Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Cambridge, Ontario: Private Tree Preservation By-law 23-105

In the City of Cambridge, Ontario, trees & tree removal rules are set by Private Tree Preservation By-law 23-105, verified 2026-09-25. Fines: Individuals: $25,000.00-$50,000.00; Corporations: $50,000.00-$100,000.00; Daily: $10,000.00. A permit is required. Protected threshold: DBH equal to or greater than 20 centimetres.

Private Tree Preservation By-law 23-105 adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 2
applies to private property	yes	s. 1
protected threshold	DBH equal to or greater than 20 centimetres	s. 2
replacement required	In accordance with Schedule "A" (trees or cash-in-lieu)	s. 21
fine range	Individuals: $25,000.00-$50,000.00; Corporations: $50,000.00-$100,000.00; Daily: $10,000.00	s. 34, 35, 36

scout note

Requires a permit to injure or destroy a private tree with a diameter at breast height of 20 cm or more. Schedule A sets replacement-tree and cash-in-lieu requirements graduated by the size of the tree removed: 1 replacement tree for 20-30 cm, 2 for 31-40 cm, 3 for 41-70 cm and 4 for trees over 70 cm; trees under 20