Harmonized Private Tree By-law, Updates to existing Woodland bylaws and Tree Protection Guidelines

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In 2023, the Urban Forest Strategy was approved by Council – within the strategy is a target to grow the urban forest canopy to 40% by 2050. To help achieve this staff were directed to develop and seek public feedback on a Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw which would apply to the urban boundary only. Staff were also directed to update the existing Woodland Bylaws (regional and urban) and Tree Protection Guidelines, which apply to developments of 10 units or greater.

How do Bylaws help grow the urban canopy?

Approximately 58% (5.2 million) of Hamilton’s trees are located on private property. Between 2021 and 2024, within the urban boundary, Hamilton has continued to lose tree canopy on private land. The Bylaws and Guidelines directly support the retention of trees on private property and increased compensation for trees removed.

What size of tree is the Bylaw proposing to protect?

A 45cm tree or greater on private property measured at 1.4m off the ground, known is the arboriculture industry as diameter at breast height.
Person hugging 45cm diameter tree at breast height

What are the impacts to me as resident?

The proposed Private Tree Bylaw will impact homeowners, as tree removals that meet the size threshold and do not meet an exemption will require a permit fee and the planting of replacement tree(s), creating additional costs for residents. The expanded list of exemptions is designed to limit these costs by ensuring trees removed for valid reasons are exempt, while preserving safe, healthy trees that contribute to the urban canopy.

Review Draft Bylaws & Guidelines

Review the draft Harmonized Private Tree By-law and proposed updates to the Urban Woodland By-law, Woodland Conservation By-Law, and Tree Protection Guidelines:

In 2023, the Urban Forest Strategy was approved by Council – within the strategy is a target to grow the urban forest canopy to 40% by 2050. To help achieve this staff were directed to develop and seek public feedback on a Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw which would apply to the urban boundary only. Staff were also directed to update the existing Woodland Bylaws (regional and urban) and Tree Protection Guidelines, which apply to developments of 10 units or greater.

How do Bylaws help grow the urban canopy?

Approximately 58% (5.2 million) of Hamilton’s trees are located on private property. Between 2021 and 2024, within the urban boundary, Hamilton has continued to lose tree canopy on private land. The Bylaws and Guidelines directly support the retention of trees on private property and increased compensation for trees removed.

What size of tree is the Bylaw proposing to protect?

A 45cm tree or greater on private property measured at 1.4m off the ground, known is the arboriculture industry as diameter at breast height.
Person hugging 45cm diameter tree at breast height

What are the impacts to me as resident?

The proposed Private Tree Bylaw will impact homeowners, as tree removals that meet the size threshold and do not meet an exemption will require a permit fee and the planting of replacement tree(s), creating additional costs for residents. The expanded list of exemptions is designed to limit these costs by ensuring trees removed for valid reasons are exempt, while preserving safe, healthy trees that contribute to the urban canopy.

Review Draft Bylaws & Guidelines

Review the draft Harmonized Private Tree By-law and proposed updates to the Urban Woodland By-law, Woodland Conservation By-Law, and Tree Protection Guidelines:

  • Private Tree Protection Survey

    28 responses

    This survey will ask you questions about private tree protection in Hamilton. It should take approximately 8 minutes to complete. 

    Please review the Open House Presentation prior to completing the survey.

    Survey deadline: April 23, 2026

    Notice of Collection: The City of Hamilton collects your information under the authority of Sections 227 of the Municipal Act for the purpose of Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw Review and Updates to Existing Woodland Bylaws and Existing Tree Protection Guidelines. Your opinion collected will be used to inform the development of recommendations to City Council as part of the Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw Review and the updates to existing Woodland Bylaws and Tree Protection Guidelines. Questions about this collection should be directed to: Senior Project Manager, Policy & Preservation 100 King St W, 14th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1A2, 365-384-0204, louise.thomassin@hamilton.ca


    Take Private Tree Survey
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  • Urban & Regional Woodland Bylaws Survey

    This survey will ask you questions about woodland protection in Hamilton. It should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

    Please review the Open House Presentation prior to completing the survey.

    Survey deadline: April 23, 2026

    Notice of Collection: The City of Hamilton collects your information under the authority of Sections 227 of the Municipal Act for the purpose of Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw Review and Updates to Existing Woodland Bylaws and Existing Tree Protection Guidelines. Your opinion collected will be used to inform the development of recommendations to City Council as part of the Harmonized Private Tree Bylaw Review and the updates to existing Woodland Bylaws and Tree Protection Guidelines. Questions about this collection should be directed to: Senior Project Manager, Policy & Preservation 100 King St W, 14th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1A2, 365-384-0204, louise.thomassin@hamilton.ca

    Take Woodland Survey
    Share Urban & Regional Woodland Bylaws Survey on Facebook Share Urban & Regional Woodland Bylaws Survey on Twitter Share Urban & Regional Woodland Bylaws Survey on Linkedin Email Urban & Regional Woodland Bylaws Survey link
Page last updated: 12 Mar 2026, 12:52 PM