Arborist Reports in Scarborough
Our ISA certified arborist prepares arborist reports for Scarborough homeowners, builders and developers. Whether you need a permit application report under Chapter 813, a Tree Preservation Plan for a City of Toronto building permit, a TRCA submission report for a ravine-area property, a hazard assessment for an insurance matter, or a tree appraisal for a legal proceeding, we prepare reports that meet the applicable standards and hold up to regulatory review.
Scarborough's mix of regulated ravine lands, TRCA-controlled valley corridors, and City-owned tree canopy makes it one of the more complex areas in the Greater Toronto Area for tree-related permitting. We work in this environment regularly and understand both the Chapter 813 and TRCA regulatory frameworks that apply to Scarborough properties.
When a Scarborough Arborist Report Is Required
- Permit application to remove a privately owned tree 30cm DBH or over
- Building permit application with construction near protected trees
- TRCA permit application for work in a regulated floodplain or valley
- Addition, pool, garage or deck permit where regulated trees are nearby
- Hazardous tree documentation for insurance or legal purposes
- Property sale or purchase involving significant trees
Chapter 813 Permit Application Reports
A Chapter 813 permit application to remove a protected tree must include documentation supporting the stated grounds for removal. Common grounds include poor health or structural defect creating a hazard, conflict with approved construction or development, interference with the reasonable use of the property, or damage to infrastructure.
Our permit report covers all required elements: tree species and full identification, trunk diameter measurement at 1.4m, health condition rating using standard ISA criteria, structural assessment including any observed defects, photographic documentation, site location relative to structures and property lines, clear professional findings and a stated recommendation. City of Toronto Urban Forestry staff review the report as part of the permit application process.
Tree Preservation Plans for Scarborough Building Permits
The City of Toronto requires a Tree Preservation Plan as part of any building permit application where construction will occur within the critical root zone of a protected tree. In Scarborough, this applies to new builds, additions, garage and carport projects, pool and deck construction, and driveway expansions that bring activity close to trees with a trunk diameter of 30cm or more.
Our Tree Preservation Plan includes a full on-site inventory of all protected trees on and adjacent to the property, condition and structural assessments, critical root zone calculations for each tree, construction impact analysis, specific protection measures and tree protection fencing specifications, and replacement planting recommendations where applicable.
Other Arborist Report Types
Beyond permit-related work, we prepare several other report types regularly requested in Scarborough.
Tree appraisal reports establish the monetary value of a specific tree using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers Trunk Formula Method. These reports are used in insurance claims when a tree is damaged or killed by a third party, in legal proceedings involving tree damage, and in disputes where one party has removed a significant tree belonging to or shared with a neighbour. A properly prepared tree appraisal provides a structured, methodology-based dollar value that is defensible in an insurance or legal context.
Hazard assessment reports document the structural condition of a tree identified as potentially dangerous. The report describes the likelihood of failure, the target zone and consequence of failure, and the overall risk rating. Property owners commonly request these before selling, property managers use them for due diligence on multi-residential sites, and insurers sometimes request them following a partial tree failure or storm event.
Remedial work reports document the specific corrective measures prescribed for a tree that will be retained rather than removed. These accompany permit applications where the arborist recommends retention with treatment, or are used as standalone guidance documents for ongoing management of a high-value or structurally compromised tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does your arborist have for Scarborough report work?
Our lead arborist holds an active ISA Certified Arborist credential and has prepared reports accepted by the City of Toronto Urban Forestry department and by TRCA. We have experience with the specific requirements for Chapter 813 permit submissions and with the additional documentation needed for TRCA-regulated properties in Scarborough's ravine and valley areas.
How long does an arborist report take to complete?
A standard Chapter 813 permit application report or hazard assessment is typically ready within three to five business days of our site visit. A Tree Preservation Plan for a building permit submission takes seven to ten business days depending on the number of trees and construction complexity. We confirm the specific timeline when you book the assessment.
My property borders a TRCA-regulated area. Do I need a separate report?
TRCA permit applications have their own documentation requirements that differ from Chapter 813. In some cases the same site assessment and field data can support both submissions, but the reports themselves are structured differently. We advise on the applicable requirements at the site visit and can prepare the documentation needed for both regulatory bodies if both apply to your project.
Can your reports be submitted directly to the City of Toronto?
Yes. Our reports are formatted and contain all required elements for submission to the City of Toronto's Urban Forestry department. We provide PDF format for upload to the online permit portal and can assist with the submission process if needed.
What if the City asks for revisions to my permit report?
We respond to revision requests from City staff at no additional charge in most cases. Straightforward clarifications and supporting information are handled promptly. If City staff request a significantly expanded scope beyond the original brief, we discuss any additional cost with you before proceeding.
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Get a Free Estimate for Tree Work in Scarborough
We serve all of Scarborough including Guildwood, Cliffcrest, West Hill, Highland Creek, Agincourt, Malvern, Scarborough Village, Woburn, Birchcliff, Cliffside, Bendale and Wexford. Our certified arborist visits your property, confirms permit requirements and provides a firm written quote before any work begins.