City Trees

A City-owned protected tree or shrub is any tree or shrub on city property including parks, boulevards, right-of-ways, easements or city-owned and occupied land. Make note of where your property boundaries are along the boulevards.

Have a concern about a City tree? 

The City's Urban Forestry team manages a large population of trees throughout New Westminster. If you notice a tree that requires attention, you can submit a Tree Service Request by contacting the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office: 
Phone: 604-527-4567 
Email: active@newwestcity.ca
You can also use SeeClickFix to submit a non-emergency request online and upload photos.

What to Include in Your Tree Service Request

• Name and contact details
• Tree address and location (e.g., boulevard, sidewalk, lane)
• Type of issue (e.g., damage, pests, pruning, replacement)
• Description of concern, with photos or map links if possible

Emergency vs. Standard Requests

Emergency requests are addressed when a tree presents an immediate safety risk, such as:

• Trees or branches on power lines
• Blocked sidewalks or roads
• Hanging broken branches
• Trees destabilized by structural damage

For non-emergency concerns, standard requests are reviewed within 5-10 business days.  Following assessment, the request is prioritized and added to the service rotation schedule. 

Tree Maintenance 

City trees are maintained through a scheduled inspection and maintenance program focused on tree health, public safety, and preserving canopy wherever possible.

Certified tree care professions inspect City trees every 3 - 7 years, depending on the tree's age and service needs. Maintenance may include:

• Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches
• Managing diseased limbs
• Clearing buildings, sidewalks, and roadways
• Preserving as much canopy as possible

When possible, pruning or partial removal is used to extend a tree's life and reduce risks. The City aims to minimize disruptions associated with maintenance, including temporary parking restrictions. 

Tree Planting and Replacement

The City prioritizes the health, safety, and preservation of its urban forest. 

Tree planting and replacement are guided by the Tree Planting Master Plan, which considers site suitability, aesthetics, climate resilience, and long-term maintenance needs.

When a City tree is removed, a replacement tree is generally planted within 24 months, with planting taking place between October 1 and March 31.

View the Urban Tree List for Metro Vancouver in a Changing Climate for information about suitable urban tree species. 

Adopt-A-Street Tree Program
Interested in helping care for a newly planted street tree during the summer months? 

Boulevard Trees and Shrubs

City trees and shrubs on City property are protected under the Tree Protection Bylaw.

• Do not prune, top, remove, or otherwise alter boulevard trees.
• Do not plant annuals or perennial garden beds around the base of boulevard trees, as this can damage the trees.
• Property owners are responsible for maintaining shrubs on boulevards adjacent to their property.
• City trees are managed by the City's Urban Forestry team.

Looking for Private Tree Information?

The removal an pruning of private trees is regulated under the Tree Protection Bylaw.

If you are planning a large project or considering removing a private tree, review Tree Permit page before beginning work.