Tree

Protection
Protocol
2025
Table of contents
1. Background................................................................. 3 4. Tree canopy compensation............................... 17
4.1 Tree replacement fee
2. Tree Protection Regulation
and security calculations............................ 17
and Approval departments.................................. 4
4.2 Private tree compensation/
2.1 Tree Protection By-law................................... 4
TPA security calculation.............................. 18
2.2 Development and
4.3 Public tree compensation costs................ 18
Parks Planning department........................... 4
4.4 Tree planting as compensation................. 18
2.3 Parks, Forestry and Horticulture
Operations department................................. 6 5. Landscape design.................................................. 20
2.4 Policy Planning and 5.1 Landscape cost estimate............................ 20
Special Programs department...................... 6
6. Terms of reference and specifications
2.5 Office of the City Clerk.................................. 7
for technical requirements................................ 21
2.6 Development Engineering
6.1 Arborist report Terms of Reference.......... 21
department....................................................... 8
6.2 Tree Management Plan
2.7 Building Standards department................... 8
Terms of Reference...................................... 23
3. Tree Protection Protocol........................................ 9 6.3 Landscape Plan
3.1 Tree protection agreement: Terms of Reference...................................... 23
outline and technical requirements............ 9 6.3.1 Tree protection
3.1.1 Tree removal security calculation.............. 10 barrier requirements.................................... 25
3.1.2 Tree protection security calculation......... 10 6.4 Tree planting specifications........................ 26
3.1.3 Tree compensation 6.4.1 Species and size specifications.................. 26
security calculation....................................... 11 6.4.2 Timing of planting....................................... 27
3.1.4 Release of securities..................................... 11 6.4.3 Spatial requirements.................................... 27
3.2 Tree protection agreement process......... 12 6.4.4 Soil volumes ................................................. 28
3.3 Tree injury, removal 6.4.5 Tree locations and utilities.......................... 28
and protection permits............................... 14 6.4.6 Soil quality .................................................... 28
3.3.1 Construction related tree permits............ 14
7. Resources.................................................................. 29
3.3.2 Non-construction related
tree permits.................................................... 14 8. Glossary..................................................................... 30
3.3.3 Construction related tree permit –
pre-application process............................... 15 Appendix A: Forestry preferred tree lists......... 34
3.3.4 Application and processing steps Appendix B: Minimum setback
for all tree related permits......................... 16 requirements for tree planting............................. 38

2
1.0 Background
The City of Vaughan recognizes the significant
role the urban tree canopy plays in providing an
improved quality of life. Preserving and protecting
healthy trees has been identified as one of the
five over-arching goals of Vaughan’s Urban Forest
Management Plan and Woodland Management
Strategy, which will help the City achieve its
commitment to maintain and enhance the urban
forest and the environment. Considering tree
protection in the initial stages of planning will
result in enhanced protection of trees, and where
trees are removed, will provide clear replacement
procedures and standards. The Tree Protection
Protocol will implement procedures to maintain
and enhance the City’s tree canopy through the
development approval process. Crimson Spire Oak / Quercus robur x alba ‘Crimschmidt’

The purpose of the Protocol is to outline the The protocol is intended to achieve the following:
procedures and standards required by the City
• Maintain and enhance the urban tree canopy.
to protect public and private trees, and to serve
as a guideline for the implementation of Vaughan’s • Ensure consistent procedures and standards
Tree Protection By-law, as amended or replaced. across all City departments involved in the review
of tree protection measures.
The Protocol provides the following:
• Increase public awareness about the benefits
• Identifies the roles, responsibilities, policies of protecting the city’s urban forest and the
and guidelines for City departments regarding preservation of mature trees.
tree protection, tree removal permitting,
tree replacements and compensation. The Protocol does not apply to Regional and
Crown Lands and Toronto and Region Conservation
• Provides direction on the technical report
Authority (TRCA) owned lands. The protection
contents required for staff to assess how
and the compensation of those areas will be
proposed development, construction and
reviewed by the respective agency if required.
landscaping projects will impact the urban forest.
• Establishes a “Tree Protection Agreement” All tree removals should abide by and conform with
(TPA) that will secure tree preservation, tree policies and regulations outlined in the Endangered
compensation and tree removal services. Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act
and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and any
• Creates a resource for both City staff and external
other applicable law.
stakeholders on how to manage the preservation,
removal and replanting of trees city-wide.
• Provides canopy replacement guidelines for
all instances where trees are removed on public
or private land.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 3

2.0Tree Protection
Regulation and
Approval departments
The roles and responsibilities of various City Heritage applications, Draft Plan of Subdivision,
departments, as well as the authority to permit Site Alteration Permits and Development and
tree removals, approve tree preservation measures Spine Services Agreements, projects administered
and collect securities to ensure the protection of by external agencies, such as but not limited to
the urban forest during the development review York Region, Metrolinx and the TRCA.
process are provided below.
In cases where the process of the Pre-Application
For construction projects of any kind led by City Consultation (PAC) is followed, the applicants will
departments, the tree protection and compensation be informed in greater detail on tree protection
measures set out in this protocol shall be followed, requirements by Urban Design, and where necessary,
although permits to remove trees are not by Policy Planning and Special Programs staff.
required. All tree protection and compensation
The Parks and Open Space Planning division may
measures shall be executed and funded by the
have an interest in applications – including, but not
constructing department. In cases where all
limited to development, site alteration and Draft
required replacement trees cannot be planted on
Plan of Subdivision applications – wherein trees
the construction site, canopy replacement may be
in public open spaces or parks may be impacted.
achieved by alternate means in collaboration with
The team will provide comments as subject matter
the Forestry Permitting and Plan Review division.
experts during the review of such applications.

2.1. Tree Protection By-law The various development application processes

Tree Protection By-law regulates the protection, include:
planting, maintenance and removal of trees on Block Plans
public lands and private property in the city of Development and Parks Planning co-ordinates
Vaughan. This by-law provides details on City the review of natural features within the Block
authority, definitions and interpretations, prohibited Plan review area with Policy Planning and Special
activities, permitting requirements, duties of permit Programs department. The review is based on the
holders, enforcement powers and more, for trees Vaughan Official Plan (VOP) Policies and the Natural
on private property 20 centimetres and above in Heritage Network Strategy findings along with
diameter as well as City-owned trees of all sizes. other related studies, such as Master Environmental
Servicing Plan (MESP) and Environment Impact
2.2. Development and Parks Studies (EIS) that are the commonly required
Planning department documents by the City as they include information
The Urban Design and Cultural Heritage division that is assessed to help inform tree protection.
(Urban Design), in the Development and Parks
Planning department, reviews and provides
comments on development applications, Cultural

4 CITY OF VAUGHAN
Development Applications Heritage Permits
(Draft Plans of Subdivision and Heritage Permit approval and inspection is led
Site Development Applications) by the Cultural Heritage Division in collaboration
Draft Plan of Subdivision and Site Development with the Development and Parks Planning staff.
Applications are led by the Development and
Cultural Heritage staff engage Urban Design, Policy
Parks Planning department. Urban Design, Policy
Planning and Special Programs and FPPR staff to
Planning and Special Programs, and Forestry
review tree and natural heritage implications on
Permitting and Plan Review (FPPR) staff will be
a property subject to a Heritage Permit application.
involved in the review of documents related to tree
Designation of an area as a Heritage Conservation
management and determine the potential impacts
District (HCD) is an important means of protecting
of the development on existing trees and natural
a Cultural Heritage Landscape to control new
heritage. As part of the Draft Plan of Subdivision/
development and site alteration within the district.
Site Development Application processes, Urban
Design and FPPR staff review the application As part of the Heritage Permit, the Cultural Heritage
to assess the impact to trees or vegetation and Specialist and Urban Design staff will review all
provide recommendations to protect trees prior development applications within an HCD to ensure
to the application approval. When Urban Design the heritage landscape will be protected and
and FPPR staff concur with all the proposed conserved through the proposed development,
recommendations included in the submitted as well as ensure development will not affect any
arborist report, they will provide conditions to trees or vegetation and provide recommendations
the Development and Parks Planning department to protect preserved trees prior to approval. Urban
as part of the application approval process. Design will request an arborist report/Tree Inventory
These conditions will ensure tree preservation and Management Plan on a property which contains
and compensation will occur in a manner pursuant private and/or adjacent public trees to Draft Plans of
to all recommendations of the technical report. Subdivision and Site Development Applications.

Development and Parks Planning staff will not issue The Cultural Heritage Specialist will consider/prioritize
the clearance of any conditions until such time the merits of the Heritage Permit application based
as the tree related conditions are reviewed to the on applicable heritage policies/law and collaborate
satisfaction of the Urban Design and FPPR staff. with the Urban Design staff to make sure Cultural
Any tree removals proposed during an application Heritage comments are complementary.
are subject to the requirements of this Protocol and
the Tree Protection By-law. Any natural heritage When Urban Design and FPPR staff concur with
impacts are subject to review by Policy Planning all the proposed recommendations included in
and Special Programs and the Toronto the submitted arborist report, they will provide
and Region Conservation Authority approvals. conditions to the Cultural Heritage Specialist as
part of the application approval process. These
A security is required for a Draft Plan of Subdivision/ conditions will ensure tree preservation and
Site Development Application and an inspection compensation occur in a manner pursuant to all
will be conducted by FPPR staff. recommendations of the technical report. Any tree
removals for a Heritage Permit are subject to the
City’s Tree Replacement Requirements.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 5

2.3. Parks, Forestry and 2.4. Policy Planning and Special
Horticulture Operations Programs department
department The Policy Planning and Special Programs (PPSP)
The FPPR division, in the Parks Forestry and department reviews and provides input, including
Horticulture Operations department, currently compensation requirements, on applications that
reviews and provides comments for Committee contain natural heritage features and woodlands,
of Adjustment (CoA), Site Plan and Draft Plan of significant forest and bio-forests as determined by
Subdivision applications, Block Plans, Heritage the City. Where applicable, this is undertaken in
Permits, Site Alteration Permits, Spine Services consultation with York Region and the TRCA.
Agreements, Access Agreements, construction The PPSP department also reviews and comments
projects delivered by all City departments and on applications that have potential impacts on
projects delivered by external agencies including, Species at Risk (as defined by the Endangered
but not limited to, the Regional Municipality of Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act,
York (York Region), Metrolinx and the TRCA. the Migratory Birds Convention Act).
The FPPR division also administers and issues PPSP staff provide natural heritage planning
all tree-related permits and performs inspections advice in the development review process
of all tree preservation measures required by the (e.g., Draft Plan of Subdivision, Site Development,
City for any type of construction project. CoA applications) at the Pre-Application
For development applications, tree preservation Consultation meeting, PPSP staff will request an
and removal permissions are currently administered Environmental Impact Study/Natural Heritage
by the FPPR division through the Tree Protection Evaluation for any proposed projects that may
Agreement (TPA) process, in consultation with potentially impact natural heritage features such
other City departments including Policy Planning as woodlands. It is important to place the tree
and Special Programs and Urban Design. protection procedure and Protocol within the
context of policy protection for woodlands and
When this Protocol is implemented by the maintenance of significant woodlands. Where a
Development and Parks Planning department, stand or cluster of trees meets the definition of a
the FPPR division will also review and comment woodland under the VOP, then woodland policies
on all arborist reports, Tree Management Plans should be reviewed to determine the appropriate
and landscape plans submitted as part of the steps for protection and/or compensation. Where
development application review processes to a stand of trees does not meet the criteria to be
determine appropriate individual tree compensation defined as woodland, then protocols for addressing
requirements and ensure compliance with tree individual trees are followed.
preservation standards.
PPSP is responsible for two over-arching policy
documents that guide urban growth and
environmental management in the City: VOP,
as amended or replaced, and the Community
Sustainability and Environmental Master Plan
(Green Directions Vaughan). The York Region

6 CITY OF VAUGHAN
Official Plan and VOP conform to the Provincial 2.5. Office of the City Clerk
Policy Statement (PPS) 2024. Specific responsibilities
The CoA has been appointed by Vaughan Council
of the PPSP department in relation to woodland
to adjudicate applications for Minor Variance
management and tree protection are noted below:
and Consent under the Planning Act. CoA
• Developing environmental, natural heritage applications are led by the Office of the City
and green infrastructure policies as part Clerk in collaboration with the Development and
of the VOP and supporting guidelines such Parks Planning and Development Engineering
as the Environmental Management Guide. departments. During the technical review for
This responsibility includes delineation of the all CoA applications, Development and Parks
Natural Heritage Network (NHN) in Schedule 2 Planning staff engage PPSP and FPPR staff to review
of the VOP and maintenance of the inventory potential tree and natural heritage implications that
of natural features in a Geographic Information may result from a CoA application.
System (GIS) database, including woodlands.
As part of the CoA review process, staff review the
• Developing policies for woodland protection
application to assess the impact that development
and woodland compensation pertaining
will have on trees or vegetation and provide
to the maintenance of the NHN.
comments with respect to the proposed tree
• Implementing NHN policies and delineation preservation measures prior to approval. Staff
through the review of development applications will request an arborist report/Tree Inventory and
under the Planning Act and infrastructure projects Management Plan on a property which contains
under an Environmental Assessment process. private and/or public trees that were not subject to a
• Supporting improvements in the broader related Draft Plan of Subdivision/Site Plan application.
urban canopy, such as through the review of
When FPPR staff concur with all the proposed
environmental matters related to development
recommendations included in the submitted
applications, the development of the
arborist report, conditions will be provided to the
Sustainability Metrics, and future efforts
Development and Parks Planning staff for inclusion
regarding the provision of “green infrastructure”
in CoA application approval recommendations.
(as now defined in the PPS).
These conditions will ensure tree preservation
• Researching policy direction and best practices for and tree compensation will occur in accordance
green infrastructure and the urban canopy and with the recommendations of the staff report.
connections to community health, the provision
of ecosystem services, and in relation to the Development and Parks Planning staff will not issue
maintenance of biodiversity. clearance of any conditions until such time as the
conditions are reviewed to the satisfaction of the
• Reviewing Master Environment and Servicing
Urban Design and FPPR staff. Any tree removals
Plan (MESP) submissions for Block Plans and/or
for a CoA application are subject to the tree canopy
Secondary Plans, and reviewing Environmental
compensation per Section 4 of this Protocol.
Impact Study (EIS) submissions related to
Any natural heritage impacts are subject to
Draft Plan and Site Development Applications.
discussions and any conditions provided by the
PPSP department.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 7

2.6. Development Engineering 2.7. Building Standards
department department
Site Alteration Permit approval and inspection In the cases of a building permit applications,
is led by the Development Engineering (DE) Building Standards notifies the FPPR division that an
department. DE staff engage Urban Design, application has been made through an automated
PPSP and FPPR staff to review potential tree and system. In cases where trees have been impacted
natural heritage implications that may result by construction activities, Building Standards may
through a Site Alteration permit process. advise By-law and Compliance, Licensing and
Permit Services. Although building inspectors are
As part of the Site Alteration permit process,
not provided with direct authority in tree related
staff review the application to ensure site works,
matters, they may advise By-law and Compliance,
such as the placement of fill, will not affect any
Licensing and Permit Services if they notice a tree
trees or vegetation within the project boundary
being impacted by construction activity.
(within the private and public boundary) and
provide recommendations to protect trees prior For non-development related Building Permit
to issuance of a Site Alteration permit. Any tree applications, the Building Standards department
removals for Site Alteration Permits are subject to may send an advisory message to the FPPR division
the City’s tree canopy replacement requirements. that a permit has been applied for.

Building Standards staff will affix a notification

stamp on non-development Building Permit
drawings advising that a Tree Permit needs to
be obtained prior to any tree removals.

Tamarack / Larix laricina

8 CITY OF VAUGHAN
3.0Tree Protection Protocol
The City uses two different processes and associated A TPA may also be required if any of the following
sub-processes for ensuring the protection conditions apply:
and replacement of the urban tree canopy. • When a Site Plan approval application doesn’t go
The following sections detail steps and technical through Site Plan control and significant public or
requirements for the issuance and execution of: private trees are to be preserved and or injured.
1. Tree Protection Agreements (TPA) • When significant trees 80 centimetres and above
2. Tree Removal/Injury and Protection Permits Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) are suggested
for removal.
3.1. Tree protection agreement: • If public trees are impacted.
outline and technical • Where less than five trees are recommended
requirements for removal, but they are endangered species.
The TPA is a mechanism by which the City may
• When less than five trees are recommended
review impacts to the urban tree canopy resulting
for removal, but one or more are 60 centimetres
from proposed developments at early stages of
DBH and over.
the development review process. When a TPA is
implemented, canopy loss due to tree removals, as • The proposed removals take place adjacent
well as proposed tree preservation measures may to a natural heritage network area.
be reviewed and approved by the City in advance For the applicant to enter a TPA, they must
of the execution of a development agreement, submit the following to the City:
Spine Services Agreement, Subdivision Agreement
• a completed TPA application form
or Site Plan Agreement.
• the administration fee
The TPA will secure public and privately-owned trees
• security in accordance with Section 3.2
that may be impacted by the proposed project.
Applicants submitting any of the following applications • an arborist report in accordance with the
may be required to enter a TPA with the City: Terms of Reference outlined in Section 6.1
• Draft Plan of Subdivision • a Tree Management Plan in accordance with
the Terms of Reference outlined in Section 6.2
• Zoning By-Law Amendment
• a landscape plan in accordance with Section 6.3
• Official Plan Amendment
• Site Development Application
• Heritage Permit
• Site alteration permit
• Development and Spine Services Agreements

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 9

Tree Protection Note: For trees requiring non-standard tree
protection measures as recommended by
Agreement security the Tree Management Plan (e.g. horizontal
A security must be submitted to the City for every hoarding), a cost estimate for this work shall
TPA. Security amounts are calculated based on be provided in the arborist report provided
three components: the tree removals cost, the tree during the technical submission and included
protection cost and the tree canopy compensation in the sum of tree protection security amounts.
costs. TPA securities may be released only when
Measures to minimize the impact of the injury and
a fully executed development agreement, Spine
ensure the safety of trees should also be identified
Services Agreement, Subdivision Agreement or
in the arborist report. Tree injury is the physical or
Site Plan Agreement is in place. Each of the three
environmental damage to a tree that will negatively
security components, as well as the process for
affect a tree’s health which may lead to a tree’s
release of securities are described in detail below.
decline or death. Among other factors, tree injury
may result from:
3.1.1. Tree removal
• Cutting roots through trenching or otherwise
security calculation
severing roots inside the prescribed tree
The City does not have standard unit prices for tree protection zone.
removals. Tree removal costs are unique for every
• Use of Hydro-Vac excavation – stripping of the
project and a function of site conditions, equipment
protective bark on a root, killing the roots beyond
access, tree size and risk concerns. As such, these
the excavation.
costs must be included in the technical submission
described in Section 3.3 – Step 2, and in accordance • Pruning exceeding 25 per cent of foliar loss
with Section 6.1 of the Protocol. or improper pruning techniques.
• Changing soil grade levels, compacting soils,
An estimate for this work shall be provided by the
spilling chemicals or creating excess standing
company retained to conduct the tree removal works.
water conditions within the root zone of a tree.
• Burning tree tissue with fire, heat, equipment
3.1.2. Tree protection
exhaust or chemicals.
security calculation
• Mechanical damage to trunk, canopy or roots.
The security amount for tree protection costs
for standard Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) hoarding Trees proposed for injury must be noted as
will be calculated based on the total linear metres such in the arborist report, Tree Inventory and
of hoarding required. Standard rates per linear Tree Management Plan. All associated costs for
metre of hoarding will be calculated based the preservation of trees, including but not limited
on the current year’s Fees and Charges By-law to the following, must be counted in the tree
and calculated as follows: protection security amount:
total linear metres of TPZ hoarding required x • Tree protection and hoarding.
standard cost per linear metre = tree protection • Root sensitive excavation costs.
security
• Certified arborist supervision of root pruning.

10 CITY OF VAUGHAN
In the case of unexpected tree injury, the applicant If there are no deficiencies noted during this second
must contact the FPPR division to assess the inspection, the TPA security will be released.
situation and provide a suitable solution.
If there are noted deficiencies, the TPA security
The Owner may be required to submit a Tree
will be retained and the applicant will need to
Impact Report to the FPPR division of the City
clear them and then contact the FPPR division
at the sole expense of the Owner.
for a subsequent inspection. Additional fees may
apply for subsequent inspections.
3.1.3. Tree compensation
security calculation The TPA security will only be released once all
All trees proposed for removal on lands subject deficiencies have been cleared to the satisfaction
to a TPA require compensation security regardless of FPPR staff.
of the replacement strategy planned during later Where the recommendations of the arborist
stages of the project. For example, tree planting report have not been followed FPPR staff may
that will be proposed on landscape plan drawings withhold a portion of the TPA security to rectify
submitted in relation to a development agreement, the site. In certain cases, the file may be flagged
Spine Services Agreement, Subdivision Agreement for investigation to the By-law and Compliance,
or Site Plan Agreement will still require tree Licensing and Permit Services.
compensation securities as part of the TPA.

Refer to Section 4.2 for detailed methodology

for the calculation of tree compensation security
amounts.

3.1.4. Release of securities

The TPA security will be released upon compliance
with the Terms and Conditions of the TPA,
as determined by the Director of Forestry.

Specifically, where a fully executed development

agreement, Spine Services Agreement, Subdivision
Agreement or Site Plan Agreement is in place,
and all on site works relating to the TPA have
been completed, the applicant should contact
Development and Parks Planning to initiate the
second inspection. FPPR staff will conduct the
second inspection to confirm that all site works
relating to the TPA have been conducted as per the
requirements in the TPA.

Zeklova / Zelcova serrata

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 11

3.2. Tree Protection Urban Design and FPPR staff will recommend where
Agreement process the integration of existing trees into the design
of the development is appropriate based on the
STEP 1: Pre-application consultation
Protocol. Where trees are proposed to be removed
(optional) and there are no opportunities to replant or replace
When applicants choose to go through the these trees within the site, monetary compensation
Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) process will be required. Formal comments from Urban
Urban Design staff and, where necessary, Design and FPPR staff will be provided to the
Policy Planning and Special Programs staff Planner from the City’s Development and Parks
will provide the applicant with the technical Planning department managing the development
requirements for tree protection at the PAC file. Refer to Section 4 for Tree Replacement
meeting. In cases where a PAC does not take Requirements for private and public trees.
place, this Protocol, along with the PAC Complete
Application Guide and the City’s Official Plan, STEP 4: Recommendation report
will need to be reviewed by the applicant for Development Planning staff include the
guidance on technical requirements relating to recommendations and conditions proposed during
tree management. The technical requirements the technical review performed by Urban Design
include an arborist report, Tree Management Plan and FPPR staff in their staff report.
and a landscape plan to support the development
application. Draft Plan of Subdivision Agreements, Site Plan
Agreements, Spine Service Agreements, Heritage
STEP 2: Technical submission Permits, and Site Alteration Permits not related to a
The applicant must submit all required documents development agreement, the following conditions
in accordance with Section 6 for review by will apply:
Urban Design and FPPR staff. The submission • Prior to the execution of any of the above noted
will not be considered complete until all required agreements, or issuance of any of the above
documents are submitted in a manner that is noted permits, the applicant will be required
satisfactory to the City. to enter a TPA with the City.
• The applicant must provide a security per the
STEP 3: Technical review
terms of the TPA and in accordance with the
Once a complete submission is received, approved arborist report and Section 3.2
Urban Design and FPPR staff will review the of this Protocol.
required technical documents and examine the
impacts of the proposed development on existing
trees to provide comments on the proposed tree
preservation and/or removal plans. FPPR staff
may conduct site visits to verify and validate the
accuracy of the technical documents.

12 CITY OF VAUGHAN
STEP 5: Release of permits and STEP 6: Release of security
implementation Once a fully executed development agreement,
• The applicant must submit a TPA form along Spine Services Agreement, Subdivision Agreement
with the approved arborist report and Tree or Site Plan Agreement is in place, or after a
Management Plan in a manner that is satisfactory Heritage Permit or site alteration permit has been
to the City. issued, and all on-site works relating to the TPA
• Erect the approved protection for all trees to have been completed, the following process for the
be preserved onsite and within six metres from release of the TPA security may be followed:
property boundary, including private, public and • The applicant contacts the Development and
trees on neighbouring properties, as per the Parks Planning department to request the second
arborist report. FPPR staff will verify the TPZ for site inspection.
all trees. Refer to Section 6.4.1: Tree Protection • FPPR staff will conduct the second inspection to
Barrier Specifications. confirm that all site works relating to the TPA have
• Once the tree protection is erected, the applicant been conducted in accordance with the approved
must contact the FPPR division to request the technical submission and terms of the TPA.
first inspection. FPPR staff will then be assigned • If any deficiencies are noted by FPPR staff, during
to inspect the installed tree protection measures. the second inspection, the TPA security will be
Inspection fees apply. retained, and the applicant will need to address
• As part of the execution of the Site Plan deficiencies prior to contacting FPPR staff
Agreement or the execution of the draft plan for another inspection. Additional fees apply
of Subdivision Agreement, a security should be for the follow-up inspections.
put in place as security for the new landscape • Any tree injury noted that is in contravention
to be installed, including trees planted as of the TPA will be considered for an investigation
compensation. For replacement tree planting that by the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and
can’t be accommodated on site, tree replacement Permit Services department.
fees will be collected through the Site Plan
Agreement or the Subdivision Agreement.
• Follow all additional recommendations made
in the arborist report.

Once FPPR staff have confirmed there are no

deficiencies regarding the tree protection, permits
may be released and site works related to the
TPA may take place as described in the approved
arborist report.

Hedge Maple / Acer campestre

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 13

3.3. Tree injury, removal 3.3.2. Non-construction-related
and protection permits tree permits
The City’s Tree Protection By-law regulates the Private Tree Removal Permits – Dead or
injury and removal of all privately owned trees Hazardous or Ash Tree are required when any
with a DBH of 20 centimetres or greater as well as tree is either dead, terminally diseased, imminently
all City-owned trees of any size. The FPPR division hazardous or is an Ash species. This permit type
issues four types of tree related permits. The four does not require payment of any fees or canopy
permit types are grouped below as being either replacement of any kind.
construction related or non-construction related.
Private Tree Injury/Removal Permits –
A Tree Removal Permit is valid for only six months Residential are required when any healthy tree
from the date of issuance. In certain circumstances, 20 centimetres DBH or greater is proposed for
a Tree Removal Permit may be revoked, extended injury or removal and is not in relation to a
or modified at the discretion of, the Director construction project.
of Forestry.
If a tree proposed for removal is located on the
Where Forestry determines that an Infrastructure City property, the permit application will be
Delivery project cannot comply with the cancelled and the applicant will be notified that
Tree Protection Protocol a joint meeting shall a service request must be submitted to Service
take place between the respective departments Vaughan for inspection and action by the Forestry
to formalize non-standard tree protection and Operations Division. Some exceptions may apply in
compensation considerations that can work within applications for a Private Tree Injury/Removal Permit
the specifics of the project. – Construction or Infill.
An application for any of the above noted permits
3.3.1. Construction related can be made by submitting an online form,
tree permits uploading the required technical documents and
Private Tree Injury/Removal Permits – paying the application fees on the City’s Online
Construction or Infill are required when any tree Permitting Portal (Amanda).
over 20 centimetre DBH is proposed to be injured Technical requirements for tree-related permit
or removed during a construction project of any applications include:
kind that is not otherwise subject to a TPA.
• an arborist report (including a replanting plan)
Tree Protection Permits are required when any • a Tree Management Plan
City-owned trees of any size or privately-owned trees (for Construction or Infill Permits)
over 20 centimetres DBH will be protected with tree
• signed consent letter(s) from adjacent property
preservation measures during a construction project
owners (for applicable Construction or Infill
of any kind that is not otherwise subject to a TPA.
applications, and in every instance where a
These permits are often required as a condition of
boundary tree is proposed for injury or removal)
a CoA application or in addition to various other
permits such as building permits, pool permits or
access agreements.

14 CITY OF VAUGHAN
3.3.3. Construction-related STEP 3: Technical review
tree permit – Once all technical documents are received, FPPR
pre-application process staff will review the submission and examine the
For building and pool permits not related to a impacts of the proposed construction project
CoA application, the FPPR division will be on existing trees and provide comments on the
automatically notified through the City’s database proposed tree preservation and/or removal plans.
(Amanda) that an application has been made. FPPR staff may conduct site visits to verify the
FPPR staff will notify the applicant directly that accuracy of the submission.
all regulations set out in the City’s Tree Protection
FPPR staff will recommend the integration and
By-law, as well as the processes
preservation of existing trees into the design of
and terms of reference set out in this Protocol,
the construction to better support outcomes for
must be adhered to during any construction
the urban forest. FPPR staff may request submittal
project. If any trees 20 centimetres or greater
of revised technical documents prior to finalizing
are proposed for injury or removal, the applicant
the recommendation report.
must obtain a construction-related tree permit by
following the steps detailed in Section 3.4.4. STEP 4: Recommentation report

In cases where a CoA application is required, FPPR staff will advise the Development and Parks
the following steps shall apply: Planning department whether approval can be
granted for the tree works suggested in the
STEP 1: Tree declaration technical documents submitted with the CoA
Through the process of CoA applications, the application. The comments and recommendations
applicant must declare if trees with a DBH of will vary based on the nature of the proposal.
20 centimetres or more exist on the site and within The report may include recommended conditions
six metres of the property boundary, identifying any for a minor-variance, including, but not limited
trees that are expected to be injured or destroyed to, a requirement for the applicant to obtain
due to conflict with construction elements, either a Private Tree Injury/Removal Permit –
equipment, mobilization paths or material storage. Construction or Infill or a Tree Protection Permit.
Once pre-application technical review has been
For CoA applications, a Planner from the completed, the applicant may follow permit
Development and Parks Planning department application and processing steps in Section 3.4.4
informs the applicant of the technical requirements below to obtain the necessary permit(s).
required for review of the application.
Note: When a CoA Application is not required,
STEP 2: Technical submission FPPR staff will provide their comments and
The applicant must submit all required documents in recommendations directly to the applicant.
accordance with Section 6 of this Protocol for review
by FPPR staff. The submission will not be considered
complete until all required documents are submitted
in a manner that is satisfactory to the City.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 15

 STEP 2: Release of permits
and implementation
Prior to the release of any tree-related permits,
the applicant needs to:
• Submit payment for any outstanding application,
tree replacement or tree protection inspection
fees.
• Install all tree protection measures (where
applicable) in accordance with the approved Tree
Management Plan for all trees to be preserved
on site and for all City-owned trees and trees on
neighbouring properties within six metres from
property boundary.
 Once the tree protection measures are
Silver Maple / Acer saccharinum installed the applicant must contact FPPR staff
to request an inspection. If any deficiencies
3.3.4. Application and in tree protection measures are noted during
processing steps for the inspection, the applicant will be advised
all tree-related permits of the required corrective measures. Once all
deficiencies have been corrected, the applicant
STEP 1: Tree-related permit application must request a re-inspection. Inspection fees
and processing apply for the first inspection as well as any
An application for any of the above noted permits subsequent inspections.
can be made through the Online Permitting Portal.
Once FPPR staff have confirmed there are no
The application will not be considered complete
outstanding fees, and no deficiencies regarding the
until all required technical documents are uploaded
tree protection measures, tree-related permits may
to the portal in a manner that is satisfactory to the
be released.
City and applicable application fees are paid.

Once a complete application is received, FPPR staff

will review the supporting technical documents to
ensure alignment with all regulations and canopy
replacement requirements. A site inspection will
be conducted as part of the application review to
verify the accuracy of the technical documents.
If any deficiencies are noted in the application
or supporting documents during the application
review, FPPR staff will notify the applicant and
request revisions to the technical documents.

16 CITY OF VAUGHAN
4.0Tree canopy
compensation
Tree canopy compensation is critical to ensuring Note: In certain cases, staff may seek alternate
that Vaughan’s urban forest continues to grow environmental compensation methods. In
so that future generations may enjoy the many all cases where either individual trees or
benefits that trees provide. All City-owned trees of woodlands are proposed for removal and
any size, and privately owned trees, 20 centimetres compensation, proposed compensation shall
or greater in DBH, must be replaced when they are be reviewed by the Director of Parks, Forestry
removed for any reason, including development and and Horticulture Operations or their designate
construction projects, landscaping projects and City prior to executing any agreements.
projects. Tree canopy replacement may be achieved
by one of two methods:
4.1. Tree replacement fee
• tree planting as compensation (preferred) and security calculations
• tree replacement fees Tree replacement fees, as well as security amounts
for a TPA, are calculated as the sum of the:
The required number of replacement trees is
calculated based on the DBH of the removed tree, • private tree compensation costs
as outlined in Table 1 below. • public tree compensation costs
The DBH of multi-stem trees is to be calculated by In the case of TPA security calculations,
the square root of the sum of the DBHs of the three the total number of replacement trees in
largest stems squared. The DBH of each single stem accordance with Table 1 shall be included in
cannot individually determine whether the tree the calculation of security amounts regardless
requires compensation or not, as such stems below of any actual replacement tree planting that
20 centimetres in DBH do not automatically exclude may be planned in future stages of the project.
the tree from compensation requirements.
For sites not subject to a TPA, in instances where
TABLE 1: Ratio of tree replacement more replacement trees are required than can
for private trees reasonably be accommodated on the subject
site, the City may accept tree replacement fees as
DBH OF TREE NUMBER OF
compensation for replacement trees that can’t be
TO BE REMOVED REPLACEMENT
TREES REQUIRED
planted on site.

20 cm to 30 cm 1 City staff will assess and determine if a site can or

cannot accommodate all the required replacement
31 cm to 40 cm 2
trees or if a tree replacement fee is appropriate on
41 cm to 50 cm 3 a case-by-case basis.
51 cm or greater 4

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 17

4.2. Private tree compensation/ 4.4. Tree planting as
TPA security calculation compensation
Private tree compensation security amounts, as well All trees, public or private, are key urban canopy
as tree replacement fees, for individual trees are assets and should be retained wherever possible.
calculated based on the following formula: Where trees cannot be retained and they require
removal, tree canopy compensation planting will
total number of required replacement trees
be calculated per the private tree replacement
x current year’s tree replacement fee
requirements shown in Table 1.
The current year’s tree replacement fee is reviewed
The scaled tree replacement ratio presented in
annually and approved by Council in the Fees and
Table 1 acknowledges the increased environmental
Charges By-Law.
and community benefits provided by larger trees
Compensation for woodlands, significant forest, and enables a more rapid recovery of the city’s net
bioforest or any other natural heritage feature, tree canopy after a permitted tree removal. The
as well as TRCA-regulated areas are coordinated City will review and approve the proposed species
by the Policy Planning and Special Programs of replacement trees. In most cases, large-growing
department in association with York Region shade-providing trees are preferred.
and the TRCA.
Tree planting as a condition of all tree-related
permits must be completed within one year of
4.3. Public tree the permit issuance. If a project requires more
compensation costs than two years for planting to take place,
Public tree compensation costs are calculated based tree replacement fees will be required.
on the Trunk Formula.
Trees required for the protection of a natural feature,
The Trunk Formula is a tool that considers the or trees proposed within public right-of-way, will
operational, environmental and social costs of trees not be counted towards private tree compensation.
based on the tree species, their size and overall
All planting plans should incorporate the following
condition and location. The formula incorporates
considerations:
the costs for tree removal and tree planting to
ensure the values are current. • Select tree and plant species for the appropriate
hardiness zone and consider climate conditions.
Planting and landscape typologies should
consider all seasons.
• Biodiversity is promoted by planting no more
than four trees of the same genus in a row or in
the same area and no more than 10 per cent of
the same genus on the site, numbers permitting.
• Landscape plans abutting water and natural
heritage areas should use native, non-invasive
species.

18 CITY OF VAUGHAN
• Soil moisture, texture and nutrient requirements. • On rooftops, plant material should be durable
• Long-term maintenance requirements and suitable, considering the potential for high
(e.g., pruning). wind or extreme cold. Planting areas on rooftop
terraces often require irrigation and drainage.
• Root system characteristics and canopy form.
Note that rooftop tree planting does not count
• Pest and disease susceptibility. toward required compensation.
• Pollution, salt and drought tolerance. • To maintain sight lines and full visibility of the
• Fruit and seed production. open space, high canopy trees are recommended.

• Biogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) • Evergreen trees are generally not permitted on
emissions. City boulevards. Some exceptions may include
specifically designated buffer areas.
• Plant material that supports a diverse and
ecologically sustainable environment is • Only non-flesh fruit bearing trees will be
recommended. Planting should be selected considered on City boulevards.
to provide habitats for birds and pollinators
in order to promote biodiversity. Planting should Refer to Appendix A for all tree planting
be low-maintenance and salt-resistant. specifications.
• Smaller stature trees should be planted where
Refer to Appendix B for the general
they are located underneath a building cantilever,
characteristics of tree species suitable
electrical lines, and street lighting; medium
for establishment within one or more
stature trees should be planted where they are
of the tree planting typologies within
close to the building face; and large stature trees
the City of Vaughan.
are preferred and should be planted where they
are further from the building face.

Profusion Crabapple / Malus ‘Profusion’

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 19

5.0Landscape design
Vaughan’s urban fabric is shaped by its parks, natural 5.1. Landscape cost estimate
features and open spaces. Privately owned open
Overall tree health in open spaces should be
spaces should be designed to extend a robust and
monitored to ensure the long-term viability of the
visible landscape character throughout the city - a
tree canopy. Therefore, the City requires securities
network of green spaces, edges and buffers that
for new planting in the form of a letter of credit or
collectively reconnect and enhance the city’s existing
certified cheque/bank draft as per the City’s Letter
natural systems while expanding the tree canopy.
of Credit Policy (12.C.04).
Detailed design for planting and landscape
The landscape cost estimate should reflect the
typologies should consider all seasons, appropriate
scope of work depicted on the landscape plans. It
hardiness zones, biodiversity, climate conditions
should be based on the City’s standard unit pricing
and the unique stresses of the urban setting. Sites
for planting and softscape, paving and hardscape,
should provide landscaped spaces of sufficient size
fencing, landscape furniture lighting and built
and shape to support stormwater management,
landscape elements. Applicants may obtain the
absorption of noise and cooling urban spaces.
City’s standard unit price list through contacting
The following are guidelines and specifications for Urban Design staff directly.
new planting. For further guidance on the design of
The species, materials, quantities and sizes should
a wide range of landscape typologies, consult the
be listed. Equipment, labor, materials and one year
City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines, Vol.2, Section 6:
maintenance costs including contingencies and HST
Landscape Typologies.
should be factored in. In some cases, the cost for
All landscaped elements on private property will be municipal streetscape works will be required as well.
maintained by the property owner and should meet
For phased projects, a detailed landscape cost
the performance standards in this section.
estimate, indicating the area and scope of work,
shall be provided for each phase, in coordination
with the Landscape Master Plan and the landscape
plans associated with each phase reflecting
the interim and ultimate condition of the site.
The landscape cost estimate must be stamped and
signed by a certified landscape architect.

20 CITY OF VAUGHAN
6. Terms of Reference
and specifications for
technical requirements
The following documents will need to be Practices), as amended or replaced, and shall
submitted for staff to review: include the following:
• Arborist report in accordance with section 3.1 Location: Provide the municipal address of the site
of this protocol and identify the location of the trees in relation
• Tree Management Plan to any existing and proposed structures, lot
boundaries and other trees.
• Landscape Plan
Context map: Specific mapping should be
6.1. Arborist report prepared as part of the arborist report to identify
Terms of Reference the following existing and planned elements
and features where applicable:
An arborist report must be submitted as part of a
development planning application and a Tree Permit • key existing and planned pedestrian, vehicular,
Application. An arborist report must be completed transit, trail (particularly Vaughan Super Trail) and
by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), cycling connections and access points, including
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and mid-block connections and transit stops
Universities (MTCU) or American Society of • streetscape design
Consulting Arborists (ASCA) certified arborist,
• key destinations, heritage buildings,
a registered professional forester or a landscape
community facilities and other amenities
architect. An arborist or landscape architect can
determine the impact of developmental proposals • open spaces, natural heritage features,
on trees and the surrounding natural environment, parks and other public spaces
and advise on current tree maintenance • key landmarks and view corridors are important
requirements. All field data collection, including topographical elements
tree inventory works, must be performed no more • land uses and key zoning permissions,
than three years prior to the submission date. including permitted building heights
If a development experiences prolonged multi-year
• existing/planned trails or
delays or a substantial change in land-use is
active transportation facilities, and;
proposed, a revised arborist report may be required.
The arborist report shall be in accordance with • other relevant features on a site-specific basis
industry best practices as set out in the American
National Standard for Tree Care Operations—
Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management—
Standard Practices (ANSI 300 Part 9 – Standard

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 21

Nature of work: Explain what arboricultural work Tree management plan: A scaled copy of the
is to be undertaken on the trees (e.g. pruning, stand-alone Tree Management Plan should be
tree removal, root pruning, tree protection included in the arborist report for reference.
measures required for construction, etc.). Refer to Section 6.2 for the Tree Management Plan
If applicable, explain the silvicultural effect of the Terms of Reference.
proposed work (e.g. disturbing the natural edge,
Replanting plan: In cases where a full landscape
thinning, creating a canopy, opening to provide
plan is not required (e.g. tree-related permit
better light conditions, slope destabilization, etc.).
applications) a replanting plan must be included
Arborist or Landscape Architect in either the arborist report, or with the application
recommendations: An arborist or landscape as a separate technical document. All replanting
architect’s recommendations are required for plans must include:
treatment of the existing trees, including removal, • location of all trees to be planted on the property
replacement and the determination of TPZs for
• proposed species (refer to Section 6.5.1)
all private, neighbouring and public trees.
• size of all proposed plantings
Tree compensation requirements: Include tree (refer to Section 6.5.1)
compensation requirements based on Section 4.
• timing of replanting (refer to Section 6.5.2)
TPA security amounts (for TPA applications
Inventory chart: The inventory chart, supported by
only): Outline the costs related to the tree works
field-data collection occurring no more than three
proposed; specifically, the costs for tree removals,
years prior to the submission date, will identify all
tree protection and tree compensation. Refer to
trees on site and on neighbouring private and public
Section 3.2 for more information.
lands where trees are within six metres from the
• Tree protection costs: Costs related to subject property boundary, including areas used for
protection measures to be installed for trees to construction access, storage and staging. This chart
be preserved on site and on neighbouring public will need to be submitted as a separate Excel sheet
or private lands where trees are within six metres and should include the following information.
from the subject property boundary, including
• tree species
areas used for construction access, storage and
staging. • tree size, including the DBH measured 1.4 metres
from ground level
• Tree removal costs: Costs associated with the • ownership of each tree
removal of private and public trees as identified
• crown spread (drip line) of each tree measured
in the arborist report. The City does not have
in square metres
standard costs for these services; tree removal
costs are based on the market value. • tree health and overall condition
• the recommendation of action for each tree
• Tree compensation costs: Costs associated with (e.g. removal, injury, preservation)
the compensation value of trees to be removed.
• for the trees to be removed, the reason for their
The City has formulas for the calculation of
removal should be outlined
private and public tree compensation costs,
refer to Section 4.2 and 4.3 respectively. • the number of tree replacements required
for each proposed tree removal

22 CITY OF VAUGHAN
• the anticipated extent of encroachment for trees • Indicate trees proposed to be protected, removed
proposed for injury, expressed as a percentage and injured.
of total TPZ area • Outline the extent of the crown (drip line) or the
• supporting photographic record of each tree extent of minimum TPZ (whichever is greater)
of each existing tree. Identify and label tree
The arborist report should also include details
preservation measures and the proposed TPZ.
regarding the percentage of total canopy cover to
Refer to Section 6.4 for further details.
be removed from the site. In certain cases, such as
when trees are identified as hazardous, City staff • Indicate the location and extent of any excavation
may require additional supporting documentation. required within the dripline or TPZ (expressed
For example, a Tree Risk Assessment Form as as a percentage of total TPZ area) and would
assessed by a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified therefore require tree root pruning and the extent
(TRAQ) arborist. Tree Risk Assessment Forms shall of proposed tree injury.
be completed in accordance with this Protocol • Indicate vehicular construction access, areas
and ISA standards and should be supported by determined for over-dig, stockpiling, construction
photographic record. traffic, construction storage and staging areas.
Areas proposed for temporary stockpiling of fill or
6.2. Tree Management Plan excavated material shall be fenced with sediment
Terms of Reference control to prevent sediment runoff.
All applications must include a Tree Inventory • Attribute labels to all trees.
and Management Plan when there are trees on site • Include a comprehensive legend.
and neighbouring private and public lands within
six metres from the subject property boundary,
6.3. Landscape Plan
including areas used for construction access,
Terms of Reference
storage and staging.
The landscape plan drawing shall provide
The Tree Inventory and Management Plan will
opportunities for the creation of dynamic and
be prepared in conjunction with an arborist report
well-defined private and public open spaces.
by an ISA, MTCU or ASCA certified arborist,
The landscape plan should create opportunities
a registered professional forester or a landscape
for privately owned open spaces to extend the
architect and describe, in detail, all proposed
robust and visible landscape character of the city,
tree protection measures.
creating a seamless transition between private and
All Tree Inventory and Management Plans must public space and supporting a vibrant public realm.
be legible, in a usable metric scale and include Landscape setbacks should transition seamlessly
the following information: to the City or Regional boulevard treatments by
• Show all existing buildings, above and below choosing complimentary materials and ensuring
ground structures, services and utilities existing that grading does not create any trip hazards.
and proposed, hard surfaces, grade changes and
all trees on site and on neighbouring private and
public lands within six metres from the subject
property boundary, including areas used for
construction access, storage and staging.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 23

The landscape plan must be prepared, stamped
and signed by a certified landscape architect,
should be drawn to a standard metric scale
(e.g. 1:100, 1:200, 1:500) and shall include the
following:
• Locations and dimensions of landscape features
and species list naming all recommended plant
material and size specifications.
• Location, height and material of all fences,
screen walls, living walls, retaining walls, play
equipment, recreational facilities, benches and
street furniture.
• All built elements existing and proposed, such • Planting and construction details that are
as but not limited to buildings and structures, in accordance with the City standard details.
landscape/development features, fences and
• Location, size, number and species of existing
retaining walls.
trees under the City’s Tree Protection By-Law that
• All vehicular and pedestrian paved surfaces, are to be retained/protected (including trees on
such as but not limited to pathways, parking adjacent properties within
and loading spaces, curbs and driveways, six metres of the subject property boundary).
walkways and bikeways.
• No more than four trees of the same genus
• All engineering services (e.g. overhead, should be planted in a row or in the same area
underground, light standards), which may and no more than 10 per cent of the same genus
affect the landscape. in a single project (further limitations may apply
• Location, height and type of lighting for trees planted in the public realm).
and ground signs. • Soil volume for trees in hardscaping.
• Existing and proposed development including • Minimum soil volume of 20 sq. m per tree
the outline of the proposed building. shared pit.
• All property lines, abutting roads and building • Minimum 0.9 metre soil depth and maximum
footprints on the site and adjacent lots. 1.2 metre soil depth (for soil volume calculation).
• Dimensioned relationships of the proposed • The location of all tree protection measures for
buildings above and below grade to lot lines; all trees to be preserved including those in ravine
building setbacks, easements and rights-of-way. protected areas, adjacent to City streets and
• Existing natural and site features, open space, roadways and City-owned parkland.
water bodies, and retention/preservation areas. • Proposed plantings on the site including
• General concept for grading, including the all street frontages, public walkways, driveways
existing and proposed elevations at property and easements, open areas and on adjacent
lines, driveways (indicating slope) and building road allowance (should be coordinated with
entrances (should be coordinated with the proposed Site Servicing Plan).
Grading Plan). • Green roof planting details.

24 CITY OF VAUGHAN
Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) specifications
The Tree Protection Zone is the minimum setback
required to maintain the structural integrity of the
tree’s anchor roots. Despite installing a TPZ, there
can still be significant loss of the feeder roots beyond
the established zone. Feeder roots are responsible
for water and nutrient absorption and gas exchange.
For this reason, the FPPR division may require a TPZ
larger than the minimum, depending on the tree
and the surrounding environment.

No unauthorized activities, pursuant to Section 4

of the Tree Protection By-law, may take place within
the TPZ of a tree covered under a municipal permit
process or agreement.

Table 2 below, provides the minimum TPZ standard

dimensions based on the DBH of each tree, for trees
located on City lands and on private property that
are subject to the Tree Protection By-law. Kentucky Coffee Tree / Gymnocladus dioica

Table 2 : Minimum Tree Protection Zone Determination

DIAMETER AT MINIMUM PROTECTION MINIMUM PROTECTION DISTANCES REQUIRED
BREAST HEIGHT1 DISTANCES REQUIRED2 TREES IN NATURALIZED AREAS (DRIP LINE OR
IN CENTIMETRES (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TREES) LINEAR METRES, WHICHEVER IS GREATER)
<10 1.2 The drip line3 or 1.2 m
10-29 1.8 The drip line or 3.6 m
30-40 4
2.4 The drip line or 4.8 m
41-50 3.0 The drip line or 6.0 m
51-60 3.6 The drip line or 7.2 m
61-70 4.2 The drip line or 8.4 m
71-80 4.8 The drip line or 9.6 m
81-90 5.4 The drip line or 10.6 m
91-100 6.0 The drip line or 12.0 m
>100 6 cm protection 12 cm protection for each 1 cm diameter
for each 1 cm diameter or the drip line
1. The breast measurement of tree trunk taken at 1.37 metres (m) above the ground.
2. Minimum Tree Protection Zone distances are to be measured from the outside edge of the tree base.
3. The drip line is defined as the area beneath the outer-most branch tips of a tree.
4. Converted from ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Arborist Certification Study Guide, general guidelines for tree
protection barriers of 0.3 metres in diameter from the tree stem for each centimetre of tree trunk diameter.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 25

6.3.1. Tree protection barrier 6.4. Tree planting specifications
requirements
Trees selected for preservation on site and 6.4.1. Species and size
neighbouring private and public lands within specifications
six metres of the subject property boundary, Different species of trees are better suited in different
including areas used for construction access, landscape settings. The selection of species will inform
storage and staging, must be protected during the spacing, soil quality and quantity required.
pre-development works and throughout the time
of construction and landscape installation by Species and size specifications for tree replacement:
a barrier installed in accordance with Table 2. • Coniferous trees must be at least
Tree protection barriers should meet the following 200 centimetres tall.
specifications:
• Deciduous trees must have a caliper
• Tree protection barriers must be erected prior of at least 50 millimetres.
to the commencement of any grading activity,
• If small deciduous, multi-stem and ornamental
development, site alteration and/or construction
flowering trees are desired, note that two of
activity that may injure a tree on the site and
such trees must be planted to substitute each
must remain in place throughout the duration of
coniferous or deciduous tree replacement.
the construction of the project. When a TPA is
in place, the applicant shall notify Development • Planting material must not be a shrub
Finance to request the first inspection prior or a low-growing tree for hedge installation.
to the commencement of any site works. Cedar hedge trees will not be considered
as a tree replacement species.
• In cases where a Tree Removal Permit is in place,
the applicant shall contact the FPPR division • Trees must not be an invasive species.
directly to schedule an inspection of the tree Consult Appendix A: Forestry preferred tree lists.
protection barriers prior to commencement If the site is within one of the four Heritage
of any site works. Conservation District Plan areas, the appropriate
Heritage District Conservation Plan should be
• The tree protection barriers specified herein must
consulted, as it identifies plant species acceptable
remain in a condition satisfactory to the City until
to be installed in each area.
all site activities including the installation of new
landscape are complete. • Trees shall meet the highest horticultural
• Authorization from the FPPR division must be standards of the Canadian Nursery Trades
obtained prior to removing the Tree Protection Association with respect to grading and quality
barriers. and shall be in strict accordance with the
approved Plant List and Specifications.
• Heavy duty hoarding is required by the FPPR
division in cases where the root system is at Notwithstanding the above specifications,
risk of injury or compaction. Silt barriers may replacement trees for removed fruit-bearing and
be required where soil runoff may enter the ornamental trees may be of a similar species.
identified TPZ, but they are not considered
a substitute for tree protection barriers.
In some cases, horizontal hoarding may be
required to limit soil compaction.

26 CITY OF VAUGHAN
Planting trees and hedges should not limit the In an urban setting, tighter spacing is commonplace
safety, visibility or sense of security of a pedestrian, compared to wider spacing in open and rural areas.
cyclist or driver.
The following applies when planting trees within
Refer to Appendix A for the general characteristics the boulevard:
of tree species suitable for establishment within • The minimum acceptable distance between the
one or more of the tree planting typologies within curb edge and a sidewalk, necessary to establish
the city. a green boulevard, shall be two metres.
• Trees should be planted 1.5 metres from curb
6.4.2. Timing of planting edge, subject to all utility clearances. Trees shall
Trees can be planted in the spring, as soon be planted once all utility clearances have been
as the frost is out of the ground, until late June approved.
or in the fall, from early September until freeze-up
• Where the sidewalk and the curb edge are
or snow cover.
attached, trees should be planted 1.3 metres
Planting between July 1 and Aug. 31 is not away from the sidewalk.
recommended. • The City has standard tree planting measurement
setbacks included in this Protocol, Appendix B.
6.4.3. Spatial requirements Refer to Appendix A, Forestry preferred tree lists,
for the full chart.
For trees to sustain their health and growth
potential, and consequently provide the most • Only salt-tolerant ornamental/smaller stature
benefits, trees must have as much space as trees should be planted under high voltage
possible. There is a balance that a tree maintains service lines and by streetlights.
between the leaf’s surface area for photosynthesis • Trees are not to be planted in line with lot
and the area that absorbing roots require for drainage swales.
water and nutrient uptake.
• Trees should be placed an appropriate distance
Specifically, trees should be spaced eight to from buildings to allow proper crown growth
10 metres (six to 10 metres for small form species) without excessive pruning. Species selection
apart, parallel to the property line, depending on is important in tight situations.
the tree species and the site conditions, without • No tree planting shall be made within one metre
obstructing sight lines for vehicles or pedestrians, of any building or structure.
or accessibility to the site.
• Space should be provided for root growth.
Planting should also not limit the safety or sense The expected tree size at maturity should be
of security of a pedestrian, cyclist or driver. matched to the planting space to keep trees
healthy and prevent damage to surrounding
sidewalks, curbs and pavement.
• In cases where one boulevard tree is proposed
to be planted between two driveways, the tree
should be centered in the available space.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 27

For sites within 6.4.5. Tree locations and utilities
an Intensification Corridor: Utility right-of-way should be adhered to for all tree
The deeper front yard setbacks anticipated on planting on private sites. Public utilities should be
Intensification Corridors, should provide sufficient placed within the street right-of-way (or in a front
space to accommodate a double row of trees, yard easement) in a joint utility trench that can be
stormwater management gardens and other accessed for repairs without disturbing street and
environmental functions. site trees. Site utilities should be integrated into
building design, placed in discreet locations away
Trees should establish a consistent streetscape
from the primary building frontage and amenity
pattern with minimal transitions between
spaces or screened from public view.
properties. Where possible, a continuous row of
trees should be planted 1.5 metres from the front The owner and their contractors are responsible for
yard property line. Where space permits, a second all services and utilities in the planned work area.
row of trees should be planted approximately
four metres from the front yard property line. The owner and their contractors are responsible
for the activity in the municipal right-of-way and
In areas with high volumes and multiple types of shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary
traffic, trees are to be spaced at least three metres information regarding the exact location of utilities,
away from the property line. including service connections.

Planting pits require deep watering/flushing The owner and their contractors completing the
capabilities with drainage. work will be held responsible for the protection
of all services, whether aerial or underground,
6.4.4. Soil volumes during the time of construction and will be held
liable for any damage.
Trees need an adequate volume of oxygen-rich
soil to thrive. The following are the minimum
requirements for soil volumes: 6.4.6. Soil quality
• minimum of 30 square metres for single tree pits Soil quality is the capacity of a specific kind of soil
to function, to sustain plant productivity, maintain
• minimum of 20 square metres per tree
or enhance water and air quality, and support
for shared pits
human health and habitation.
• minimum 0.9 metre depth; maximum 1.2 metre
depth (for soil volume calculation) In general soils, a mixture of topsoil, coarse sand and
compost components are mixed in the appropriate
• minimum 1.2 metre depth for encumbered
proportions to achieve the above goal.
landscaped areas, such as above underground
parking garages or stormwater retention Refer to the City’s Construction Specification
infrastructures for Topsoil for further information.
• minimum 1.5 metres away from the exposed
portion of a planting pits

Refer to the City’s Construction Specification

for Topsoil for further information.

28 CITY OF VAUGHAN
7.0 Resources
Vaughan’s urban tree canopy is a critical asset • Green Directions Vaughan
of the city and an important element to green • City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines
infrastructure. The City is committed to improving Vol.1 (PDF)
and increasing the urban forest and overall canopy
• City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines
cover to add valuable community amenities,
Vol. 2 (PDF)
improve the health of residents and provide
ecosystem services. • City-Wide Streetscape Implementation
Manual and Financial Strategy - For
The following are some valuable resources, Intensification Areas and Heritage
outlining landscape requirements, by-laws Conservation Districts
and guidelines, green infrastructure guidelines
• Community Gardens on Municipal Lands
and programs, and more:
• Complete Streets (PDF)
• Tree Protection By-law as amended or replaced
• Sustainability Metrics Program (PDF)
• York Region Forest Conservation By-law
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Planning and Permits
• Tree planting programs by York Region
• York Region’s Greening Strategy

Red Leaf Japanese Maple / Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 29

8.0Glossary
APPLICANT means a person seeking permission AUTHORIZED AGENT means a person authorized
from the local authority for development or change in writing by an applicant or permit holder to act
of use of land or buildings, or to obtain a tree on behalf of such applicant or permit holder for
removal permit or a tree protection agreement. the identified purpose of making an application
They might do so in person or through an authorized or otherwise complying with the provisions of
agent. An applicant shall always include the owner this by-law.
of the property to which the application pertains.
BASE DIAMETER is a measurement used when a
APPLICATION means a formal proposal to the local tree has been cut down to less than 1.4 metres in
authority for planning permission for development height above the existing grade; the measurement
or a change of use of land or buildings. This of the diameter of the trunk of a tree from outside
shall include development applications, CoA the bark at the existing grade of the ground
applications, Heritage Permits, Draft Plan of adjoining its base.
Subdivision, Development and Spine Services
CITY means the Corporation of the City of
Agreements, Site Alteration Permits, building
Vaughan, in the Regional Municipality of York
permits, pool and access permits, tree permits
and its employees and agents acting on the
and Tree Protection Agreements.
Corporation’s behalf.
ARBORIST means a person who has an Arborist
CLERK means the Clerk of the Corporation of the
certification, or equivalent, through by the Ontario
City of Vaughan or duly appointed designate.
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
(MTCU), the International Society of Arboriculture COUNCIL means the Council of the Corporation
(ISA) or the American Society of Consulting of the City of Vaughan.
Arborists (ASCA), or is a Registered Professional
Forester as defined in the Professional Foresters DANGEROUS, with respect to a tree, means
Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 18, as amended. an immediate threat to property or life.

ARBORIST REPORT means a report prepared by DEAD means a tree that has no living tissue.
an arborist or landscape architect which provides
DIAMETER with respect to a tree, means the
details on the location, species, size, condition,
measurement at 1.4 metres above the existing
structural integrity, impacts of construction,
grade of the ground adjoining its base, outside
mitigation recommendations and any other
the bark;
information required by the Director of Forestry
regarding a tree(s) to be destroyed, injured (a) where there is only one trunk, the diameter
or removed. The report shall be in accordance of the trunk of a tree; or
with industry best practices as set out in the (b) where there are multiple trunks, the square root
American National Standard Institute for Tree of the sum of the diameters of the three largest
Care Operations — tree, shrub and other woody trunks, squared.
plant management — Standard Practices
(ANSI 300 Part 9 – Standard Practices), as amended
or replaced.

30 CITY OF VAUGHAN
DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY means the Director LANDS means a lot only; does not include a building.
of Parks, Forestry and Horticultural Operations,
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT means a person
or their delegate.
registered as a Landscape Architect under the
DRIP-LINE means the area beneath the outer most provisions of the Ontario Association of Landscape
branch tips of a tree. Architects Act, 1984 S.O. 1984, c. P412.

DYING a tree that is infected by a lethal pathogen LOT means a parcel of land with specific
or where 70 per cent or more of its crown is dead. boundaries capable of legal transfer.

EMERGENCY WORK means the work necessary to MUNICIPAL RIGHT-OF-WAY also known as
terminate an immediate threat to life or property. municipal road allowance, refers to a City-
owned piece of land. It may include the roadway,
FEES AND CHARGES BY-LAW refers to the City
boulevards and sections of land used for utility
Fees and Charges By-law 224-2023, as amended,
services. On a residential street, this refers to the
or its successor by-law.
section of a front lawn closer to the roadway that
HAZARD means a tree is a potential harm to is publicly owned, not the section of the front lawn
property or life, but not an immediate threat, closer to the dwelling owned by the homeowner.
as determined by a certified TRAQ arborist.
NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURE means an area of
INJURE OR DESTROY with respect to a tree, environmental significance in which development
means the harm, impairment or damage to a tree and use may be restricted by governmental
by removal, cutting or girdling of the tree or roots, agencies, such as, but not limited to wetlands
or interfering with the water supply, application or habitats for fish, wildlife, or threatened or
of chemicals, compaction or regrading within the endangered species; valley, woodlands, sand
drip line of the tree, or by other means, including barrens, savannahs and tallgrass prairies.
irreversible injury which may result from neglect,
accident or design, but does not include pruning.

White birch / Betula papyrifera

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 31

OWNER means the registered owner of a lot, PUBLIC TREE means any tree which has
his/her respective successors and assigns, including 50 per cent or more of its main stem situated
his/her duly authorized agent. on public property.

PERMIT means the official authorization required REGION means the Regional Municipality of York
by Tree Protection By-law, as may be amended, to and its employees and agents acting on its behalf.
injure or destroy a tree on private property within
SECURITY means a letter of credit or a certified
the city.
cheque/bank draft. Letters of credit should be
PERMIT HOLDER means an applicant once in a format approved by the City and from an
a tree removal permit has been granted. institution acceptable to the City as per the
Letter of Credit Policy.
PERSON includes a natural individual,
a corporation, partnership, proprietorship or SIGNIFICANT TREE means any tree with
other form of business association and the heirs, a diameter of 80 centimetres or greater.
executors, administrators, successors and assigns,
TREE means a self-supporting woody plant
or other legal representatives thereof, or a receiver
which has reached or will reach a height of
or mortgagee in possession.
at least 4.5 metres at maturity.
PRIVATE PROPERTY means any property
TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN means a document
not owned by the City, Regional, Provincial or
prepared by an arborist or landscape architect
Federal Government or a Crown Corporation.
which includes:
PRIVATE TREE means any tree which has a) an arborist report list and map of all trees
51 per cent or more of its main stem situated on a lot.
on private property.
b) an arborist report list and map of all trees
PRUNING means the appropriate removal in within six metres of all lot lines, in the case
accordance with good arboricultural practices of of construction related applications.
not more than 25 per cent of the live branches c) the manner and timing in which any injury
or limbs of a tree. Pruning of 25 per cent or more or destruction of trees will be carried out.
of the live branches or limbs on a tree may be
d) the qualifications and contact information of all
considered acceptable as part of a consistent
persons authorized to injure or destroy trees.
annual pruning program.
e) the plans for replacement tree(s) and
PUBLIC LANDS means lands owned by the planting(s), including species, size, location
City, Regional, Provincial or Federal Government, and timing of those replacements, and whether
a Crown Corporation and shall include but not the locations will change, and why.
be limited to the boulevard, any highway, lane,
f) all measures that will be taken to mitigate the
alley, square, place, viaduct or trestle, waterway
direct and indirect effects of the destruction
or bridge, park, Woodlands, Woodlots, greenbelt,
of the tree on other nearby trees, properties,
storm water management facility, open space,
water bodies, natural areas and other
municipal golf course or cemetery, multi-use
components of the ecosystem.
pathway and all parts thereof.
g) other information as directed by staff.

32 CITY OF VAUGHAN
TREE PROTECTION AGREEMENT means a WOODLANDS has the same meaning as in York
permission by the City to an owner, to engage Region’s Forest Conservation By-law, and means
in tree related works on their lot; it identifies all land at least one hectare in area with at least:
the trees to be preserved, removed or injured and a) 1000 trees, of any size, per hectare;
is established on the approved arborist report,
b) 750 trees, measuring over five centimetres
Tree Management Plan and other documents
DBH, per hectare;
as deemed appropriate by the City. The Tree
Protection Agreement needs to be made prior c) 500 trees, measuring over 12 centimetres DBH,
to a development agreement, Spine Services per hectare; or
Agreement, Site Plan Agreement, Subdivision d) 250 trees, measuring over 20 centimetres DBH,
Agreement, building permit, Site Alteration Permit, per hectare;
pool permit or Heritage Permit.
but does not include a cultivated fruit or nut
TREE PROTECTION ZONE means the minimum orchard, or a plantation established and maintained
setback required, as determined by the Manager for the purpose of producing Christmas trees or
of Forestry, to maintain the structural integrity nursery stock.
of the tree’s anchor roots, based on generally
WOODLOT has the same meaning as in York
accepted arboricultural principles.
Region’s Forest Conservation By-law, and means
TREE REMOVAL PERMIT means the official land at least 0.2 hectare in area and no greater
authorization required to injure, destroy or otherwise than one hectare in area, with at least:
remove a tree on private property within the city. a) 200 trees, of any size, per 0.2 hectare;
TREE REPLACEMENT RATIO means the number b) 150 trees, measuring over five centimetres
of 50-centimetre caliper trees required to be DBH, per 0.2 hectare;
planted to offset the environmental impact of tree c) 100 trees, measuring over 12 centimetres DBH,
removal, which is based on the diameter of trees per 0.2 hectare; or
as defined in this Protocol.
d) 50 trees, measuring over 20 centimetres DBH,
TRUNK FORMULA means the tree valuation per 0.2 hectare;
method based on measuring the trunk The above specifications do not include a cultivated
cross-sectional area and multiplying that by fruit or nut orchard, or a plantation established
a monetary value per square centimetre. This basic and maintained for the purpose of producing
value is then depreciated or reduced by factors for Christmas trees or nursery stock.
species, condition and location of the tree.

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 33

Appendix A: Forestry
preferred tree lists
List of deciduous trees CODE COMMON SCIENTIFIC FORM
for parks and buffer blocks NAME NAME
ACsu Sugar Maple Acer saccharum large
Species planting rules:
ACt Tartarian Acer tartaricum large
• In general, no more than 10 per cent Maple
of any genus per project.
AEc Ruby-Red Aesulus carnea large
• No more than four trees of the same genus Horse ‘Briotii’
in a row or in the same area. Chestnut
AEg Ohio Buckeye Aesulus glabra large
• No more than two per cent of Acer, Tilia,
and Gleditsia genus per project. AEh Horse Aesulus large
Chestnut hippocastanum
CODE COMMON SCIENTIFIC FORM AM Serviceberry Amelanchier spp small
NAME NAME BEpa White Birch Betula papyrifera large
ACc Hedge Maple Acer campestre small CAca Musclewood Carpinus medium
ACf Freeman Acer freemanii large - Blue Beech caroliniana
Maple CAco Bitternut Carya large
ACfF Firefall Acer x freemanii large Hickory cordiformis
Maple ‘Firefall’ CAo Shagbark Carya large
ACfK Karpick Acer rubrum columnar Hickory ovata
Maple ‘Karpick’ CAp European Carpinus medium
ACgi Amur Maple Acer ginnala small Hornbeam betulus
ACgr Paperbark Acer griseum small CAs Northern Catalpa large
Maple Catalpa speciosa
ACpa Japanese Acer palmatum small CEc Red Bud Cercis canadensis small
Maple CEj Katsura Cercidiphylum medium
ACpaB Red Leaf Acer palmatum small japonicum
Japanese ‘Bloodgood’ CEo Hackberry Celtis occidentalis large
Maple
CR Hawthorn Cretaegus small
ACpC Columnar Acer plataniodes columnar spp spp
Maple ‘Co- lumnare’
FAg American Fagus large
AcpDR Harlequin Acer plataniodes medium Beech grandifolia
Maple ‘Drummondii’
FAs European Fagus large
ACpG Globe Maple Acer plataniodes small Beech sylvatica
‘Globosum’
FAsF Columnar Fagus sylvatica columnar
ACpR Royal Red Acer plataniodes large European ‘Fastigiata’
Maple ‘Royal Red’ Beech
ACps Sycamore Acer large FAsR Tricolor Fagus sylvatica large
Maple pseudoplatanus Beech ‘Roseamarginata’
ACr Native Red Acer rubrum large GIb Ginkgo / Ginkgo biloba large
Maple Maidenhair
ACsi Silver Maple Acer saccharinum large Tree

34 CITY OF VAUGHAN
CODE COMMON SCIENTIFIC FORM CODE COMMON SCIENTIFIC FORM
NAME NAME NAME NAME
GLtD Street Keeper Gleditsia large QUa White Oak Quercus alba large
Honeylocust triocanthos
QUb Swamp Quercus large
‘Draves’
White Oak bicolor
GLtI Thornless Gleditsia large
QUBM Prairie Quercus x large
Honeylocust triocanthos var.
Stature Oak Bimundorum
inermis
‘Midwest’
GLtS Shademaster Gleditsia large
QUm Burr Oak Quercus large
Honeylocust triocanthos
macrocarpa
‘Shademaster’
QUp Pin Oak Quercus palustris large
GLtS Skyline Gleditsia large
Honeylocust triocanthos QUro English Oak Quercus robur large
‘Skycole’
QUroa Crimson Quercus robur x large
GLtSU Sunburst Gleditsia large Spire Oak alba ‘Crimschmidt’
Honeylocust triocanthos
QUroF Pyramidal Quercus robur large
‘Suncole’
English Oak ‘Fastigiata’
GYd Kentuckey Gymnocladus large
QUru Northern Red Quercus large
Coffee Tree dioica
Oak rubra
JUc Butternut Juglans cinerea large
SOa European Sorbus small
JUn Black Walnut Juglans nigra large Mountain aucuparia
Ash
LIt Tulip Tree Liriodendron large
tulipifera SOj Japanese Sophora japonica medium
Pagoda ‘Regent’
LItJEmerald City Liriodendron large
Tulip Tree tulipifera ‘JFS-Oz’ SOt Oakleaf Sorbus thuringiaca small
Mountain ‘Fastigiata’
MAP Profusion Malus small
Ash
Crabapple ‘Profusion’
SYr Ivory Silk Tree Syringa reticulata small
MApWS Maclura White Shield large
Lilac ‘Ivory Silk’
pomifera Osage Orange
‘White THo White Cedar Thuja occidentalis small
Shield’ TIa American Tilia large
MAR Royalty Malus small Basswood americana
Crabapple ‘Royalty’ TIaR Redmond Tilia americana large
MASo Saucer Magnolia x small Linden ‘Redmond’
Magnolia ‘soulangiana’ TIc Little Leaf Tilia large
MASt Star Magnolia small Linden cordata
Magnolia stellata TIcG Greenspire Tilia cordata large
OSv Hop Ostrya medium Linden ‘Greenspire’
Hornbeam/ virginiana ULa American Ulmus large
Ironwood Elm americana
PLa London Platanus x large ULaJ Jefferson Ulmus americana large
Plane Tree acerifolia Elm ‘Jefferson’
PRc Purpleleaf Prunus x cistena small
ULP Pioneer Elm Ulmus x ‘Pioneer’ large
Sand Cherry
PRs Black Cherry Prunus serotina small ZEs Zelcova Zelcova serrata medium

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 35

List of coniferous trees List of tree species
for parks and development for street tree planting

CODE COMMON SCIENTIFIC FORM Street trees species planting rules:

NAME NAME
• In general, no more than 10 per cent
Ac White Fir Abies concolor large of any genus per project.
Af Fraser Fir Abies fraseri large • No more than four trees of the same genus
Cn Weeping Chamaecyparis shrub in a row or in the same area.
False Cypress nootkatensis
‘Pendulata’ • No more than two per cent of Acer, Tilia,
Jv Eastern Red Juniperus shrub and Gleditsia genus per project.
Cedar virginiana
COMMON SCIENTIFIC RESTRICTIONS
Ld Larch Larix decidua large NAME NAME
Ll Tamarack Larix laricina large Hedge Acer campestre narrow form only
Mg Dawn Metasequoia large Maple
Redwood glyptostroboides Amur Maple Acer ginnala none
Pa Norway Picea abies large Columnar Acer plataniodes none
Spruce Maple ‘Columnare’
Pg White Spruce Picea glauca large Silver Maple Acer saccharinum arterial roads
Pme Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga large and reverse
menziesii frontages only
Tartarian Acer tartaricum none
Maple
Ohio Aesulus glabra none
Buckeye
Serviceberry Amelanchier spp none
European Carpinus betulus sightline sensitive
Hornbeam “Fastgiata”
Bitternut Carya cordiformis none
Hickory
Katsura Cercidiphylum residential, non
japonicum arterial streets only
Hackberry Celtis occidentalis none
European Fagus sylvatica residential, non
Beech arterial streets only
Columnar Fagus sylvatica residential, non
European ‘Fastigiata’ arterial streets
Beech only, sightline
sensitive
Ginkgo Tree Ginkgo biloba male only
Skyline Gleditsia triocanthos none
Honeylocust ‘Skycole’
Eastern Red Cedar / Juniperus virginiana

36 CITY OF VAUGHAN
 Tulip Tree / Liriodendron tulipifera

COMMON SCIENTIFIC RESTRICTIONS COMMON SCIENTIFIC RESTRICTIONS

NAME NAME NAME NAME
Sunburst Gleditsia triocanthos none Northern Quercus none
Honeylocust ‘Suncole’ Red Oak rubra
Kentucky Gymnocladus dioica residential, none Ivory Silk Syringa reticulata none
Coffee Tree arterial streets only Tree Lilac ‘Ivory Silk’
Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera none Redmond Tilia americana none
Linden ‘Redmond’
London Platanus none
Plane Tree x acerifolia Little Leaf Tilia none
Linden cordata
White Oak Quercus alba none
Boulevard Tilia americana none
Swamp Quercus none Linden ‘Boulevard’
White Oak bicolor
Pioneer Ulmus arterial roads
Burr Oak Quercus macrocarpa none Elm x ‘Pioneer’ and reverse
English Oak Quercus robur none frontages only
Crimson Quercus robur x alba none American Ulmus americana arterial roads
Spire Oak ‘Crimschmidt’ Elm ‘Jefferson’ and reverse
frontages only
Pyramidal Quercus robur sightline specific
English Oak ‘Fastigiata’ Zelcova Zelcova serrata none

2025 TREE PROTECTION PROTOCOL 37

Appendix B: Minimum
setback requirements
for tree planting
DISTANCES DISTANCES
OBJECTS OBJECTS
(M) (M)
Bell/Cablevision posts 1.5 Hydro transformers 3
Sidewalk, privacy fence, 1.5 Streetlights 3
hedge, sound wall
New tree, from any part 6
Private walkway, driveway edge 1.5 of other tree
Curb edge 1.5 Bus shelter/community 5
mailboxes
Existing stump greater than 1.5
10 centimetres Stop sign 15
Boulevard space requirements 2 * Species: If the boulevard is only two metres (curb to
(curb to sidewalk) *Species sidewalk), consider smaller species i.e., Zelkova (ZEs),
Parallel driveway space 3 Tartarian Maple (ACt), Amur Maple (ACgi), Hedge Maple
(ACc), Ivory Silk Lilac (SYr).
requirements (between)
Fire hydrants 3
(no planting in front of)

38 CITY OF VAUGHAN