With the increase in extreme weather events that are happening around the world, including right here in Coquitlam, it is important for residents of the City to understand their responsibilities, as well as the City’s, in relation to tree management in residential areas.
First thing, if you are concerned about the behaviour of a tree that is on public property, such as on park land or on a boulevard, please call the City’s Parks Customer Service line at 604-927-6300 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). This obviously does not include your concerns about trees loitering around your home or damaging your car.
If you are concerned about a tree on private property, such as your property or your neighbours’, please visit the City’s website coquitlam.ca/treemanagement for additional information or reference the flowchart below. It is very important that you understand the trees “rights” before doing any cutting because there is no going back once you do cut or remove a tree.
As well as understanding if or when you can cut or remove a tree, it is also important to understand that if a tree is on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the health and maintenance of the tree.
The City’s Tree Bylaw (Bylaw No. 4091, 2010) regulates the conservation, removal and replacement of trees throughout the city. The bylaw also spells out details for obtaining a permit for tree removal. While proper pruning of your tree does not require a permit, cutting a tree may require one. The flowchart above provides guidelines to assist you in knowing if you need a permit to cut down your tree.
For more information about trees in the city of Coquitlam, you are encouraged to contact an Urban Forestry Technician at 604-927-3482 or visit coquitlam.ca/treemanagement.