Trees

Urban canopy protection and municipal regulations

The Town of Hampstead’s urban tree canopy is essential to its residential character and quality of life. Trees support biodiversity, reduce heat islands, capture carbon, and enhance climate resilience.

To preserve this natural heritage, the Town strictly regulates tree removal, planting, and maintenance on both private and public property.

Report a hazardous tree

Contact the Town through our Request System to report:

A hazardous or unstable tree.
Broken branches.
Trees posing a safety risk.
Urgent issues involving municipal trees.

Tree Removal Permit

A tree removal permit is mandatory for any tree located on private property, except in limited circumstances defined by municipal regulation.

Required documentation
To apply for a permit, the following documents must be submitted:

Completed application form.
A report prepared by a certified ISA arborist or a forest engineer who is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec, confirming the condition of the tree.
Recent photographs of the tree.
Certificate of location showing the tree’s position on the property.
Detailed written justification for the requested removal.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Conditions for issuing a permit

A permit may be granted in cases such as:

The tree is dead.
The tree is affected by disease or severe insect infestation.
The tree presents a structural safety hazard.
The tree is causing serious damage to property.
The tree interferes with an authorized construction project.
The tree prevents the normal use of the property.
The tree has significant structural defects that compromise stability.
The tree is located at the site of a proposed swimming pool, subject to strict conditions.
The tree causes a documented and serious medical allergy.

Each case must be supported by professional documentation.

Mandatory Tree Replacement

When a tree is removed with an approved permit, replacement is required.

Replacement conditions

A $500 deposit per tree is required (refundable following inspection and confirmation of compliance).
Replacement trees must meet minimum diameter requirements:
- 7 cm trunk diameter (measured 1.2 m above ground level)
- or 3 cm for certain conifer species.
Replacement must occur within the prescribed timeframe.

Cedar hedges are not recognized as acceptable replacement trees under certain regulatory requirements.

Fees and Penalties

Permit Fee

$150 per application.

Penalties

Unauthorized tree removal: fines ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.
Subsequent offences: fines ranging from $2,000 to $40,000.
Higher penalties apply to corporations.

Tree Planting

The Town encourages the planting of species well adapted to urban conditions and local soil and climate characteristics.

When planting a tree, residents must respect:

Minimum setback distances from buildings and structures.
Public rights-of-way.
Underground utility networks.
Visibility requirements at intersections.

Proper species selection and placement are essential to long-term tree health and public safety.

Tree Protection During Construction

When undertaking construction or landscaping work:

Root systems must be protected from damage.
Excavation must not compromise the structural integrity of nearby trees.
Protective barriers may be required during construction activities.

Failure to protect trees during construction may result in penalties or required corrective measures.

Municipal Trees

Trees located within the public right-of-way are under the exclusive responsibility of the Town.

Municipal interventions may include:

Regular inspections.
Preventive pruning.
Removal when required for safety reasons.
Stump removal and replanting where applicable.

Any unauthorized work on a municipal tree is strictly prohibited.