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Tree removal and replacement in Burnaby, BC
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Removing a protected tree in Burnaby needs City approval. Leaf fall, shade and blocked views are usually not enough reasons for a cutting permit.
Key information
Removing a protected tree in Burnaby needs City approval. Leaf fall, shade and blocked views are usually not enough reasons for a cutting permit.
On this page
Why approval may be granted
The City considers health, structural condition, utility conflicts, road sightlines, unavoidable damage and development constraints. It normally does not approve removal merely because of shade, falling leaves, a view, garden redesign or wildlife.
Read the Tree Bylaw for whether a tree is protected. Ask the private-tree permit team at 604-294-7130 before work. City trees use the separate Treeline number, 604-297-4500.
Replacement trees and security
The replacement scale is one tree for a removed trunk of 20.3 to 30.5 cm, two for 30.5 to 61 cm, and three for 61 cm or larger. The source ranges share boundary values, so ask staff to confirm an exact boundary case.
For single- or two-family properties without development, staff may decide replacement needs based on the property. Where required trees cannot fit, a contribution to the Civic Tree Reserve Fund may be needed.
Required replacement security is the greater of the annual bylaw fee calculation or 120% of replacement cost. It must be supplied before permit issue. The security supports planting and first-year survival.
Choose and plant accepted trees
Conifers must be at least two metres tall; deciduous trees need a minimum five-centimetre trunk diameter. Two smaller fruit trees count as one replacement, while a five-centimetre fruit tree counts as one. Palms must be at least two metres tall.
Hedges, shrubs, low-growing varieties and invasive species do not count. Plant on private land, not the City boulevard, with at least three metres between trunks and room to mature. Contact the arborist after planting to start the one-year inspection period.
Construction and bird nests
Discuss affected trees before submitting an engineering pre-application. Show retained and replacement trees on the site plan and keep construction outside protection areas. The City says development tree permits are generated within the application process.
The City identifies March 15 to August 15 as nesting season. Before pruning or removal, check for active nests and wait for birds to leave where nests are present.
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Removal reason | Hazard or unavoidable conflict may qualify; shade or leaves normally do not |
| Replacement scale | 1, 2 or 3 trees depending on removed trunk size |
| Conifer or palm minimum | 2 metres |
| Deciduous minimum | 5 cm trunk diameter |
| Spacing | At least 3 metres between trunks |
What to do next
- Ask before cutting
Confirm protection status and permit need.
- Plan replacements
Agree species, locations and security with staff.
- Plant and inspect
Arrange the first inspection and one-year re-inspection.
10 useful questions
Can I remove a tree just because it blocks my view?
Normally no. A blocked view is listed as an insufficient reason.
Do falling leaves justify a cutting permit?
Normally no. Ordinary leaf and needle fall is not a usual approval reason.
Who handles a private-tree permit?
Call 604-294-7130 for the private-property permit team.
Who handles a City boulevard tree?
Call Treeline at 604-297-4500.
Can replacement trees be required?
Yes. Permit conditions normally require replacements, with a stated exception process for non-development single- and two-family sites.
What if replacement trees will not fit?
The City may require a cash contribution to its Civic Tree Reserve Fund.
Do hedges count as replacement trees?
No. Hedges and shrubs are excluded.
Where should replacements be planted?
On private property, with at least three metres between trunks and enough room to mature.
When does the one-year inspection period begin?
Contact the City arborist after planting for the first inspection; that starts the waiting period.
What should I do if there is an active bird nest?
Wait for the birds to leave before the work, as directed by the City’s nesting guidance.
Official information and forms
This guide covers the municipal service in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.