Tree Removal & Replacement

Protecting our healthy trees–understanding the rules around tree removal and replacement on private property

Our goal is to maintain healthy, protected trees where possible. However, protected trees sometimes need to be removed because they present a hazard, are in conflict with urban land use or need to make way for development.

Criteria for deciding whether a protected tree can be removed

The City provides this general guide for you to understand why you may or may not be issued a tree cutting permit for a protected tree on your property.

Review Burnaby's Tree Bylaw before you consider removing a protected tree on your specific property.

Tree replacement requirements

Replacement trees are required as a condition of all Tree Cutting Permits. The number of replacement trees you need to plant depends on the size of the tree you’re removing. The only exception is tree removal on single-family and 2-family properties that aren't undergoing development where replacement trees may be required. In these cases, the City may direct you to plant replacement trees, depending on the characteristics and constraints of the property.

The number of replacement trees required will be determined by the size of the tree being removed, as outlined below:

Having a replacement tree ratio based on the size of the tree(s) removed allows Burnaby to compensate for the environmental and community benefits that larger trees provide.

If it isn't feasible to plant the required number of replacement trees on a subject property, you may need to make a cash-in-lieu contribution to the City’s Civic Tree Reserve Fund (a fund maintained by the City for the acquisition of new trees).

Replacement tree bond

If replacement trees are required, a bond (security) must be provided to the City before the Tree Cutting Permit is issued. The cost will be the greater of these 2 measures:

• A fee per tree and an additional fee for each additional replacement tree. This fee is adjusted annually. View our Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw for fee information. 

or

• an amount equal to 120% of the cost of the replacement trees.

Bonding ensures that replacement trees are planted on time and maintained for the first year giving them the best chance for survival.

Any forfeited bonds will be placed in the City’s Civic Tree Reserve Fund.

Trees on development sites

Design and location of buildings should prioritize the protection and preservation of healthy trees, both on-site and off-site, including those belonging to the City.

• Contact [email protected] to discuss any trees that may be affected by development prior to submitting your Engineering pre-application. This will help streamline your application process, ensure significant trees are identified for protection, and clarify potential tree replacement requirements before making substantial and costly decisions related to your site plan, off-site package and overall design.
• Ensure that driveways, paving, construction activities and utility connections are situated outside designated tree protection areas.
• Where tree removal is necessary, replacement trees must comply with the City of Burnaby's Tree Bylaw requirements. Trees for retention and replacement are required to be shown on the site plan.
• Note: You don’t need to apply for a tree permit separately; it will be automatically generated during your application process.

Species that won't be accepted as replacement trees

• Cedar hedging and all other hedging varieties Hedges are not protected under the Tree Bylaw and don't count as replacement trees.
• Shrubs or low-growing varieties of trees Topiary plants are considered shrubs. If you're considering a Japanese maple–many varieties don't meet our replacement requirements because they stay as a low shrub, never growing to true tree form.
• Invasive species - Some ornamental plants look attractive and tree-like and grow quickly to a large size, but they're a serious threat to natural ecosystems.

Planting your replacement tree(s)

Whichever plant you choose must grow into a tree form– not a hedge or a shrub. Topiary plants are considered shrubs.

The tree(s) you purchase should be good quality nursery stock. Plant the trees according to the tree's attached instructions or call one of our arborists to discuss.

Replacement trees must be planted on private property, not on the city boulevard. You can plant them wherever you like on your property, but provide adequate spacing between trees–at least 3 metres (10 feet) from tree trunk to tree trunk. Ensure the location you choose allows them to grow to maturity.

Once the trees are planted, contact the City's arborist for the first inspection. This will start the 1-year waiting period for a re-inspection. Once the re-inspection is over, we'll refund your tree bond.

Contact us

For more information about your trees or City trees, please contact: