There is a By-law in Ancaster that restricts the removal of trees on private property if they meet certain criteria. A permit is required for any private tree that:

• Is greater than 45cm DBH (diameter at breast height - see the definition and how to calculate DBH below) and is greater than 7.5 meters away from an Occupied Building (defined by Ancaster as a permanent structure used or intended to be used for the shelter, accommodation or enclosure of persons for residential, business, institutional or recreational purposes)

An applicant must contact Municipal Law Enforcement to obtain the permit. They can be reached at MLEtrees@hamilton.ca. 

There is an exception to this rule, however. If the tree in question fits the above critera BUT is any of the following species, you are exempt from applying for a permit: 

• All Willow species (Salix spp.)
• All Poplar species (Populus spp.)
• Siberian Elms (Ulmuspumila)
• Manitoba Maples (Acer negundo)
• Norway Maples (Acer platanoides) 

You are also exempt from requiring a permit if a Qualified Tree Expert (like one of our ISA-certified arborists) considers the removal or destruction of the tree as required because significant portions of the tree are considered dead, diseased or hazardous.  

Ancaster's permitting regulations are a bit confusing - so don't hesitate to reach out to us and we'll point you in the right direction!