Tree Cutting Permit

Trees on private property are protected under the City of Coquitlam Tree Management Bylaw 4091, 2010. If you wish to remove a tree on your property, consult the bylaw first.

Tree removal requirements outlined here is for residents wanting to remove a tree on their property.  Developers looking to remove trees should review the Trees and Development page.

Applying for a Tree Cutting Permit

Replacement Trees as a Condition of my Tree Cutting Permit

Replacement trees may be required as a condition of your tree cutting permit. Replacement trees help to re-establish canopy cover following the removal of mature and significant trees from your property. Trees are available at a number of nurseries throughout the Lower Mainland.

Whether you require tree replacement will be based on the this Tree Replacement Requirements chart (PDF). The two main factors include the size of your lot and the number of protected trees remaining after tree removal occurs. This applies only to trees removed outside of Riparian areas or Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA).

Replacement Tree Inspection and Bond Return

Ensure your trees are planted to acceptable BC Landscape & Nursery Association standards and follow the Private Property Tree Replacement Requirements (PDF). Please email Urban Forestry to arrange a site inspection by a Forest Management Technician once installed.

If no deficiencies are noted in the trees, or in the quality of planting, 90% of your security bond will be returned to you. One year after the initial inspection, a final inspection will take place to confirm the survival of the trees at which point the remaining 10% will be returned.

Replacement Trees - Species

If replacement trees are required, consult our list of recommended replacement trees, These trees are broken down into three categories or ‘classes’ (A, B, and C) based on their height and canopy spread at maturity. Urban Forestry is open to species not listed, but they must be approved prior to installation. Additionally, the following factors apply to replacement trees:

  • Columnar species will be counted as Class B trees.
  • Weeping varieties will be counted as Class C trees.
  • Hedge species, shrub and dwarf varieties will not be accepted as replacement trees