes to permits.
An informal assessment is typically a verbal or brief written evaluation to help you understand a tree's condition and your options. It is useful when you are unsure whether a tree is worth preserving or you want guidance before deciding to pursue removal. Some arborists offer these at no charge as part of a quote visit; others charge a site visit fee.
A formal arborist report, in the Toronto permit context, is the documented deliverable submitted with your Chapter 813 application. It has a defined minimum scope, must meet the City's standard, and must carry the ISA certified arborist's signature and certification number. When you contact an arborist, be specific that you need a report for a Chapter 813 Toronto tree removal permit so they scope and price the work correctly from the outset.
A few steps that help keep the permit process moving:
Our ISA certified arborist prepares Chapter 813-compliant reports for permit applications, hazard assessments and construction sites. Serving Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, East York and the broader GTA.
When homeowners are surprised by the total cost of removing a protected tree in Toronto, it is often because they only budgeted for the removal itself and did not account for the arborist report, the permit application fee and the replacement planting requirement.
Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a typical single protected-tree removal in Toronto in 2026:
The arborist report is typically the first expense that lands, because you cannot submit the permit application without it. Plan for the full project cost from the beginning rather than treating the report as a standalone one-time expense. Some companies bundle the report cost into a full-service package that includes report preparation, permit handling, removal, stump grinding and replacement planting, which can simplify the billing and the process significantly.
Once your arborist delivers the written report, the next step is submitting it with your Chapter 813 permit application to Toronto Urban Forestry. The application can be submitted online through the City's portal or in person at a district office. Some arborists handle the submission on your behalf as part of their service; others hand the report to you and expect you to file it yourself. Confirm which arrangement applies before the site visit so there are no handoff surprises.
After submission, Urban Forestry reviews the application and typically responds within two to six weeks with an approval, a request for additional information, or a denial. If the application is approved, the permit specifies the conditions under which removal can proceed, including any required replacement planting. Work can only legally begin after the permit is issued and in hand.
If you receive a request for additional information from Urban Forestry, share it with your arborist immediately. Responding to supplementary requests quickly is the easiest way to keep the timeline from stretching to eight or ten weeks.
How much does an arborist report cost in Toronto?
Between $400 and $800 for a single-tree residential permit report. Multi-tree reports, construction site assessments and ravine properties cost more, typically $800 to $1,500 or higher depending on scope.
Is an arborist report required for a Toronto tree permit?
Yes, always. Chapter 813 requires a report from an ISA certified arborist for every private tree removal permit application in Toronto, with no exceptions for dead, diseased or hazardous trees.
What does an arborist report include in Toronto?
Species ID, DBH measurement, health and structural assessment, reason for removal, site context, and replacement planting recommendations, signed by an ISA certified arborist with their certification number.
How long does an arborist report take to prepare?
Three to seven business days from the site assessment for most standard single-tree reports. Rush turnaround is often available for an extra $100 to $200.
Can any arborist write a report for a Toronto tree permit?
No. Toronto Urban Forestry only accepts reports from ISA certified arborists. Always verify the arborist's ISA certification number before engaging them to prepare a permit report.
We handle the full process from site assessment to written Chapter 813-compliant report. Call or email for a quote and we will tell you exactly what is involved for your specific property.