Trees

Trees on the boulevard or within the road right-of-way are generally City-owned street trees. Trees within your lot boundaries are generally private trees. If you are unsure, check RidgeView or contact the City before doing any work. 

No; Not without City approval if it is a street tree. If you are unsure, check RidgeView or contact the City. 

If you're unsure, please email trees@mapleridge.ca or call 6040467-7349

Often, yes. A permit is usually required to remove a protected tree (greater than 20cm DBH) See Tree Bylaw and Tree Removal for details or contact Trees@MaplerRidge.ca to confirm.

A Significant Tree is a tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of 60 cm or greater 

Yes, if you are not the property owner and are applying for a tree permit. Additional consent from neighbours may also be needed in some situations. 

Some applications require an Arborist Report. See Tree Bylaw and Tree Removal or Arborist Report Requirements for details.  

A Tree Management Plan is required for most development-related applications and some larger tree removal or land clearing proposals. 

Yes. At least one replacement tree is generally required when a protected tree is removed. See details in the Tree Protection and Management Bylaw.

It depends on the size of the tree removed and the permit circumstances. See Tree Bylaw and Tree Removal or Replacement Tree Requirements for details. 

See Bulletin 008 – Bird Nesting. 

Tree permits are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. 

Yes, depending on how long ago it expired, you may be required to re-apply or pay a permit renewal fee. Fill in and submit a new application form and our team will let you know what is required.

In some cases, yes. See Tree Bylaw and Tree Removal for information about limited situations where a permit may not be required. Verification with the City is required prior to removal of the tree.

Tree protection barriers must remain in place until the work is complete, and your arborist has signed off on the project. Your arborist must submit a sign off report to the City documenting the final tree inspection.

If Retained Trees are not Damaged during construction, Retained Tree securities may be considered for release upon:

1. 12 months after the City issues a Letter of Completion; or
2. Two (2) years after the building permit final; or
3. After the receipt of a letter from the project arborist confirming the retained trees were not damaged during construction; or
4. At the City’s discretion

Security deposit collected to cover the cost and maintenance of a Replacement Tree are released as follows:

1. Release 50% after the City approves planting per Section 9 of this bylaw; and
2. Release the balance one year after the first release, if the City approves the trees condition per Section 11

A request for reconsideration can be made within 30 days of the City's decision and in writing to the Director. Submit your letter to Trees@MapleRidge.ca.

Pruning should always be done by a certified arborist who follows the Best Management Practices of the International Society of Arboriculture. Pruning should never exceed ¼ of the existing canopy. Topping trees is not allowed and may be subject to fines and penalties. 

Find an arborist with valid ISA Certified Arborist credentials.  Often an online search is the easiest way to do this. 

Ensure they have a valid Business Licence for the City of Maple Ridge.