City Trees

City-owned trees are on a service rotation schedule and are maintained by certified and trained tree care professionals. Learn more about our processes below.

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.

Friendly Reminders:

  • Do not prune, top or alter boulevard trees in any way. 

  • Do not plant annuals or perennial garden beds at boulevard tree base - this can be damaging to the trees.

Have questions or concerns about a City tree?

Contact the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office.
Phone: 604-527-4567
Email: 

Looking for Private Tree Information?

Removal and pruning of private trees falls under the Tree Protection Bylaw. Learn more.

Prior to starting a large project or making a removal request, review the Tree Permit page.

  • Submit a Tree Service Request

    Learn what details are needed and how to report a tree concern.

    The Urban Forestry team manages a large tree population and addresses issues beyond scheduled maintenance. If you notice a tree requiring attention, submit a Tree Service Request.

    Information Needed for Requests

    • 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


    Contact the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office

    Phone: 604-527-4567
    Email:
    Use SeeClickFix online to report non-emergency requests online (allows photo upload).

    Request Types

    • Emergency Requests: Addressed immediately for safety risks, such as:
      • Trees or branches on power lines
      • Blocked sidewalks or roads
      • Hanging broken branches
      • Trees destabilized by structural damage
         
    • Standard Requests: Reviewed within 5 - 10 business days. After assessment, the request is added to the service rotation schedule, with priority given to emergencies.
  • Tree Maintenance Program

    City trees are maintained on a scheduled basis to ensure health and growth.

    The Urban Forestry team regularly identifies trees that are dead, declining, or causing infrastructure conflicts. When possible, pruning or partial removal is used to extend a tree’s life and reduce risks. Replacement trees are planted within 24 months of removal, with planting occurring between October 1 and March 31. 

    City trees are inspected every 3 to 7 years, depending on age and service needs, by certified tree care professionals. Pruning focuses on:

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

    Tree maintenance aims to minimize disruptions, including parking restrictions.

  • Tree Planting & Removal

    The City of New Westminster prioritizes the health, safety, and preservation of city trees.

    Under the Tree Protection Bylaw, all trees and shrubs on City property are protected. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining shrubs on boulevards adjacent to their property, while the City Arborist manages all trees on City property.

    Tree planting and replacement follow the Tree Planting Master Plan, considering site compatibility, aesthetics, climate resilience, and maintenance needs. Dead or removed trees are replaced within 24 months. The Urban Forestry team ensures City trees are maintained professionally, with public safety as a priority.

    View Urban Tree List for Metro Vancouver in a Changing Climate.

    To report concerns about a tree on City property, submit a Tree Service Request.


  • 604-636-4318

    Boulevard Tree Maintenance Requests
    604-527-4567