Boulevard and Public Trees in Calgary: What Homeowners Can and Can’t Do
Many Calgary homes have a City-owned tree on the boulevard next to the property. Those trees are protected by the City’s Tree Protection Bylaw, and the rules are different from the ones for trees in your own yard. Here is a plain-language summary.
Which trees does the bylaw cover?
The Tree Protection Bylaw applies to trees growing on land owned or controlled by the City, such as boulevards, road right-of-ways and parks. It does not apply to trees on your private property.
What you can’t do to a City tree
- Prune, cut, move or remove it.
- Attach anything to it, including signs, nails or electrical cords.
- Spray it with anything other than water.
- Plant trees or shrubs on City land.
Want a boulevard tree pruned or removed?
You need written approval from the City first. With approval, the work has to be done by a contractor on the City’s list of permitted tree contractors, or by one that meets the City’s minimum requirements — including an ISA Certified Arborist, $5 million each in auto and general liability insurance, a WCB clearance letter and a Certificate of Recognition. Start by contacting 311.
Building near a public tree
If construction will come within six metres of a public tree in the road right-of-way, the City requires a Tree Protection Plan. Removing a public tree to make room for development is a last resort, and it isn’t authorized until the related development or building permit is approved. Keep this in mind when planning a new driveway, garage or major landscaping at the front of the lot.
Fines
Fines under the bylaw range from $100 for attaching an object to a tree up to $1,000 for not complying with an enforcement order, and the Municipal Government Act allows fines of up to $10,000 for serious infractions. The City lists the current cost of installing a replacement tree as $565.
Trees on your own property
Trees in your own yard aren’t covered by the Tree Protection Bylaw, but the City has separate bylaws on trees and shrubs that apply to both public and private property, so check them before major work. Before digging to plant a new tree, request a utility locate through Click Before You Dig.
How Josan Construction & Landscaping can help
We plant trees and shrubs and build garden beds on private property across Calgary. Free estimates; we speak English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
Sources
Sources checked November 4, 2026. City guidance changes and has no legal status — always confirm requirements with the City of Calgary for your property.
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