Slaughter permit Ville St-Laurent

To request a tree removal permit on private property:

Updated on February 2, 2024

Related to Trees

If you need to have a tree removed from your property in Montreal, a tree removal permit (also known as an authorization certificate) is required. Here's how to obtain it.

This procedure applies to all trees except for ash trees. If you want to have an ash tree removed, please refer to the appropriate procedure.

You must obtain a tree removal permit for:

• Cutting down a tree with a trunk diameter equal to or greater than 10 cm measured at 1.4 m above ground or at least 15 cm in diameter measured at 15 cm above ground.
• Raising the ground level under its canopy by more than 20 cm.
• Cutting 40% or more of its branches.
• Cutting 40% or more of its roots.
• Carrying out any other action that may harm its survival (e.g., covering the base of the tree with impermeable material).

Trunk Diameter

To calculate the trunk diameter before applying for your permit:

• Use a measuring tape.
• Measure the circumference of the trunk in cm.
• Divide this measurement by 3.14; you will get the diameter in cm.

For example: if the trunk circumference measures 35 cm, the diameter is: 35/3.14 = 11 cm.

Another way is to use a rigid measuring tape and hold it horizontally against the tree to measure the width (or thickness) of the trunk. This will give you the approximate diameter.

Reasons for Removal

You may have the right to have a tree removed under the following circumstances. You must have obtained the removal permit before proceeding:

• The tree is dead.
• It is in a state of irreversible decline.
• It causes serious damage to property.
• It poses a danger to people's safety.
• It risks spreading a disease or invasive exotic species.
• It belongs to the species Nerprun (Rhamnus).
• It is located in the area of a future construction or within 3 meters of this area.
• It is in the area designated for installing a pool that cannot be located elsewhere on the property.
• It obstructs the development of an access road to a building or front yard parking that cannot be located elsewhere on the property.

For the last three reasons, a permit application must be approved in advance.

Restrictions

You cannot have a tree removed:

• Because it sheds flowers, leaves, sap, or twigs.
• Because it produces pollen, sap, shelters animals or insects, or provides shade.
• Because its roots are visible at the surface of the soil.

You also cannot prune or remove a tree, cut or move a shrub or plant cultivated by the City of Montreal on public property, which is the strip of land located between the street curb or sidewalk and the boundary of your property.

Replacement of a Felled Tree

You must replace the felled tree within 12 months of its removal.

The new tree must have:

• A trunk diameter of at least 3 cm measured at 1.4 m above the ground.
• A total height of 3 m or more.

Fee

$130 per request per lot, regardless of the number of trees to be removed on the property.

Taxes are included.

Emerald Ash Borer Control

The application for a private property ash tree removal permit is free of charge.

Required Documents

• Copy of the location certificate serving as a plan or a drawn plan to indicate the location of the trees to be felled (number each tree to be felled and note its diameter and species, if known, on the document). Also include the name and signature of all owners listed in the notarial deed.
• If applicable:
• Proxy authorizing you to act on behalf of the owner.
• Authorization letter from each of the co-owners, resolution of the condominium corporation, or proof of the composition of the condominium board and an authorization letter from each of its members.
• To apply for ash tree subsidies: https://montreal.ca/demarches/demander-un-permis-dabattage-de-frene-sur-un-terrain-prive