1. Confirm the protected-tree trigger
20 cm Use the exact municipal measurement method and protected-tree definition.
Municipal tree source checked
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2026Private/public scope checked against the municipal source
Tree removal rules in Vancouver, BC
A plain-English guide to what Vancouver publishes about tree removal and protection. The first question is whether the rule covers your private tree at all—not every City tree bylaw is a private-yard permit bylaw.
CITY-SPECIFIC SUMMARY
What Vancouver actually regulates
Vancouver’s published tree and bylaw rules, in plain English:
Private-tree threshold
Vancouver requires a tree-removal permit for a private tree 20 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.4 m above ground.
Smaller protected trees
A smaller tree can still be protected when it was required as a replacement tree or as part of an approved development landscape.
Reason for removal
The City limits removal to reasons allowed by the Protection of Trees By-law, including hazard/decline, serious property damage and certain approved-development conflicts.
Replacement
A permit can include replacement-tree requirements and must be visibly posted during removal.
Regional context
Vancouver uses its own tree-protection rules within British Columbia. See the BC tree-rule overview; this page keeps the local diameter, ownership, development and replacement details separate.
LOCAL QUICK READ
Vancouver at a glance
These are the main signals in the Vancouver municipal source: who the rule covers, whether a permit path is identified, any published diameter signal, and extra requirements that can change the answer.
Rule scopePrivate-tree rules are identified in the municipal source
Permit signalA permit or authorization process is identified
Diameter numbers found20 cm
Extra requirements namedArborist evidence, Replacement planting, Hazard / dead-tree path, Development / protected-area rules
LOCAL DECISION PATH
What to verify before removing a tree in Vancouver
Vancouver publishes private-tree controls, so the first job is to identify whether this specific tree is protected before booking removal.
2. Separate private, public and boundary trees
The Vancouver source identifies private-tree rules; boulevard, City-owned and shared-boundary trees can follow a different process.
3. Prepare professional evidence if required
The Vancouver material names arborist or professional evidence in at least some situations. Do not assume photos alone will satisfy a hazard, health or construction-based application.
4. Plan for replacement conditions
For Vancouver, replacement planting, security or cash-in-lieu may be part of approval where the local rule says so. Read the actual permit conditions before scheduling removal.
General guidance lives separately
For general tree-law concepts, use these guides:
Public vs. private trees · Construction near trees · Tree-removal permits · Arborist reports · Replacement trees ·CONSTRUCTION NEAR TREES
Construction and tree protection in Vancouver
Vancouver’s local material identifies development, construction or tree-protection-zone issues. Before excavation, grading, a driveway, utility trench, retaining wall, pool or building work near a tree, check whether the municipal rule treats root/soil disturbance as regulated injury.
Private tree
Local source detailVancouver requires a tree-removal permit for a private-property tree that is 20 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.4 m above the ground.
Open Vancouver’s rule ↗City / boulevard tree
Do not self-authorizeIf the trunk is on Vancouver municipal land, a boulevard or road allowance, do not self-authorize pruning or removal. Confirm ownership and use the municipality’s tree process.
Check ownership rules ↗Boundary tree
Ownership mattersIf the trunk sits on or very near a property line in Vancouver, confirm ownership before work. Municipal tree rules do not replace private-law rights involving a co-owned or neighbouring tree.
Check local application rules ↗Development site
Local source detailA smaller tree can still be protected when it was required as a replacement tree or as part of an approved development landscape design.
Check development-tree rules ↗SOURCE TRACE
What we verified for Vancouver
Private-tree regulation is identified in the Vancouver source. Primary source checked September 13, 2026. This page keeps that local rule separate from general arborist advice and does not import another city’s threshold.
Open primary Vancouver source ↗How Tree Rules Canada fact-checks pages →OFFICIAL LINKS
Go straight to Vancouver
Use Vancouver’s current municipal source before booking removal or construction near a tree. That source controls the current threshold, exceptions, forms, fees and any replacement conditions.
Vancouver tree sources checked September 13, 2026. Re-check the linked municipality for current fees, protected-tree definitions and permit steps; Tree Rules Canada is independent.