Can I cut down a tree on my own property in Coquitlam?
A straight answer from the Coquitlam crew that does this work. Updated November 2026.
Short answer: Sometimes. Coquitlam protects any tree 20 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.4 m off the ground. You can remove up to two protected trees in a 12-month period without a permit, unless the tree is in a specialized area (beside a stream, on a steep slope, under a protective covenant, or on Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue), is a replacement tree, or your property has an active development application. Anything else needs a tree cutting permit.
Source: City of Coquitlam: Tree management and the City's tree FAQ. Rules change, so confirm with the City before you build or cut.
Step 1: Measure the trunk
Wrap a tape measure around the trunk at 1.4 m, about chest height. If the circumference is under about 63 cm, the diameter is under 20 cm and the tree isn't protected by size. For a tree with several stems, Coquitlam adds the two largest stems together, so two 12 cm stems count as a protected tree.
Step 2: Check where the tree is
A tree cutting permit is always required, even for one tree, if it's in one of Coquitlam's specialized areas:
- A Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (land beside a creek or watercourse)
- A steep slope, which the City defines as steeper than 36%
- Land covered by a protective covenant that restricts tree removal
- Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue
The same applies if your property has an active development application. If you're on a ravine lot or in the middle of a build, check with the City before anything is cut.
Step 3: Is it a replacement tree?
Trees planted as a condition of an earlier permit are protected at any size. If you bought a newer home, ask the seller or check with the City.
Things you can't do without breaking the bylaw
- Damaging a protected tree. You can prune, but heavy cuts like topping can count as damage under the bylaw.
- Digging in the root zone of a protected tree, yours or your neighbour's, for a patio, wall or driveway. The City recommends getting arborist advice before excavating within 4 metres of a tree.
- Removing a neighbour's tree or its roots without their agreement. The City won't mediate disputes between neighbours.
What about pruning?
Coquitlam doesn't regulate normal trimming of trees on private property, as long as it doesn't damage the tree. Thinning, lifting the canopy and clearing the roof and gutters are fine when they're done with proper pruning cuts.
When the tree looks dangerous
A dead, leaning or storm-cracked tree still falls under the bylaw. Get it assessed, take photos, and contact the City before removing it unless there's immediate danger.
Common questions
Do I need an arborist report?
Some permit applications need one, especially on steep slopes or development sites. We'll tell you after looking at the tree.
Will I have to plant replacement trees?
Often, yes, when a permit is required. The number depends on your lot size and how many large trees stay on the lot.
Do hedges count?
Trimming a hedge isn't tree removal. Removing a hedge plant with a trunk 20 cm or wider at 1.4 m can still count as a protected tree.
Are Port Coquitlam and Port Moody the same?
No. Each city has its own tree bylaw and size threshold. Port Coquitlam, for example, uses different size rules and requires a permit per tree.
Need a tree removed or pruned in Coquitlam?
Our climbers handle removals, pruning, roof clearance and stump grinding across the Tri-Cities and Maple Ridge. We check the bylaw before we cut and help with the permit when one's needed.