Main bylaws of the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville regarding trees

Tree Removal Maintenance Planting

Tree Removal

Anyone wishing to cut a deciduous tree with a diameter of 10 centimeters or more or a conifer of 8 centimeters or more, calculated at 30 centimeters from the ground, must first obtain a certificate of authorization from the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville for this purpose. Tree cutting on the territory is prohibited without a tree cutting permit.

Cutting may be authorized for one of the following reasons:

• The tree is dead or affected by an incurable disease;
• The tree represents a danger to public health and safety;
• The tree represents a serious nuisance or may cause damage to public or private property;
• The tree hinders the realization of authorized landscaping, construction, or work and no alternative solution can be considered;
• The tree is located within 3 meters of the perimeter of the main building;
• The tree is part of a conifer plantation serving as a dividing hedge between 2 lots.

Anyone cutting a tree on their property without first having requested a certificate of authorization is liable to a minimum fine of $2,500, plus an additional amount for each tree cut. Severe pruning of more than 50% of a tree's foliage is considered cutting.

In cases of infestation or situations that do not meet normal authorization conditions, an expert report from a forest engineer, an arborist, or a horticulturist may be required by the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

Following the cutting of a tree, the number of trees present on the lot must be maintained (see the section on planting).

Cutting or Pruning an Ash Tree

The owner of any ash tree that is dead or has 30% dead or declining branches must proceed or have someone proceed with the cutting of the ash tree before December 31st of the year this condition is observed.

A certificate of authorization (free of charge) is required to cut an ash tree in the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

It is prohibited to cut or prune an ash tree (species of the genus Fraxinus) between March 16th and September 30th of the same year, except in the following cases:

• The ash tree is dangerous for the safety of persons;
• When the tree constitutes a nuisance or causes damage to public or private property;
• To allow a construction project compliant with municipal regulations;
• If the cutting is approved by a forest engineer.

Disposal of ash tree residues:

Anyone cutting or pruning an ash tree in the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville must dispose of the ash tree residues as follows:

• Branches or trunk pieces with a diameter not exceeding 20 cm must be immediately chipped on-site within 10 days following the cutting or pruning into chips not exceeding 2.5 cm on at least two sides;

• Between October 1st of one year and March 15th of the following year: branches or trunk pieces with a diameter not exceeding 20 cm must be immediately chipped on-site within 10 days following the cutting or pruning into chips not exceeding 2.5 cm on at least two sides;
  OR
  Between October 1st of one year and March 15th of the following year: branches or trunk pieces with a diameter exceeding 20 cm must be sent to an authorized treatment site (eco-center located at 600 Sagard Street, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville) or to a wood processing company within 10 days following the cutting or pruning work;

• Between March 16th and September 30th: branches or trunk pieces with a diameter not exceeding 20 cm must be immediately chipped on-site into chips not exceeding 2.5 cm on at least two sides;
  OR
  Between March 16th and September 30th: All branches or pieces exceeding 20 cm in diameter must be kept on-site and may be transported to a treatment site or a wood processing company between October 1st and October 10th of the same year.

Wood chips may be kept on-site and used on the property.

It is prohibited to store ash tree residues that have not been processed using a compliant method. It is therefore not possible to keep the wood to use as firewood.

It is prohibited, between March 15th and October 1st, to transport ash tree residues that have not been processed using a compliant method.

Maintenance

Topping any tree is forbidden.

Pruning a tree must not harm the health of the tree.

The natural shape of the tree must be preserved.

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

Certificate of Authorization (tree cutting Permit) for Tree Removal

The application processing time varies, and the City of Saint-Bruno-de- Montarville advises starting the process in advance. The tree cutting permit costs $50. The processing time is 60 days.

To apply for a tree cutting permit from the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, the following information is required:

• Location certificate indicating the location of the tree(s) to be cut;
• Diameter of the tree, its species, and the number of trees to be cut;
• The name and contact information of the contractor;
• Complete contact information of the applicant and the owner;
• Photos clearly justifying the reasons for cutting.

Several means are at your disposal to obtain your tree cutting permit from the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville:

• You can submit an online request;
• You can apply by phone at 450-645-2917;
• You can send all requested documents, completed and signed, to the following address: urbanisme@stbruno.ca;

For any questions regarding the certificate of authorization application (tree cutting permit), you can contact the Environmental Division at 450-645-2917 or by email at the following address: urbanisme@stbruno.ca.

Planting

In the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, planted trees must have the following characteristics:

• Deciduous trees: 4 centimeters in diameter calculated at 30 centimeters from the ground and a minimum height of 7 meters at maturity;
• Conifers: 1.5 meters in height.

On the territory of the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, each lot must include a minimum number of trees according to the following provisions:

• In the part of the front yard located between the front line and the front setback, there must be at least one (1) tree per 75 m2, with no fewer than one tree;
• For single-family homes or buildings with one or two dwellings, there must be at least one (1) tree per 100 m2 for any lot area not occupied by a building, excluding the front yard;
• For dwellings with more than 3 units, there must be at least one (1) tree per 100 m2 for any lot area not occupied by a building, a parking area, a service area, or an isolation area, excluding the front yard.

Hedges are not taken into account when calculating the minimum required number of trees.

The calculation of the number of required trees is based only on trees reaching a minimum height of seven (7) meters at maturity.

The planting of the following trees in the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville is prohibited within 15 m of a front line, a foundation of a main building, and a public utility pipe:

The planting of an ash tree or a Norway maple is prohibited under all circumstances throughout the territory of the City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

Arboriculture Advisory Service Program

The City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville offers its citizens a free 15-minute consultation session with a forest engineer. This specialist can evaluate the health of your tree and inform you of the interventions the tree needs (pruning, treatment, cabling, etc.) and suggest cutting if necessary.

If you are interested in this service, we invite you to consult the following link: City of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville Advisory Service.

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 Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville

1550 Hôtel-de-Ville Street
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec
J3V 3T8
450 645-2930
information@stbruno.ca
stbruno.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.