Does Calgary have a tree protection bylaw?

Yes, Calgary does have tree protection provisions, though the rules differ depending on whether the trees are on public or private property.

Calgary's approach to tree protection is primarily governed by the City of Calgary's Parks and Pathways Bylaw (Bylaw 20M2001) and related development regulations. Understanding the distinction between public and private trees is the most important starting point for any homeowner or contractor planning work near trees.

Public Trees (City-Owned)

Trees growing on City property — boulevards, parks, pathways, and road right-of-ways — are fully protected and managed by the City of Calgary. You cannot remove, prune, damage, or disturb a City-owned tree without written authorization from the City. This includes boulevard trees that may appear to be on your property but are actually within the road right-of-way. Violations can result in significant fines, and you may be required to pay for replacement trees at the City's valuation (which can run into the thousands of dollars for a mature tree).

If you're planning any excavation, construction, or landscaping near boulevard trees, contact the City of Calgary at 311 before you start. The City's Urban Forestry team can advise on root protection zones and required clearances.

Private Trees (On Your Property)

For trees entirely on private residential property, Calgary does not have a blanket tree removal permit requirement the way some other cities do — homeowners can generally remove trees on their own private property. However, there are important exceptions and considerations:

• If your property is subject to a development permit or subdivision condition that required tree retention as part of approval, those trees may be protected by that permit condition
• Properties on the Heritage Register or in heritage overlay areas may have additional restrictions
• Trees near property lines can create disputes — a tree whose trunk straddles a property line is legally shared, and removal requires neighbour consent
• Some community area redevelopment plans include tree retention requirements for infill development

Development and Construction Context

Where tree protection becomes most critical in Calgary is during construction and development projects. The City's development permit process often includes conditions requiring protection of significant trees during construction — particularly for infill projects in established inner-city neighbourhoods. Contractors must install proper tree protection fencing (typically 1.2m orange construction fencing at the drip line) before any site work begins. Damaging or removing a protected tree during construction can result in permit holds and costly remediation requirements.

If you're planning an infill build, addition, or significant landscaping project, review your development permit conditions carefully and consult with the City's Urban Forestry team early in the process.

For your next steps, call 311 to speak with the City of Calgary about your specific situation, or visit calgary.ca and search "urban forestry" for current guidelines. If you're dealing with a construction project near trees, a landscape architect or arborist familiar with Calgary's requirements can save you significant headaches — you can find relevant professionals through the Calgary Construction Network directory.