Local tree-rule guide
Red Deer tree rules
Local tree/bylaw source reviewed; confirm ownership, size and property area.
The local rule
Red Deer requires owners to maintain private trees so branches do not obstruct sidewalks, roadways, lanes or traffic signs, with clearance rules set by the Traffic Bylaw.
Work on boulevard vegetation is different: the Traffic Bylaw requires written City authorization to remove, damage, plant or prune trees on a boulevard.
Application details
Red Deer’s main homeowner tree rules are clearance and boulevard rules
- Red Deer’s current homeowner guidance does not publish a blanket diameter-based permit for removing every ordinary private-yard tree.
- Instead, it places concrete duties on owners to keep private vegetation clear of sidewalks, roads, lanes and traffic sightlines while keeping boulevard-tree work under City control.
Branches projecting over a sidewalk must be at least 225 cm (2.25 m / 7.5 ft) high.
Branches over a roadway or lane must be at least 412 cm (4.12 m / 13.5 ft) high.
Owners must trim trees and hedges so traffic signs remain visible. On specified corner-site sight areas, vegetation cannot grow higher than 90 cm.
Work on vegetation within the boulevard/right-of-way follows City rules. Confirm ownership and obtain the required municipal authorization before removing or materially altering a boulevard tree.
The current City homeowner tree page focuses on clearance, ownership and public-space controls rather than establishing one centimetre threshold for all private removals.
Before work starts
- Ownership: check the property line. Public and boundary trees may follow a different process.
- Site context: review any development approval, covenant or protected-area conditions.
- Work requirements: confirm any permit, exemption or protection requirements that apply to the planned work.
Official sources
Primary municipal source reviewed October 1, 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the local authority before work. How we research