Tree Bylaw Review: Survey

Have your say on Toronto’s Tree Bylaws. Take the survey  by September 24 or attend a public consultation event in person or online.

Toronto’s trees are more than just greenery—they are vital urban infrastructure. They cool our neighbourhoods, clean our air, support biodiversity and make our city more resilient to climate change. Mature trees, in particular, provide irreplaceable ecological benefits that young trees take decades to match. 

In 2021, City Council reaffirmed its commitment to achieving 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2050. While planting new trees is essential, protecting the ones we already have, especially large, healthy, mature trees, is the foundation of a thriving urban forest. 

Toronto’s Tree Bylaws play a key role in this effort. These bylaws regulate the injury and removal of trees, require planting replacement trees in compensation, and safeguard sensitive natural areas like ravines and tableland forests. They help ensure that development and land use decisions respect and preserve our natural heritage. 

The City is now reviewing and proposing updates to the Tree Bylaws including Toronto Municipal Code Chapter (MCC) 813, Trees (Private and Street Tree By-laws)  and MCC 658 Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law . The goal is to address operational, environmental and policy challenges, improve service delivery, and reflect the values and input of Toronto’s residents and community partners.