City of Oshawa Bylaws: Trees and Yards

Tree Removal Oshawa

In this blog post, we explain the City of Oshawa’s bylaws that apply to trees and hedges, so you are aware of the rules for tree work or tree removal in Oshawa. 

A Guide to the City of Oshawa Bylaws that apply to trees and the natural environment

The City of Oshawa is known for its green open spaces and plentiful trees. The City of Oshawa’s bylaws aim to preserve and protect these natural assets. Whilst in most cases property owners are not restrictred in what they do with trees on their own properties, there are a number of bylaws in Oshawa that might be relevant if you are carrying out work in your yard.

Tree Removal Oshawa and Bucket Truck Hire, Ontario

Bylaws in Oshawa: Tree removal

Trees on Municipal Property

The City of Oshawa tree bylaw prohibits the harming of a tree on public land. You must not remove or cut back any tree that is owned by the City. This includes climbing or fixing signs to these trees.

Trees on City owned land are maintained by the City of Oshawa’s Forestry Services Department. If City owned trees next to your property need to be cut back or are hazardous you must contact the City of Oshawa by creating a service request online  or calling 905-436-3311.

Please bear in mind that if you are carrying out construction or yard work and you have City owned trees near to your property there is still the potential to damage City owned trees. Tree roots can spread over large distances and could be affected by work on your property. If in doubt, consult a professional arborist. 

Privately owned woodland

If you are planning tree removal or cutting back trees in your own woodland and it is 2.5 acres (1 hectare) or more, the Durham Regional Woodland Bylaw may apply. This bylaw regulates the removal or cutting back of trees and aims to protect woodlands across the Durham Region. 

This bylaw does not apply to orchards, nurseries, fence rows or agricultural land that has previously been cleared but where scrub and small trees have grown back. It also does not apply to land where a building permit has been issued or to remove dead or hazardous trees.

Tree removal City of Oshawa Bylaws

You will need to apply for a tree removal permit, submit any required documents and pay a fee of between $500 and $1000, depending on the permit required. It is always best to consult with Durham Region’s Forestry Consultant prior to submitting an application.

Planning and Economic Development
Planning – Forestry
The Regional Municipality of Durham
605 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario Canada L1N 6A3
Telephone (within regional limits): 311
Telephone: 905-668-7711 extension 2551

Tree removal in Oshawa on private property

Dangerous tree removal Oshawa

In most cases property owners are free to trim or remove a tree on their own private property without a permit. However, you are advised to trim branches properly, avoiding excessive cutting or causing irreversible damage to the tree. Notify neighbours if the trimming might affect their property and, if the tree is on or near a boundary line, check who is responsible for the tree.

Residential homeowners are responsible for the trees on their property and any damage they cause. Your householder insurance will not cover damage that has been caused by a falling branch or tree if the tree has not been properly maintained. So make sure you check the trees on your property regularly and carry out regular tree pruning and maintenance. If you are unsure about the health of the trees on your property contact a certified professional arborist.

Are your trees safe from pests and tree diseases in your area?

Invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer threaten our trees in Oshawa. Do you know what to look out for and how to protect your trees?

Arborist Oshawa

Worried about the health of trees on your property in Oshawa?

Call Sarginson’s Tree Services now (905) 391-8454

City of Oshawa Bylaws about Driveways

According to City of Oshawa bylaws applying to driveways, you will need a permit for a new driveway in Oshawa. Driveways must not be over 50% of the front yard so that sufficient natural landscaping is preserved. The driveway must be at least 1 m away from boulevard trees.

City of Oshawa Bylaws applying to fences and natural barriers

The City of Oshawa has a bylaw that applies to fence and natural barriers (tree and hedge height) at the boundaries of your property. Fences and hedges, trees, shrubs or plants must not exceed the maximum heights. In addition if your rear lot boundary abuts the front boundary of a neighbour’s lot then fence and natural features within 1 m of that boundary are limited to a height of 2.2m.

FENCE NATURAL BOUNDARY
2 m from front lot line 0.9 m 0.9 m
Front yard 0.9 m No height restriction
Sight triangle1 0.9 m 0.9 m
Driveway sight triangle 0.9 m 0.9 m
2 m from side lot line 2.2 m No height restriction
2 m from rear lot line2 2.2 m

No height restriction

Safely remove and dispose of trees and stumps

When we undertake tree removal in Oshawa we don’t leave you with a mess to clear up. We will remove or chip the wood and grind out the stumps so your yard is left in an immaculate state.

Tree Removal Oshawa with Stump Grinding Service

Tree removal, tree disposal, stump grinding and woodchipping in Oshawa

Call Sarginson’s Tree Services now (905) 391-8454

Yard Waste Disposal in Oshawa

Proper disposal of yard waste is essential for a clean and healthy environment. There are limits on the size of branches that you can dispose of through the yard waste collection scheme. You cannot dispose of large branches (those greater than 4 inches in diameter). Neither will tree trunks or stumps be collected.

Burning yard waste is generally not allowed. The City of Oshawa bylaw on open air burning prohibits any outside fire even if it is in a container such as a fire pit or chiminea. Open air burn permits are available for property owners north of Conlin Road with more than 10 acres of land. Restrictions on the time and size of the burn will apply.

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