Local tree-rule guide
Trois-Rivières tree rules
Covered tree felling uses an authorization certificate with published approval reasons and small-tree/pruning exceptions.
The local rule
Trois-Rivières uses an authorization-certificate process for tree felling and publishes accepted reasons for removal rather than allowing unrestricted cutting.
The City asks for the species, location and reason for removal and directs residents to its online permit portal.
Application details
What the current Trois-Rivières certificate process actually requires
- Trois-Rivières does not treat tree removal as an unrestricted owner choice.
- For covered felling, the City uses an authorization-certificate process and publishes both acceptable reasons for removal and small-tree/pruning exceptions.
The City lists specific reasons that can support felling: a tree that is dead, damaged or declining; an irreversible contagious disease; a safety danger that cannot reasonably be corrected by pruning; likely near-term property damage; certain prohibited or improperly located species; conflict with City-authorized construction; approved forestry/cultivation work; or a property that remains above the required minimum tree count.
The current certificate page says the authorization is not required for qualifying pruning of a mature tree, removal of a deciduous tree under 3 m tall, or removal of a conifer under 2 m tall. Those are height-based exceptions, not a universal trunk-diameter exemption.
The applicant must provide the tree species, its location on the property and the reason for removal. If the applicant is not the owner, the City requires a signed authorization/proxy from the owner. Applications are routed through the citizen permit portal, with 311 available for help.
Trois-Rivières separately warns that topping, excessive crown raising and over-pruning can be treated as felling. That means a contractor cannot necessarily avoid the removal rules simply by describing severe cutting as pruning.
The City FAQ says the tree-felling authorization is generally free, except for forestry-cutting situations. Confirm the live portal before filing because fees and required documents can change.
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