Main bylaws of the City of La Prairie regarding trees

Tree Removal Maintenance Planting

Tree Removal

It is prohibited to cut any tree with a diameter greater than five (5) centimeters (measured at one (1) meter from the ground) without first obtaining a certificate of authorization (permit) from the City of La Prairie.

A certificate of authorization may be issued by the City of La Prairie in the following cases:

• The tree is dead or affected by an incurable disease;
• The tree is dangerous to public health and safety;
• The tree constitutes a nuisance or causes damage to public or private property;
• The tree constitutes an obstacle to the construction, operation, or maintenance of an infrastructure or public utility network;
• The tree constitutes a nuisance to the growth and well-being of a neighboring tree of greater or equal value. The applicant must demonstrate, with a report from an ISA-certified arborist or a forest engineer, that there are no other possible solutions for the preservation of the tree;
• The tree must be cut due to the risk of spreading an incurable disease. The applicant must demonstrate, with a report from an ISA-certified arborist or a forest engineer, that there are no other possible solutions for the preservation of the tree;

Any tree intended to be cut must be marked at one (1) meter from the ground before the permit or certificate is issued.

Any cut tree must be replaced by a new tree if the minimum required number of trees is not met after cutting.

Tree cut without a certificate of authorization (permit) is punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000 per illegally removed tree.

Cutting or Pruning an Ash Tree

If the ash tree is too damaged by the emerald ash borer and cannot be treated, the cutting of the infested tree is requested before the following spring to prevent the emergence of the next generation of the pest.

It is prohibited to fell or prune an ash tree (species of the genus Fraxinus) between March 15th and October 1st of the same year to avoid the spread of the emerald ash borer.

Maintenance

Tree pruning must be performed according to the standards of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ).

Topping and severe pruning are prohibited in the City of La Prairie and are considered cutting.

It is also prohibited to compromise the integrity of a tree by altering the roots, bark, trunk, or branches.

Pruning more than 30% of a tree's branches will be considered cutting.

Certificate of Authorization (Tree Cutting Permit) for Tree Removal

The processing time for the application is approximately twenty (20) business days. The price of the Tree cutting permit is determined based on the cost of the cutting work.

To apply for a tree cutting permit, the following information is required:

• Location certificate or sketch indicating the location of the tree(s) to be cut;
• Address or lot number where the tree(s) will be cut;
• Tree diameter measured at one (1) foot from the ground, its species, and the number of trees to be cut;
• Images clearly justifying the reasons for cutting as well as a brief description;
• Complete contact information of the applicant and the owner.

Here is how to obtain your tree cutting permit from the City of La Prairie:

• You can submit an online permit request;

The applicant must prove the validity of the request in all cases.

For any questions regarding the certificate of authorization application (tree cutting permit) or to follow up on your permit application, you can contact the Urban Planning Department at 450 444-6637 or by email at urbanisme@ville.laprairie.qc.ca.

Planting

Every tree (deciduous or conifer) whose planting is required is subject to compliance with the following requirements:

• A minimum required height of two meters (2 m) at planting for a deciduous or conifer tree;
• A minimum required diameter of fifty millimeters (50 mm) measured at a height of one meter twenty (1.20 m) from the adjacent ground level for a deciduous or conifer tree.
• The tree to be planted must be of a large size. If it is demonstrated that a large tree cannot be planted due to lack of space, a medium-sized tree may then be considered. If space remains insufficient, a small-sized tree may be planted.
• Tree replacement must be completed within a maximum of 12 months following cutting. If planting work is impossible due to winter conditions, planting must be completed by the following May 31st at the latest.

When planting is required, at least 50% of the trees must belong to the order of deciduous trees.

Any variety of cedar (Thuja occidentalis), whether wild or cultivated, cannot be included in the calculation of the required number of trees.

Every lot must include a minimum number of trees, not less than a ratio of 1 tree per 250 m2 of lot area.

Minimum tree requirements based on area and setbacks:

Despite the minimum number of trees required in the previous table:

1. When the width of the lot is less than 7 meters, it is permitted to replace each tree required in the front setback with at least two shrubs with a minimum height of 1 meter and reaching up to 3 meters at maturity, if it is demonstrated that a tree cannot be planted in front due to its root system or its canopy at maturity.
2. When the depth of the setback is less than three (3) meters, it is permitted to replace each tree required in the front setback with at least two shrubs with a minimum height of 1 meter and reaching up to 3 meters at maturity. The applicant must, however, justify the impossibility of planting a tree in the front setback. This exception applies only to the portion of the lot where the front setback has a depth of less than three (3) meters.
3. When trees are replaced by shrubs in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2, the trees initially required in the front setback must be planted in another setback of the lot, unless these other setbacks also have a depth of less than three (3) meters and it is demonstrated that no tree can be planted there due to its root system or the spread of its canopy at maturity.

When a tree cutting results in a reduction of the number of trees required, the removed tree must absolutely be replaced by a new tree within twelve months following the cutting. Furthermore, the replacement tree must be at least fifty millimeters (50 mm) in diameter, measured at one (1) meter from the ground.

The tree species listed below cannot be planted within twelve (12) meters of any front property line, any public easement for the passage of sewers and water mains, and any foundations:

Work Near Hydro-Québec Power Lines

We can undertake cutting and pruning work only near telecommunication wires or low-voltage wires. Please note that we are not authorized by Hydro-Québec for work to be performed near medium-voltage power lines and near electricity distribution networks. For more information on this subject, we suggest you consult the Aerial network section of our website. You will also find the procedure to help you find a company mandated by Hydro-Québec for this type of service.

City of La Prairie

170 Taschereau Boulevard
La Prairie, Quebec
J5R 5H6
450 444-6637
urbanisme@ville.laprairie.qc.ca
ville.laprairie.qc.ca

Please note that the information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and has no force of law or legal value. For further information or to verify current regulations, please contact the municipality.