Bylaws related to trees and shrubs

We manage the upkeep of trees and shrubs situated on public sidewalks and boulevards, as well as enforce the maintenance of trees and shrubs on private property to uphold the beauty of our communities. Here, you'll find details on the required care for trees on both public and private properties.

For trees on public property, The City takes on the exclusive responsibility for maintenance under our Tree Protection Bylaw. According to this bylaw:

1. Cutting, removing, moving, or pruning City trees is strictly prohibited without City permission.
2. Citizens are not allowed to penetrate the bark or attach any object or sign to trees on City land.
3. Spraying City trees with any substance, except water, is prohibited for citizens.
4. Citizens cannot attach electrical cords or other objects to City trees.

To confirm if a tree falls under City jurisdiction, contact 311. Violations of these regulations can incur fines ranging from $100 to $500.

Homeowners and occupants are required to trim hedges, trees, and shrubs on their property to prevent interference with pedestrians on sidewalks or vehicles using the street or alley. For comprehensive information on bylaws concerning trees and shrubs, please refer to the Yard and Perimeter Maintenance brochure.

Apart from the mentioned bylaws, there isn't a specific bylaw governing the management of trees on private property. Such matters are considered issues between the respective private property owners. Residents seeking assistance or assessments can contact an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). 

Owners of newly constructed homes may be required to plant trees on their property. For information on this, please visit our Tree Requirements for New Home Developments page.

Trees and shrubs are regulated under the Street Bylaw under section 68(6) and protected under the Tree Protection Bylaw​.

This page is an overview of these regulations. Please refer to the actual bylaw for more detailed information. Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.

If you know of a bylaw infraction and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or: 

To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

• Your name and address
• A primary and alternate phone number
• The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint
• A brief and concise description of the complaint

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

When reporting on the 311 app, users are encouraged to add photos to assist the investigating officer.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process.