Do I need an arborist report before removing trees in NB cities?

Whether you need an arborist report before removing trees in New Brunswick depends on your municipality, the size and species of tree, and whether the tree is on private or public property — but in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John, removing significant trees often requires either a permit, an arborist assessment, or both, and unauthorized removal can result in fines. Each NB municipality handles tree protection differently, so checking your local bylaws before cutting is essential.

Fredericton has one of the more comprehensive tree protection frameworks in NB. The city's Tree Conservation Bylaw protects certain trees on private property, particularly in designated conservation areas and along watercourses. For development projects, an arborist assessment is typically required as part of the site plan approval process. The city also has a strong urban forest canopy program and may require replacement planting if significant trees are removed. Contact Fredericton's Planning and Development department before removing any tree with a trunk diameter exceeding 10 inches (measured at breast height, approximately 1.4 metres from the ground).

Moncton regulates tree removal primarily through its site alteration and development permit processes. While there is no blanket bylaw requiring permits for removing individual trees on private residential property, trees in designated buffer zones, near watercourses (the 30-metre provincial buffer zone applies), or on properties undergoing development or subdivision do require assessment and often arborist reports. The City of Moncton also maintains a list of significant trees and heritage trees that have additional protections.

Saint John has tree protection provisions within its zoning and development bylaws, particularly for properties in heritage conservation areas and environmentally sensitive zones. Trees along public streets and in city parks are protected, and damaging or removing them without authorization is an offence. For residential properties, contact Saint John's Building and Inspection Services to determine whether your specific tree removal requires a permit.

An arborist report typically costs $150-400 in New Brunswick and includes an assessment of the tree's species, size, health condition, structural integrity, and any risk it poses to people or property. The report will provide a professional recommendation on whether the tree should be removed, pruned, cabled, or preserved, along with a risk rating. Certified arborists in NB carry the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification and carry professional liability insurance. The report provides documentation that removal was justified — important if a neighbour or municipality questions the action.

Provincial regulations also apply regardless of municipality. Trees within the 30-metre watercourse and wetland buffer zone require a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit from the NB Department of Environment before removal. Trees on Crown land or in protected natural areas have additional protections. When in doubt, consulting both your municipal planning department and a certified local arborist before removing any significant tree is the safest approach.

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