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How Barrie’s Tree By‐Law Affects Construction: Compliance & Best Practices

Barrie’s booming growth—particularly in new subdivisions—places both existing and future trees at risk. Heavy machinery, soil compaction, and improper removals not only endanger our urban canopy but can also lead to hefty fines under Barrie’s tree protection bylaws. Below, follow our five-step framework—actionable steps, handy tips, and clear “When to Call Tyler” cues—to navigate local regulations and safeguard Barrie’s trees through every phase of construction.

1.Conduct a Pre-Construction Tree Inventory & Assessment in Barrie

Steps that Home Owner Can Take:

  1. Engage a Certified Arborist to perform a tree inventory of all trees on-site and within 6 m of property lines, recording species, trunk diameter (DBH), and health.

  2. Develop a Tree Preservation Plan that maps Protected, Conditional, and Removal zones, and shows proposed preservation fencing—this report must accompany your subdivision or site-plan application barrie.ca.

  3. Submit the Arborist Report along with your municipal application per Barrie’s Tree Protection Manual requirements barrie.ca.

Little Tip:

Lay out your building envelopes to avoid high-value trees—early adjustments save on costly removals later.

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2. Establish and Maintain Barrie Tree Protection Zones (TPZs)

Steps that Home Owner Can Take:

  1. Calculate TPZ radius using 10 cm × DBH (cm), or apply Barrie’s local rule of 2 × DBH + 1 m for critical specimens barrie.ca.
  2. Install sturdy barriers (e.g., orange mesh fencing or 2 × 6 plywood hoarding) around each TPZ—no stockpiling of materials or equipment within these zones.
  3. Post “Tree Protection” signage on each barrier to alert crews and inspectors.

Little Tip:

Reflective tape on stakes improves nighttime visibility for 24/7 sites.

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3. Adhere to Barrie’s Tree Preservation By-Laws & Permits

Steps that Home Owner Can Take:

  1. Review Private Tree By-law 2014-115: permits are required for injuring or removing any tree ≥ 15 cm DBH on private property barrie.cabarrie.ca.

  2. Apply for a Private Tree Permit before any pruning or removal—include your Tree Preservation Plan and pay the applicable fee (currently $200 +/tree) Can be subject to changes.

  3. Post security deposits if mandated; these are refundable upon compliance verification.

Little Tip:

Unauthorized removals can trigger Orders to Comply and replacement ratios up to 5:1—plan your removals well ahead of construction start dates.

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4. Adhere to Barrie’s Tree Preservation By-Laws & Permits

Steps that Home Owner Can Take:

  1. Consult Ontario’s Planning Act & Provincial Policy Statement for natural heritage policies affecting subdivisions.
  2. Check with NVCA if your site falls within regulated areas—any fill or site alteration above 2 m³ now requires NVCA review under O. Reg. 41/24 nvca.on.ca.
  3. Integrate required setbacks and buffer zones into your grading plans to protect root zones of adjacent trees.

Little Tip:

Even if Barrie bylaws don’t apply to greenspace buffers, NVCA may enforce under the Conservation Authorities Act—always verify via NVCA’s “Do I Need a Permit?” tool nvca.on.ca.

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5. Post-Construction Restoration & Barrie Tree Planting Obligations

Steps that Home Owner Can Take:

  1. De-compact soil within TPZs using air-spade or structural soil to restore aeration and drainage.

  2. Replant at prescribed ratios—Barrie often requires 2:1 replacement for small removals and up to 5:1 for significant infill barrie.ca.

  3. Mulch and water new trees: apply 5–10 cm of organic mulch and institute weekly watering for the first year.

Little Tip:

Choose native species from Barrie’s planting guide (e.g., bur oak, serviceberry) to boost biodiversity and survival rates.

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Disclaimer

The information presented in this article was gathered from publicly available online sources and interpreted by an expert copywriter for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance—particularly with respect to Barrie’s tree by-law and related regulations—local rules and requirements can change without notice. Tyler’s Tree Services and its authors assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or for any outcomes based on the use of this information. Readers should verify all details with the City of Barrie, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, or other governing bodies, and consult qualified professionals before making any construction or tree-care decisions.

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