Abbotsford tree removal rules and permits

has a DBH of at least 20 cm,

has a DBH of at least 10 cm and is growing in a tree retention area,

is a row of at least five or more closely planted trees, in a hedge-like form, where

is a replacement tree of any size required in a permit,

is a city tree of any size,

undertake any act that would damage a protected tree;

are within a steep slope greater than 20 percent,

is a yard tree of any size required for subdivision

prune a significant tree;

Under the Tree Management Bylaw, a Tree Permit is required prior to pruning a significant tree

designated as agricultural land reserve as defined in the Agricultural Land Commission Act

land owned by the Crown in right of Canada or being used for a purpose of the

the protected tree is in such imminent danger of failing and injuring persons or

By the end of the next business day after the emergency damage to a protected

the protected tree removed was a high or extreme risk tree due to natural causes

land subject to a valid and current licence, tenure or approval granted under the Forest Act

the only practical method of abating the risk referred to in subsection (a) is partial or full removal of the protected tree.

The exemption contained in subsection (1) (a) does not apply if the tree is growing in a streamside protection and enhancement area

The tree is not located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

but if verified by a City arborist as a hazard tree, a permit exemption will be granted

There is a non-refundable permit application fee of $59 that must be paid before your application is processed.

$65.00/tree For cutting two (2) to five (5) trees

$97.00/tree For cutting more than five (5) trees

$131.00/tree For renewing, extending or modifying a tree cutting permit

a non-refundable permit application fee in the amount established in the Fees and Charges Bylaw

At least 60 cm DBH 2 4 8

30 cm to less than 60 1.5 3 6

20 cm to less than 30 1 2 4

10 cm to less than 20 0.5 1 2

cash-in- lieu of any required replacement trees

$750.00/tree For any other replacement trees

$500.00/tree Except $0 per replacement tree when cash-in-lieu is being provided.

The City charges a security deposit for replacement trees of $500 per tree, unless the property is undergoing development, in which case the security deposit is $750.

“city tree” means a tree of any size growing on property owned, occupied or leased by the City

An owner who damages or causes damage to a city tree must pay to the City the following:

the value of the city tree calculated using an industry standard tree appraisal

Urban Forestry Section at 604-853-5485

If a bylaw is contravened on more than one day, a separate bylaw contravention occurs for

(a) $500 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by bylaw notice;

(b) $1 000 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by municipal ticket;

is discounted by $50 if the penalty is paid in full within 14 days of the delivery of the bylaw notice.

Notwithstanding any penalty that may be imposed under the Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, if

Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 Bylaw No. 3600-2025

Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1831-2009 is repealed.

This Bylaw comes into force on March 1, 2026.