Arborist Reports in Markham
Our ISA certified arborist prepares arborist reports for Markham homeowners, builders and developers. Whether you need a permit application report under By-law 2023-164, a Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan for a building permit submission, a hazard assessment for an insurance matter, or a tree appraisal for a legal proceeding, we prepare reports that meet the City of Markham's documented requirements and stand up to staff review.
Markham's Urban Forestry department requires reports from a Qualified Tree Expert (QTE) for any construction or development project that may affect regulated trees on private property. The City's definition of a QTE aligns closely with the ISA Certified Arborist credential, and our arborist meets that standard. We have prepared numerous Tree Assessment and Preservation Plans accepted by City staff.
When a Markham Arborist Report Is Required
- Permit application to remove a privately owned tree 20cm DBH or over
- Building permit application where construction will occur within the critical root zone of a regulated tree
- Addition, garage, pool or deck permit where regulated trees are within the construction footprint
- Severance or Site Plan application involving regulated trees
- Hazardous tree documentation for insurance or legal purposes
Tree Permit Application Reports
When you apply to remove a regulated tree under By-law 2023-164, the application must include documentation that supports the grounds for removal. Grounds commonly cited include poor tree health, structural defects that create a hazard, conflicts with approved construction, or interference with the reasonable use and enjoyment of the property.
Our permit report includes: tree identification, DBH measurement, location survey description, full health and structural assessment using standard ISA condition rating criteria, photographic documentation, a clear statement of findings and grounds, and our professional recommendation. Markham's Urban Forestry staff review the report as part of the 45-business-day permit process.
Tree Assessment and Preservation Plans
A Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan (TAPP) is required any time a building permit application involves work within the critical root zone of a regulated tree in Markham. This includes new home construction, additions, garages, pools, decks, driveways and other structures that come close to regulated trees.
Our TAPP includes: a full inventory of all regulated trees on and adjacent to the property, condition assessments and structural ratings, critical root zone calculations, impact assessment for each tree based on the proposed construction, mitigation measures, tree protection specifications (fencing type, placement and monitoring requirements), and tree removal and replacement recommendations where impact cannot be mitigated.
Other Arborist Report Types
Beyond permit-related work, we prepare several other report types frequently requested by Markham property owners and legal professionals.
Tree appraisal reports establish the monetary value of a tree using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers Trunk Formula Method. These are used in insurance claims when a tree is damaged or destroyed by a third party, in legal proceedings involving tree damage, and in property disputes involving the removal of a significant tree by a neighbour. A properly prepared tree appraisal provides a defensible, methodology-based valuation that can withstand scrutiny.
Hazard assessment reports document the structural condition of a tree that has been flagged as potentially dangerous. The report describes the failure potential, the consequence of failure given what is in the target zone, and the overall risk rating. These reports are commonly requested by property owners before selling, by property managers responsible for trees on multi-residential or commercial sites, and by insurers following a storm event or partial tree failure.
Remedial work reports document the specific pruning, cabling, bracing or treatment work prescribed to reduce risk or extend the life of a tree. These reports accompany permit applications where the applicant is proposing to retain and treat a tree rather than remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Qualified Tree Expert in Markham?
Markham's By-law 2023-164 and associated policies require certain reports and plans to be prepared by a Qualified Tree Expert (QTE). A QTE is typically an ISA Certified Arborist or a registered professional with equivalent qualifications and experience in tree assessment and preservation. Our arborist meets this standard and has prepared reports accepted by City of Markham staff.
How long does an arborist report take to prepare?
A standard permit application report or hazard assessment is typically ready within three to five business days of our site visit. A Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan for a complex development site may take seven to ten business days depending on the number of trees and the complexity of the construction plans. We confirm timelines at booking.
Do I need an arborist report to prune a regulated tree in Markham?
No. Pruning regulated trees to ISA standards does not require a permit or a report under By-law 2023-164. An arborist report is required only for tree removal permit applications and for building permit submissions where construction will impact regulated trees.
Can your report be submitted directly to the City of Markham?
Yes. Our reports include all required components for submission to the City of Markham's Urban Forestry department. We can provide the report in PDF format for direct upload to the permit portal, or we can assist with the submission process if needed.
What if the City requests revisions to the report?
We respond to revision requests from City staff at no additional charge in most cases. Straightforward clarifications and additions are handled promptly. If the City requests a completely new scope of work beyond what was originally agreed, we discuss any additional fees with you before proceeding.
More Markham Tree Services
Get a Free Estimate for Tree Work in Markham
We serve all of Markham including Unionville, Cornell, Markham Village, Angus Glen, Cathedraltown, Berczy Village, Wismer Commons, Box Grove, Milliken Mills, Cachet, Raymerville, Greensborough and Buttonville. Our certified arborist visits your property, confirms bylaw requirements and provides a firm written quote before any work begins.