If you're planning construction, a renovation, or a removal anywhere near mature trees, there's a good chance your municipality will ask for an arborist report before it issues a permit. It's one of the most common documents we prepare — and one of the most misunderstood.
What an arborist report covers
An arborist report is a professional assessment of the trees on and around your property. It documents each tree's species, size, condition, and health, identifies hazards, and recommends how the trees should be treated — retained and protected, pruned, or removed — along with the reasoning a municipality needs to make a decision.
When you'll be asked for one
- Applying for a permit to remove a tree above your municipality's size threshold
- Construction or demolition near mature trees, where a tree protection plan is required
- Documenting that a dead, dying, or hazardous tree qualifies for an exemption
Why it pays to involve an arborist early
Builders and homeowners alike save time when the report comes before the permit application, not after a rejection. As an ISA Certified arborist, Green Guard Tree Care handles the whole chain: the tree health assessment, the arborist report, and the permit application itself.
We prepare arborist reports and permit applications across North York, Caledon, Orangeville, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket.