The tree is not located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
The tree is greater than 20cm in diameter, measured 1.4 metres above the ground
Prior to removing, topping, excessively pruning or otherwise damaging* a tree, the City of Abbotsford requires that a tree cutting permit application is submitted. If you are unsure as to whether or not your tree requires a permit, please submit a tree cutting permit application and we will determine that for you at no cost. You will receive a confirmation e-mail after submitting the application online.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify legal ownership of the tree. Trees whose trunks straddle property lines may require both owners’ permission to remove. Legal surveys may be required.
If you are applying on behalf of the tree owner please see the links below to access the required forms: you will require a completed Owners’ Authorization Form. Once you’ve completed the form, please scan it or take a clear photograph of it and submit that electronic file with your tree cutting permit application.
An arborist report may be required to verify hazard or for applications involving 5 or more trees.
*Damage includes any impacts to roots, trunks, limbs and foliage that may limit the tree’s ability to survive or remain structurally stable.
Conditions for trees being removed via a Tree Cutting Permit generally include a requirement for replacement trees as follows:
Trees greater than 30cm in diameter at 1.4m above grade = 3 replacement trees.
Trees between 20cm and 30cm in diameter at 1.4m above grade = 2 replacement trees.
Trees deemed hazardous or less than 20cm in diameter at 1.4m above grade = 0 replacement trees.
Each replacement tree requires a $300.00 refundable security deposit. For each replacement tree that is not planted or fails inspection after one year, this deposit will be used by the City to plant trees elsewhere.
Any trees, which are not approved for removal under a Tree Cutting Permit or Development Permit, must be adequately protected from damages when nearby trees are removed.
Measures must be taken to prevent damage to the tree’s canopy, trunk, limbs and roots. This includes compaction or excavation of soils within the critical root zones of trees to be retained.
These preventative measures may include :
Retaining an arborist to oversee the work and make recommendations.
Erecting tree protection barriers
Employing weight dispersion systems
Utilizing adaptive methods of lower impact tree removal or wood extraction such as with rigging or cranes.
Hazardous trees are those deemed hazardous, in writing, by a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. This document must contain relevant supporting photos and information.
There are no permit fees or replacement trees required for the removal of verified hazardous trees but you must still apply for a tree cutting permit. You will be issued a permit exemption form.
For immediate hazards, requiring prompt action, the tree may be made safe by removing or reducing it, prior to receiving your paperwork from the City. Please collect the following information for submission to the City with your Tree Cutting Permit Application and apply as soon as possible:
Photographs of the tree which clearly depict the associated hazard. If this is not possible, retain portions of the tree which will clearly show the cause of the hazardous condition. The City arborist will need to inspect these portions.
Location map of the tree.
Size of the tree – trunk diameter measured at 1.4m above grade as well as estimated height.
If you are unsure as to whether or not your tree is hazardous, you have two options to find out:
Hire an Arborist/Qualified Tree Risk Assessor to assess the tree and generate a report as such
Apply for a Tree Cutting Permit and a City Arborist will visually assess the tree.
NOTE: If the City Arborists disagree with the hazard assessment or cannot confirm the hazard by the evidence provided, a permit may be required to achieve compliance with the Tree Protection Bylaw.
Unless deemed hazardous by a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, in writing, trees may not be removed under the following circumstances:
Within a Tree Retention Area
The tree is host to wildlife that is protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Species at Risk Act, Wildlife Act or any other Federal or Provincial Government Legislation.
Registered under the Tree Protection Bylaw as a “Significant Tree”.
If the tree is deemed hazardous, a tree cutting permit application must still be submitted.
