Slaughter permit Montreal-North

Requesting a Permit for Tree Removal on Private Property

Updated February 2, 2024

Connected to Trees

If you need to fell a tree on your property in Montreal, you require a tree removal permit (also known as an authorization certificate). Here's how to obtain it.

This process applies to all trees except ash trees. If you need to fell an ash tree, please consult the appropriate procedure.

You need to obtain a tree removal permit for:

• Felling a tree with a trunk diameter equal to or greater than 10 cm, measured at 1.4 m from the ground, or at least 15 cm in diameter measured at 15 cm from the 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.
• Performing any other action that may jeopardize its survival (e.g., covering the tree's base with impermeable material).

Trunk Diameter

To calculate the trunk diameter before applying for a permit:

• Use a tape measure.
• 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's circumference measures 35 cm, the diameter is: 35/3.14 = 11 cm.

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

Reasons for Tree Removal

You may have the right to fell a tree in the following cases. You must obtain the tree removal permit before proceeding:

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

For the last 3 reasons, a permit application must be accepted in advance.

Restrictions

You cannot fell a tree:

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

You also cannot prune or fell a tree, cut or move a shrub or plant cultivated by the City of Montreal on public land, i.e., in the strip of land between the street edge, or sidewalk, and the boundary of your property.

Replacement of Felled Trees

You must replace the felled tree within 12 months of felling it.

The new tree must have:

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

Fee

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

Taxes are included.

Ash Borer Control

The request for a tree removal permit for an ash tree on private property is free of charge.

Required Documents

Copy of the location certificate serving as a plan or a drawn plan indicating 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:

• Authorization empowering you to act on behalf of the owner.
• Authorization letter from each co-owner, resolution of the condominium corporation, or evidence of the composition of the condominium corporation's board of directors and a letter of authorization from each of its members.

To apply for a subsidy for ash trees: link to the application page