Tree Bylaw Vancouver — Permits, Thresholds & Arborist Reports
Understanding the tree bylaw in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland. ISA-certified arborists explain the rules and handle the entire permit process for you.
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What You Need to Know
The tree bylaw in Vancouver — the City's Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 — controls which trees you can remove and what permits and documentation you need first. Most trees with a trunk 20 cm or more in diameter need a removal permit, and the application generally requires an arborist report. Aesthetic Tree's ISA-certified arborists know the bylaw in Vancouver and in every surrounding municipality, each of which has its own rules. We measure the tree, prepare the report, submit the application, and track approval — so you stay compliant without untangling the bylaw yourself.
Investment
$400 – $2,500+ (report) · permit fees vary
Availability
5-10 business day report turnaround
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What the Vancouver Tree Bylaw Requires
The tree bylaw Vancouver property owners must follow is the City's Protection of Trees By-law (No. 9958). It exists to protect the urban tree canopy, and it controls when a tree may be removed, pruned heavily, or affected by construction. Our blog on navigating tree removal laws in Greater Vancouver covers the wider regulatory picture.
Under the bylaw, most trees with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or more measured at breast height require a permit before removal. Permits also apply to protected and heritage trees and to trees affected by development. Removing a regulated tree without a permit can bring significant fines.
The bylaw also sets replacement requirements: when a tree is removed, the City generally requires one or more replacement trees to be planted, with the number tied to the size of the tree removed. An ISA-certified arborist can confirm exactly what applies to your property.
Do You Need an Arborist Report for a Tree Permit?
In most cases, yes. A City of Vancouver tree removal permit application generally requires an arborist report prepared by an ISA-certified arborist. The report identifies the species, measures the trunk diameter, assesses the tree's condition, and gives the justification for removal.
The report is what the City uses to decide the application. A clear, properly formatted arborist report — with photographs, a site plan, and a defensible recommendation — moves an application through more smoothly than an incomplete one.
Aesthetic Tree's arborists hold ISA certification and TRAQ qualification and produce these reports regularly. We format each report to meet the specific requirements of the issuing municipality, so it is accepted the first time.
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Tree Bylaws Differ Across the Lower Mainland
Vancouver's bylaw is only one of many. Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, and New Westminster each have their own tree protection bylaw, with different size thresholds, permit processes, documentation, and replacement rules.
A tree that needs no permit in one municipality may be fully regulated next door. Heritage and protected-tree designations, setback rules, and construction-impact provisions all vary. Getting it wrong means either a delayed project or a fine.
Because Aesthetic Tree works across all of Greater Vancouver, our arborists know which bylaw applies to your address, what it requires, and how long approval typically takes. We handle the whole process — measuring, report, application, and tracking — so the bylaw is our problem, not yours. If you are still comparing contractors, our tree removal companies page sets out what to verify before you hire.
Need Help With a Tree Permit in Vancouver?
Get a free, no-obligation assessment from our ISA-certified arborists. We confirm what the bylaw requires and handle the entire permit application for you.
How It Works
Our Process —
Start to Finish
From your first call to final cleanup, every step is handled by certified professionals with clear communication throughout.
Start With a Free QuoteFree Consultation
Our ISA-certified arborist visits your property, assesses the situation, and provides a detailed written quote — no phone estimates.
Permit & Planning
We handle all municipal permits, coordinate with BC Hydro if needed, and create a detailed work plan for safe execution.
Professional Execution
Our crew executes the work following ANSI Z133 safety standards. Most residential jobs are completed in a single day.
Complete Cleanup
Debris removal, site cleanup, and final walkthrough. Your property is left cleaner than we found it — guaranteed.
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Get a free, no-obligation estimate from our ISA-certified arborists. We serve all of Greater Vancouver with professional, insured tree care.