Tree protection plans
A plan to keep trees alive during construction, often required before a building permit is issued.
What it is
A tree protection plan maps the trees on your lot (and nearby lots) that a project could affect, marks a protection zone around each one, and shows where protective fencing (hoarding) must go. Some cities inspect the fencing before work can start.
It's common for additions, garden suites, pools, new builds and lot severances. Bringing an arborist in early in design can avoid expensive removals and replacement planting.
Signs you might need it
- You're planning construction within a few metres of a protected tree
- Your city's planning or building department asked for one
- You're building close to a neighbour's tree
Good to know
It's a construction-focused arborist report. If you only need to remove a tree, a standard arborist report is usually enough.
Typical cost in Ontario
Before HST. Multi-tree or ravine sites cost more, and fencing inspections during construction are usually quoted separately. City deposits and permit fees are extra.
What pushes the price up or down
- Number of trees on your lot and neighbouring lots that could be affected
- Size and type of project
- Whether the plan must be drawn to scale on your site plan
- Number of inspections the city requires
- Ravine or natural-area protection
Ways to spend less
- Bring the arborist in early in design; a layout that avoids protection zones can save removals and replacement fees
- For a pool, ask about a quick desktop check before paying for the full report
Three Toronto firms agree on the starting price; there's no published upper range. Prices are typical ranges gathered from published Ontario price guides and company price pages in September 2026, before 13% HST. They’re a guide, not a quote: your price depends on your tree and your property. Get two or three written quotes, and check whether your city charges a permit fee.
Find a company for this work
Search the directory by your town, then filter by specialization. Every company is ranked by ARB Score, and no company can pay for a higher position.
Related specializations
Sources for the prices on this page
- How to Apply for a Tree or Ravine Permit – City of Toronto (Toronto, ON)
- How Much Does an Arborist Report Cost in Toronto? (2026) (Toronto / GTA, ON)
- Arborist Report Cost in Toronto: 2026 Pricing Guide - Loyal Tree (Toronto, ON)
- Tree Service Prices in Toronto & GTA | Local Arborist (Toronto / GTA, ON)
- GTA Municipal Tree Preservation Requirements | BH Consulting Arborist (GTA, ON)
- Arborist Reports for Development Permits | BH Consulting Arborist (Toronto, Hamilton & GTA, ON)
- City of Ottawa Tree Protection By-Law | Advanced Tree Solutions (Ottawa, ON)