Tree cutting in Surrey: permits and hiring an arborist

Choose assessment, pruning or removal

Ask the arborist to assess the problem before you request removal. Describe the concern: a defective limb, declining foliage, interference with servicing or proximity to the foundation. Surrey accepts specified removal reasons, including a tree beyond expected recovery, a hazardous structural defect and a tree within two metres of the home's foundation. [1]

Surrey does not accept leaf or fruit drop, excessive shade, a better view, driveway damage or fence lifting as reasons to apply for removal. If those concerns prompted your call, ask for a pruning or tree-care proposal that follows the City's restrictions. [1] [2]

Ask the contractor to describe the branches they intend to remove. Surrey prohibits removing branches in the upper half of a protected tree's total height or more than 25% of its total branches or limbs. The City also prohibits topping protected trees without an issued tree cutting permit. A vague promise to shorten the tree needs clarification before you accept the quote. [2]

Prepare the permit application before booking

The registered property owner must sign the application. For a tree on the property boundary, both owners must sign. Prepare at least three clear colour photos showing the whole tree, its defect and the surrounding area, plus a location sketch or a printout from the City's COSMOS mapping system. [1]

Surrey requires an arborist report for applications involving five or more trees, or when its Trees and Landscape Section requests one. The report writer must meet the City's stated ISA Certified Arborist or qualified tree risk assessor requirements and follow its terms of reference. Tell prospective contractors whether you need a report, cutting work or both. [1]

The City charges no application fee. After approval, you pay for the permit; the City issues it after processing payment. Have the issued permit in hand before removal and display it where someone can see it from the street. Surrey reviews applications in receipt order and prioritizes safety hazards, but its page gives no fixed processing time. [1]

Compare complete quotes and cash requirements

Request separate amounts for assessment, report preparation, pruning or removal, hauling, stump work and replacement planting. Ask who pays City charges and whether the contractor includes them in the quoted total. Specify whether you want logs retained, chips removed and the stump ground, then ask the contractor to record those choices.

For the removal process described on Surrey's Removing Trees page, the City charges $108 plus $42 per tree removed. Its published examples are $150 for one tree and $192 for two. These figures cover permit charges; they do not establish a contractor's removal price. [1]

Surrey may require two replacement trees for each tree removed and collects $550 per replacement tree as a deposit. Confirm your permit's replacement count before setting your budget. The City can release half the deposit after accepting the planted tree at inspection, then the remaining half after a successful second inspection one year later. [1]

Check the people doing the work

Surrey recommends an ISA certified arborist or qualified tree risk assessor for pruning and advises homeowners to ask about insurance and familiarity with its bylaws. For cutting down trees, the City lists BC Certified Faller, Falling and Bucking Endorsement, and Qualified Arborist under WorkSafeBC among recognized qualifications. Ask which qualification applies to the person performing your removal. [1] [2]

Request proof of liability insurance and a WorkSafeBC clearance letter. WorkSafeBC recommends checking a business's registration and payment standing because a customer could face responsibility for unpaid premiums. A proprietor who hires no workers can have optional coverage; discuss that person's insurance arrangements before work starts. [2] [4]

Point out overhead wires during the site visit. BC Hydro recommends a certified utility arborist when you cannot prune safely or are unsure how to do so. Ask its vegetation coordinator to assess the situation at 1 800 224 9376. Its one-metre service-wire vegetation clearance is a maintenance requirement, not a universal safe working distance. [3]

Agree on access, cleanup and follow-up

Walk the access route with the contractor. Identify gates, fences, garden beds and areas where you want equipment kept out. Agree on how the crew will protect retained trees and property, where it will stage debris, and who will inspect the finished work with you.

Check disposal before accepting a quote that leaves branches behind. Surrey offers residents a chipping and pickup service at $250 per pile measuring 1.5 metres on each side. Branches must be less than 20 centimetres in diameter, and the service excludes stumps. Call 604-591-4340 to discuss this option. [2]

For replacement planting or excavation, BC Hydro directs you to contact BC 1 Call before digging to locate underground infrastructure. Assign responsibility for utility locating, replacement planting and booking City inspections in your written scope. [1] [3]

Surrey tree removal permit fees: published examples

Choose the next step for your tree

Your hiring checklist

1. Identify the tree and photograph the concern from a safe location.
2. Check ownership, species and any replacement or development planting conditions.
3. Ask whether assessment, pruning or removal addresses your concern.
4. Confirm permit responsibility and any report requirement before setting a cutting date.
5. Request insurance documentation, worker qualifications and WorkSafeBC standing.
6. Compare written scopes covering hauling, stump work, access and property protection.
7. Assign utility coordination, replacement planting and inspection responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to prune my own tree?

Surrey requires a pruning permit for Significant or Heritage Trees. Other private trees do not need a routine pruning permit, but you must follow arboricultural standards and protected-tree pruning restrictions. Confirm status before agreeing to major crown reduction or topping. [2]

Can I remove a dead tree before receiving permission?

Surrey accepts death or decline beyond expected recovery as a reason to apply. For a protected tree, its process requires the issued permit in hand before removal. Contact Trees and Landscape at 604-591-4675 about a safety concern rather than assuming approval. [1]

Can I trim branches from my neighbour's tree?

Surrey says you may trim back to the property line if you follow industry standards and do not damage, kill or make the tree hazardous. Discuss access and payment with your neighbour. The City treats those arrangements as civil matters. [2]

How much should I budget for tree removal?

Get a site-specific contractor quote. The supplied official guidance establishes City charges rather than a local labour price: $150 for a one-tree permit and $550 per required replacement tree as a deposit. Ask for hauling, stump work and planting as separate items. [1]