FAQ

Do I need a permit to cut a tree in Gatineau?

Yes. The City requires an authorization certificate before removing any tree 10 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.3 m above the ground, and the certificate has to be obtained before the work begins. You also need a reason the by-law accepts. Apply online or through 311, and note that a breach carries a fine.

Does a tree worker need a qualification certificate?

Yes, since 8 June 2026. Quebec's occupational health and safety regulation requires an arboriculture qualification certificate of the appropriate class, or a valid apprenticeship record, for anyone performing arboriculture work in Quebec. The ARBO certificate covers pruning, predetermined felling outside forests, stump removal and bracing; ARBO-S covers ground work. Ask to see it.

How much does tree removal cost?

In Quebec in 2026, expect roughly $260 to $520 for a small tree, $520 to $1,030 for a medium tree and $1,030 to $2,580 and up for a large one. Stump grinding is extra, $100 to $1,030 per stump, and the City certificate is extra as well. These are indicative ranges rather than quotes.

Can I prune my tree however I like?

No. City rules forbid removing more than 50 per cent of the living branches and forbid topping a tree. They also require that pruning not shorten the tree's life, that the natural silhouette be preserved, and that the work meet Bureau de normalisation du Québec standards.

When is the best time to prune?

Late winter suits most broadleaf trees: the tree is dormant and its structure is easy to see. Avoid the general nesting period, mid-April to late August in the zone covering the Outaouais. Dead wood and dangerous branches can come off at any time.

Is a replacement tree required?

Sometimes. Replacement is required if the lot no longer meets the minimum tree requirements, or if the removal makes room for construction such as an accessory building, a pool or a fence. The replacement must be at least 2.5 m for a broadleaf and 1.5 m for a conifer, and it has to be planted more than 1.5 m from the paving, the sidewalk or the curb.

Who handles a tree on City land?

Trees in the street right-of-way belong to the City. Do not cut or prune them yourself, and note that planting a tree on municipal land is also prohibited. Call 311.

What if the branch is close to a power line?

Do not touch it. Call Hydro-Québec before anything else, and 911 if a line is down. Work near live conductors is governed by CNESST rules and requires minimum approach distances, training and constant monitoring of the climber. Some of that work is the utility's own.

Send us a photo of the tree and your address. We pass your request to a qualified local contractor, who comes back to you with a written quote.