Can I Cut Down My Own Christmas Tree?

  • 10 janvier 2023
  • Sarah Hahn, Barriston LLP

If you love having a real Christmas tree but you don’t want to pay for one, you may be looking to chop one down in a local forest or maybe get one from your own property.

But… is it allowed? In Ontario, the short answer is: it depends.Map of Ontario with line just south of North Bay, indicating 'Yes' above the line and 'No' below the line vis a vis question posed in title

Individuals are permitted to cut down a tree on crown (public) land so long as they are north of the Mattawa and French Rivers. This means no going into the forest to get your own tree in Simcoe County or the GTA.

A person can cut down a tree on their own property unless there is a regional or municipal by-law which prohibits tree cutting, or conservation rules against it.