Tree Removal Burnaby BC — Licensed & Insured Arborists

It depends on the species and on whether your property is under a development application. Under Burnaby Tree Bylaw 1996 (Bylaw No. 10482), on a property NOT subject to a development application you need a tree cutting permit for any conifer 30 cm (12 inches) or greater in diameter, and any deciduous tree 45 cm (18 inches) or greater. On a property that IS subject to a development application, any tree 20 cm (8 inches) or greater is protected regardless of species. Diameter is measured at breast height. This split catches people out — a cedar and a maple on the same lot can have different permit requirements. We measure and confirm the bylaw position in writing during the free estimate.

Burnaby ties replacement planting to the size of the tree removed: a tree 8 to 12 inches in diameter requires 1 replacement tree, 12 to 24 inches requires 2 replacement trees, and 24 inches or more requires 3 replacement trees. Replacements must be planted on private property with at least 3 metres between trunks and allowed to grow to full maturity. We plan this into the removal quote from the start so it is not a surprise after the tree is down.

Coniferous replacements such as Douglas fir, Hinoki cypress or spruce must be a minimum of 2 metres high. Deciduous replacements such as redbud, dogwood, maple or magnolia must have a minimum 5 cm trunk diameter. Two fruit trees count as one replacement tree, or a single fruit tree counts fully if it is 5 cm or greater in diameter. Palm trees must be a minimum of 2 metres high. All replacements go on private property with at least 3 metres spacing between trunks.

Tree removal in Burnaby follows 2026 Metro Vancouver market rates: small trees under 30 feet typically $400 to $900, medium trees 30 to 60 feet typically $1,200 to $3,000, and large trees over 60 feet or requiring crane assistance typically $2,500 to $6,000 or more. These figures are based on CHBA BC regional market data and represent industry averages. Actual costs vary based on project scope, materials and site conditions. Contact Aesthetic Tree for a personalized assessment. In Burnaby specifically, slope and vehicle access are the biggest cost drivers — a sloped Burnaby Mountain lot with no truck access costs materially more than the same tree on a flat lot with a rear lane. Budget for replacement trees as well, since the bylaw requires them.

Yes. Any tree work within 3 metres of a power line requires BC Hydro coordination — this applies throughout Burnaby and all of BC. Our arborists follow WorkSafeBC regulations for electrical proximity work. BC Hydro sends a line crew to de-energize or protect the conductors during the removal, and they typically need 1 to 2 business days' notice. We arrange that directly and build it into your project timeline, so you do not need to contact BC Hydro yourself.

Yes. Aesthetic Tree has operated in the Lower Mainland since 2007. We carry $5M comprehensive liability insurance, all crew are covered by WorkSafeBC, and our arborists hold ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification along with TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification). We work throughout Burnaby including Brentwood, Metrotown, Edmonds, Burnaby Heights, Capitol Hill, Deer Lake, Burnaby Mountain and Big Bend. Before any tree company starts work on your property, confirm all three: liability insurance, WorkSafeBC coverage, and ISA certification.