To cut down a tree on your property, you need good reasons and must be able to justify them!

For the sake of tree conservation, it is prohibited to cut a healthy tree anywhere on the Kirkland territory without a valid reason. An authorization must be obtained from the Public Works Department by applying for a tree cutting certificate.

Justifying the request

A certificate of authorization is required to cut down any tree having a diameter of 10 cm (4") or more measured at 15 cm (6") from the ground level. No particular authorization is required for felling trees of smaller diameters. It is prohibited to cut down a tree throughout the Town’s territory, except in the following cases:

• sick or dead tree;
• damage to property;
• Danger of falling branches or other potential danger:
• Land clearing for a new construction or extension to existing structure.

We would also ask the applicant to place a string around the trunk of the tree that is the subject of the application so that we may identify it with certainty on site

Requesting a certificate of authorization

An application form* for a tree cutting certificate of authorization can be obtained at Public Works (25 Claude-Jodoin St.) or by clicking here to print out a copy.

It is important to fill in every section on the form to avoid delays in the processing of your application. Once completed and signed, the application form must be submitted to the Public Works department in one of the following ways:

• In person: Municipal garage, 25 Claude-Jodoin Street, Kirkland
• By mail: 17200 Hymus Boulevard, Kirkland (Quebec) H9J 3Y8

The application form will be processed within twenty (20) working days of receipt and, where applicable, the certificate of authorization will be issued and remitted to the applicant by email.

Replacement of felled trees

Any tree that was cut down in the front yard or on the side of a private property must be replaced with another tree of an approved species having a minimum height of 1.5 metres, within 90 days of felling. 

Tips to follow, to help tree survival in its first growth years

When planting a new tree on your property, it is advisable not to encroach on the right-of-way where there are usually underground pipes passing through. In case of a break in these sections of the pipes, the tree that is in the right-of-way will probably have to be removed for repairs to be carried out. For your information, the main water valve in front of your property is located, in most cases, at the right-of-way line. We can therefore use it as a reference to determine the approximate distance of this line.

Learn about the applicable regulations

The provisions relevant to tree conservation and pruning can be found in Article 5.6 of Zoning By-Law No. 90-58. 

Urban forest preservation

Protective measures must be applied to all trees in the municipality’s territory, no matter the size. Any tree with a diameter of more than 10 cm (4") that is likely to be damaged during construction work, whether it is located on public property or not, must be adequately protected.

It is also prohibited to trim, prune or cut down any tree or shrub belonging to the Town, this task being reserved solely for municipal employees and utility tree-pruning professionals. The same applies to flowers and plants belonging to the Town which cannot be cut or pulled out.

Safety above all

When a private tree interferes with a street light, obstructs the visibility of a road sign or endangers public safety, it is the responsibility of the owner or occupant of the property where the tree is located to remedy the situation. The Town may hand the owner or occupant a notice to prune, trim the branches or remove the tree completely - with which the receiver will have to comply within 10 days of receipt of said notice.

*By completing this form, I understand that the information it contains will be accessible to any Town employee involved in processing the file. I freely and knowingly consent to all the information I have provided to the Town being stored in accordance with the required security standards and the Town’s data retention rules.