Trees play a vital role in environmental stability, and when it comes to tree felling, there are specific laws governing what you can and cannot do. Can I cut down a tree without a permit? Obtaining a felling permit from your municipality is required to fell one or more trees, even if they pose a short- or medium-term risk. Land ownership, legal jurisdiction, and environmental impact are just some of the multifaceted issues associated with tree felling.
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Do you want to cut down a tree on your property? Reasons for Removing a Tree with a Permit
Some of the reasons we may remove a tree include human activity, damage caused by insects and diseases, extreme weather conditions, residential development, the planting of a new tree, and the natural aging process.
Some trees may be considered nuisance or poorly placed, particularly if they have been planted near structures, interfere with overhead power lines, or compete with other trees for space. For public safety or regulatory compliance, removing these trees becomes imperative.
A Dead Tree
Whether a tree on your property dies because it was struck by lightning or is dead due to its age, it is extremely important to remove it. The truth is that dead or structurally deficient trees are dangerous and can cause serious injury or damage. Dead branches break and fall much more easily, and the entire tree can also be toppled because the root system is also dead and can rot.
A diseased tree
Unhealthy trees can contract irreversible disease or pest problems and transmit them to your otherwise healthy trees. Therefore, you should regularly check trees for any disease or signs of death—and in many cases, you should remove these trees as soon as possible.
An insect-infested tree
Infestations can devastate trees, leading to rapid decline and eventual death. Insects can defoliate trees, weakening them and making them vulnerable to disease. Addressing pest infestations quickly through targeted interventions or, in severe cases, tree removal can prevent their spread and protect nearby vegetation.
A Dangerous Tree
When a tree’s roots weaken or its trunk is damaged, the tree can begin to lean or wobble when hit by unusual weather conditions such as strong winds. This could lead to irreversible decline: a falling tree could damage your property, your neighbor’s property, wildlife, or electrical wiring. In fact, falling trees cause injuries more often than you might think. If a tree is at risk of falling in the near future, take action and remove it first.
A Poorly Sited Tree
Homeowners often choose to redesign their landscaping to better meet their needs or aesthetic preferences. Tree removal may be necessary to create space for a new landscaping plan, to make more room for a new tree, or to improve the overall layout. Landscape renovation projects require careful planning to ensure the harmonious integration of new features while preserving the property’s natural beauty.
Tree Clearing
You’ve discovered the ideal location for your new home, but the density of trees on the site is obstructing the building’s construction area. It may be necessary to plan tree clearing operations to clear the space, while ensuring strict compliance with the rules and standards established by the municipality.
The Necessary Steps to Legally Cut Down a Tree
Before undertaking tree felling, it is crucial to check with your local planning department to determine whether a certificate of authorization is required. Regulations regarding tree felling vary from city to city. Given the dangerous nature of tree felling, professional assistance is essential. If the branches or roots of a neighboring tree are encroaching on your property and causing serious problems, you have the right to ask your neighbor to cut them. However, you cannot take the initiative to trim the branches yourself. Failure to comply with this request may result in a formal notice being issued.
Can I cut down a tree on my property?
It is never advisable to cut down a tree yourself, regardless of the situation. It is always best to hire a professional arborist for all your tree removal work. Without the proper knowledge and equipment, you could seriously injure yourself or damage nearby property. By hiring a qualified arborist, you ensure that the work is carried out safely and in accordance with standards, while preserving the health and beauty of your environment.
Hydro-Québec
Tree felling and pruning work is only permitted near telecommunications or low-voltage lines. It is important to note that Hydro-Québec does not authorize residents to work near medium-voltage electrical lines or power distribution networks. For more information on this topic, we invite you to visit the Hydro-Québec website or contact a company like Arbo Rive-Nord for advice.
Work with a certified professional arborist at Arbo Rive-Nord for your tree removal needs in urban and residential areas!
Do you need a permit to cut down a tree?
It is absolutely necessary to complete the required procedures with municipal authorities to obtain a tree removal authorization certificate before beginning work. After submitting your request, an arboriculture inspector from your municipality, or from your borough if you live in Montreal, will visit the site to assess the legitimacy of the tree removal before the issued authorization certificate is sent to you. You will then have to wait a few business days before receiving the permit or proceeding with the tree removal.
Why hire a professional to remove a tree?
An arboriculture expert doesn’t just cut down your tree. They assess the situation to advise you on all possible options. Tree felling involves several risks. Thanks to a professional’s ability to identify dangerous trees, they can confirm whether your assumption is correct. They may suggest that simple pruning is sufficient to achieve your goals, or that the tree’s health requires a specialized approach to avoid unpleasant surprises. Whatever your situation, a professional will be able to identify its unique characteristics and propose a protocol that guarantees quality work, while minimizing negative impacts on your property and choosing the most effective approach.
City Requirements for Tree Felling
Any citizen wishing to fell a tree must first obtain a certificate of authorization (felling permit) from the city. The reasons for tree felling vary from city to city, so it is important to check with your local municipality before undertaking any tree felling. You may also be required to provide a tree felling report issued by a certified tree surgeon. Working with an arboriculture specialist like Arbo Rive-Nord guarantees that tree maintenance work will be carried out in compliance with best practices as well as the various criteria and laws of your city’s Planning Department.
Authorization Certificate
You must obtain a tree felling certificate before pruning or felling trees on your private property. Processing a tree felling request in your backyard can usually take between 1 and 6 weeks. However, processing times vary from one municipality to another.
Prohibited Practices
Without a city permit, felling a tree 12 centimeters or more in diameter on your property is considered illegal felling. A basic fine can become a hefty one if you fail to comply with municipal bylaws. Ash tree felling is also subject to strict regulations and cannot be done at any time. Save yourself the hassle and trust Arbo Rive-Nord for a service that respects both trees and regulations.
Felling or pruning a tree?
Pruning a tree involves cutting off dead or cumbersome branches, while felling a tree involves cutting it at its base to bring it down. Pruning and guying are, in many cases, safe alternatives to felling the tree at risk.
Stump Removal
After the tree felling stage, comes stump removal. The cost of stump removal varies depending on several factors, primarily the size of the stump and its location. More competitive prices are offered when both services are combined.
Is there a fine if I cut down a tree without a permit?
If you decide to cut down a tree without a permit, it could be costly. Fines range from $500 to $5,000 (for repeat offenses), but can reach much higher amounts for each tree cut down without a permit.
How much does it cost to cut down a tree?
The cost of cutting down a tree depends on various factors, such as:
- The size of the tree;
- The location of the trees to be cut down;
- The city where you want to have the tree removed.
Typically, the price for this operation ranges from $400 to $4,000. For an accurate estimate, don’t hesitate to contact our arborist specialists today.
Free Estimate for Tree Removal
To ensure the safety and health of your trees, request a free estimate today.
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Available Grants
Please consult the website of the city where you reside to see if you are eligible for grants!
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Factors Influencing Tree Removal Costs
Several factors influence the cost of tree removal.
Here are a few:
Size of the tree to be removed
This may seem obvious to some, but it’s crucial to emphasize: removing a 50-foot-tall ash tree with a 3-foot trunk diameter will be significantly more expensive than removing a 12-foot-tall lilac tree with an 8-inch trunk diameter. Larger trees require more time to climb, are more complex to handle, and take up more space.
Location of trees to be removed
Where your trees are located on your property also affects the price of your tree removal. A tree near a front yard is easier to access than a tree in a backyard, and it requires less labor to move the materials to our trucks. You also need to consider what’s around the tree and the distance our crew must travel to remove wood, branches, and debris from your property.
State of Decline of the Tree to Be Felled
Understanding the health and structural condition of a tree is essential for determining the approach and cost of its removal. Trees in different states of health pose different challenges, which can significantly impact the removal process. Diseased or dying trees represent an imminent danger, requiring increased precautions and expertise. Their fragility can make removal more complex, increasing labor and equipment costs. In addition, the risk of spreading disease or pests increases the overall cost.
Personal Safety
If there are objects below or near the tree to be removed, the work and time required to complete the job safely increase. If your tree is hanging over a house, shed, pool, or any other structure that could be damaged, this poses a greater risk to workers. Our skilled workers must be meticulous about every branch or piece of wood pruned. These extra precautions increase labor and material costs and can make your tree removal more expensive.
Tree Removal Equipment
The type of equipment required can also contribute to the overall cost of tree removal. For example, grinding or stump removal, debris removal, and permits can all incur additional fees. It is essential to discuss any specific needs or preferences with tree removal specialists upfront to ensure an accurate cost estimate.
Tree Removal Time
Based on these factors, professional arborists will determine the time required to complete the project. Costs may increase if the project takes longer than initially estimated.
If you need an estimate for the cost of felling a tree on one of your private properties, Arbo Rive-Nord will be happy to help you and provide you with peace of mind.
