Trees & tree removal — Edmonton, Alberta

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

In the City of Edmonton, Alberta, trees & tree removal rules are set by City of Edmonton Community Standards Bylaw 14600 (consolidated October 22, 2024) - Elm Tree provisions, verified 2026-09-27. Fines: Not less than established, not exceeding $10,000.00; $250.00 for any offence for which a fine is not otherwise established; double for subsequent offence. Protected threshold: Elm tree: any tree or part of a tree, whether dead or alive, of the Ulmus genus. Boulevard trees: No removing, damaging, pruning, cutting, repairing or other work on boulevard elm trees unless ordered or permitted by City Manager.

City of Edmonton Community Standards Bylaw 14600 (consolidated October 22, 2024) - Elm Tree provisions adopted bylaw
applies to private property yes s. 35(1)
protected threshold Elm tree: any tree or part of a tree, whether dead or alive, of the Ulmus genus. "any tree or part of a tree, whether dead or alive, of the Ulmus genus"
boulevard trees No removing, damaging, pruning, cutting, repairing or other work on boulevard elm trees unless ordered or permitted by City Manager. "remove or damage any elm tree on a boulevard"
fine range Not less than established, not exceeding $10,000.00; $250.00 for any offence for which a fine is not otherwise established; double for subsequent offence. s. 43(1); s. 43(2)(a); s. 43(2)(f)
scout note

Regulates removal, pruning, transport, storage, sale and disposal of elm trees/wood city-wide as a Dutch Elm Disease control measure; also requires owners to maintain boulevard grass to a reasonable length.

Machine-readable: trees.json · Official website: https://www.edmonton.ca/ · Last verified 2026-09-27 · Trees & tree removal across Alberta · Trees & tree removal in other municipalities