Tree Protection and Management Bylaw

Retained trees may need to be protected during development, demolition, servicing, or construction.  

This may include: 

• Installation of a Tree Protection Barrier 
• Protection of the Critical Root Zone 
• Arborist supervision or monitoring 
• Restrictions on grading, excavation, storage, machinery movement, and material placement near retained trees 

No work may begin until required tree protection measures are installed and approved where required by the bylaw.

Pruning should always be done by a certified arborist who follows the Best Management Practices of the International Society of Arboriculture. . Pruning should never exceed ¼ of the existing canopy. Topping trees is not allowed and it is considered damaging protected trees.

No. Topping (removal of the top portion or a substantial portion of a tree) is considered tree damage and is prohibited in the Tree Protection and Management Bylaw.

There are a few points to consider when trimming trees on adjacent properties:

• Its best to consult with your neighbour prior to undertaking any pruning work
• You can trim any overhanging tree branch back to the property line, without trespassing onto your neighbor’s property.
• You cannot damage your neighbor’s property; in this case their tree
• You can maintain your property in a safe condition
• It is often not possible to trim branches back to the property line while simultaneously making a proper pruning cut. This can result in damage to your neighbor’s tree, and you may be held liable. Consult your neighbor before making any cuts, and use an ISA certified arborist to perform any and all tree work.  The City of Maple Ridge does not act as mediator between neighbours in these instances.

The City enforces the Tree Protection and Management bylaw through a variety of means including fines, tickets, stop work orders, compliance through retroactive tree permits and other methods as applicable to the situation.

You can report tree bylaw concerns to trees@mapleridge.ca

Tree protection barriers must remain in place until the work is complete, and your arborist has signed off on the project. Your arborist must submit a sign off report to the City documenting the final tree inspection.

If Retained Trees are not Damaged during construction, Retained Tree securities may be considered for release upon:

1. 12 months after the City issues a Letter of Completion; or
2. Two (2) years after the building permit final; or
3. After the receipt of a letter from the project arborist confirming the retained trees were not damaged during construction; or
4. At the City’s discretion