Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam's tree rules catch more properties than people expect
Low, flat ground near the river and the slough, with big trees close to the houses around them. The permit rules here cover smaller trees than people expect, so I check that first.
ISA Certified Arborist PN-7893AT · TRAQ qualified · Intermunicipal business licence covering Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities
The trees here
Flatter ground, wetter soil, big trees close to the house
Port Coquitlam sits lower than its neighbours, closer to the Fraser and the Coquitlam River. A lot of yards have wet ground. In the older neighbourhoods, trees planted decades ago have grown up right against the houses. Roots in wet soil, branches over the roof, branches tangled in power lines, that's the regular call here.
Permits
Nearly any real tree here needs a permit
Port Coquitlam's threshold is low. A permit is needed for any tree 5 m or taller, or more than 15 cm across at 1.4 m up the trunk. That covers most grown trees in an older yard.
Some species count as "significant" at a lower 10 cm, and any tree over 45 cm is significant whatever the species. A significant tree generally can't be removed at all, unless there's a hazard or an approved development.
You don't need a permit to prune out dead or dying branches. You do need one to top a tree. The city lists topping as a tree-damaging activity, the same as removing one without a permit. I don't top trees anyway, here or anywhere else.
City of Port Coquitlam tree removal and protectionReviewed: August 13, 2026
Two things people don't expect:
- Dead and hazardous trees still need a permit, even though the fee is waived. Dead isn't the same as exempt.
- No permits are issued between March 15 and August 31 without a nesting survey from a Qualified Environmental Professional. I'm not one of those, so if the work can wait, autumn and winter avoid the question altogether.
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FAQ
Questions
My tree is small. Do I still need a permit?
Maybe not. The general threshold is 5 m tall or 15 cm across. Below that, you're likely fine. Some species drop to a 10 cm threshold as "significant" trees, and any tree over 45 cm is significant regardless of species. Tell me what you've got if you know.
My tree is dead. Does that make it exempt?
No. Dead and hazardous trees still need a permit in Port Coquitlam, though the fee is waived. Get in touch and I'll help you work out what's needed.
Can I just cut the top off to make it shorter?
No, and not because I'm being difficult. Port Coquitlam lists topping as a tree-damaging activity that needs a permit. I don't do it anywhere, and here it's also against the rules.
It's spring and I need a tree down. What now?
If it's not an emergency, the bird nesting window from March 15 to August 31 means the city likely won't issue a permit without a nesting survey. I can't provide one. If it's genuinely urgent, call me and we'll talk through the documented emergency process.
Next step
Tell me about the tree
Give me the address and roughly what's going on. I'll tell you whether a permit applies before we talk about the work itself.
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