Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Edmonton?

In most cases, you do not need a permit to remove a tree on your own private property in Edmonton. But trees on City-owned land are protected, and there are important exceptions worth knowing before you cut.

Trees on your private property

Generally, a tree growing on your own private property is yours to manage, and you do not need a City permit to prune or remove it. That said, it is always worth being sure the tree is actually on your land and not on shared or City property.

City-owned and boulevard trees are protected

Trees on City-owned land, including boulevard trees along the street and trees in parks, are protected. They must not be removed or pruned without approval from the City of Edmonton. Damaging a City tree can result in penalties, so if a tree is not clearly on your property, check first.

Not sure whose tree it is?

The strip of land between the sidewalk and the road is often City-owned, which means the trees there usually are too, even if they are in front of your house. If you are unsure whether a tree is yours or the City's, we can help you work it out before any work begins, or you can contact the City directly.

Other things to keep in mind

• Elm trees can only be pruned outside the April 1 to September 30 provincial ban
• A tree on the boundary with a neighbour may be shared, so talk to them first
• Some newer neighbourhoods have covenants about tree removal

Ready to go ahead? Learn more about our tree removal service.