Do I need a permit to remove a tree in North Vancouver?

It depends on location and land designation. Both the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver have Tree Protection Bylaws that require a permit before removing trees in specific circumstances. Let us clearly identify the need for a permit and if necessary we can handle the permit application process on your behalf, permit and handling fees apply and will always be clearly outlined in your quote.

How much does tree removal cost in North Vancouver?

Tree removal costs vary depending on the size, species, location, and access to the tree. Rather than publish ranges that may not reflect your specific situation, we provide a no-obligation free estimate, with a written quote returned within 48 hours. No surprises, no hidden fees.

What's the difference between a certified arborist and a regular tree service?

Not all tree care is equal. An ISA Certified Arborist has passed the ISA exam, covering tree biology, pruning standards, risk assessment, and safe work practices. In BC, only ISA Certified Arborists can produce official arborist reports, and their work meets insurance standards that uncertified contractors do not. It's the difference between guesswork and expertise.

Do you offer emergency tree service after storms?

Yes, 24/7. Fallen or hanging trees are a genuine safety hazard. Call us any time and a certified arborist will assess and secure the situation as quickly as possible. North Vancouver is no stranger to windstorms, emergency callouts are always our priority.

Is your company insured for work in North Vancouver?

Yes. We carry 5 million dollars in commercial general liability insurance and all workers are covered under WorkSafeBC. We provide certificates of insurance before any job begins, because if an uninsured contractor is injured on your property, you may be held liable under BC law.

North Vancouver's Trusted Arborists

Tree Pruning and Tree Services in North Vancouver

From Lynn Valley and Edgemont to Delbrook and Upper Lonsdale, Devine Arboricultural Solutions provides certified, fully insured tree pruning and tree care for North Vancouver’s mature trees.

Request a Free Quote from a Certified Arborist

We typically respond within 1 hour during business hours · No obligation

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Why Devine Arboricultural Solutions

Not all tree care is equal. Here’s why North Vancouver homeowners trust certified arborists

ISA Certified

ISA Certified Arborist #P8007A with TRAQ, the credential the District looks for when a tree is declared hazardous.

Wildlife Tree Expertise

Certified Wildlife and Tree Danger Assessor #P2350. The District protects wildlife trees, so recognising one matters here.

Permits Handled

Navigating permits can be confusing; that’s where we come in. We offer concierge permit services, handling the full application or walking you through exactly what’s needed, depending on the job.

Full Cleanup

Every job, from tree trimming to stump removal, includes complete site cleanup and debris removal. We leave your property cleaner than we found it, no exceptions.

Tree Care Above the Upper Levels

North Vancouver’s neighbourhoods above the Upper Levels sit among some of the biggest trees on the North Shore. In Lynn Valley, Edgemont, Upper Lonsdale, Delbrook and Capilano Highlands, many lots back onto mature Douglas fir, western red cedar and western hemlock, with bigleaf maple along the ravines.

Slope and water shape most of the work here. Heavy winter rain saturates the soil on sloped lots, which puts extra strain on root systems and leaves tall conifers more exposed in windstorms. Careful pruning takes weight off where a tree carries the most risk, without removing more than the tree can afford to lose. You can read more about how we approach it on our pruning service page.

Most homes above the Upper Levels are in the District of North Vancouver, which regulates both pruning and removal of large and protected trees. We know those rules and write the arborist reports the District asks for. Some Upper Lonsdale properties fall within the City of North Vancouver instead, so we confirm which rules apply before any work starts.

Our Tree Services in North Vancouver

From routine maintenance to complex removals on steep terrain, our certified arborists handle every aspect of tree care across the North Shore.

Tree Removal

Removal of dead, failing or hazardous trees, including technical removals on steep lots where limbs need to be rigged down.

Tree Pruning

Crown cleaning, thinning, reduction and structural pruning, including the arborist report the District requires before pruning a large or protected tree.

Emergency Tree Service

We provide fast, safe help when a tree or limb falls after a storm. 24/7 callouts.

Hedge Trimming

Precision trimming for hedges, keeping your property looking sharp year-round.

Tree Maintenance

Deep-root fertilization, pest and disease control, mulching; everything your trees need year-round.

Arborist Reports

Certified arborist reports for City and District of North Vancouver permit applications, strata requirements, and insurance claims. Permit handling available.

Stump Grinding

Once your tree is removed, we can grind the stump cleanly below ground level as an add-on. Leaving your yard safe, tidy, and ready for what’s next.

Tree Risk Assessment

A formal assessment of any tree you are worried about, using the same risk qualification the District relies on for hazard tree permits.

Arborist Consultation

Got a tree question with no clear answer? Book a one-on-one consultation with our head arborist, Tiger Devine. Whether you’re unsure about tree health, planning work on your property, or just need expert direction, Tiger will give you the clarity you need.

Not sure where to start?

Fill out the form and get in touch. We’ll help point you in the right direction.

How It Works

Getting professional tree care is simpler than you think.

Request a Free Quote

We typically respond within 1 hour during business hours

Free On-Site Estimate

A certified arborist visits your property, assesses the trees, and provides a written quote. City or District of North Vancouver permits can be arranged on your behalf upon request.

Safe Work & Full Cleanup

Our crew completes the job to ISA standards and thoroughly cleans up.

What North Vancouver Homeowners Say

Neighbourhoods We Serve in North Vancouver

We serve all of North Vancouver, both City and District, as well as neighbouring communities on the North Shore. If you’re in any of these areas, we can help.

North Vancouver Tree Questions

Tree care in North Vancouver comes with specific permit requirements and bylaw considerations. Here are the questions we hear most often.

Do I need a permit to prune a tree in North Vancouver?

In the District of North Vancouver, yes, if the tree is a large diameter tree (75 cm or more across, measured 1.3 metres above the ground) or a protected tree. Pruning either needs a tree permit and an arborist report. Smaller trees that are not protected can be pruned without a permit. City of North Vancouver properties follow different rules.

Which trees are protected in the District of North Vancouver?

Protected trees include trees on District land, trees on slopes steeper than 36%, trees within 15 metres of the top of a watercourse bank, heritage and wildlife trees, replacement trees, and species including arbutus, Pacific yew, western white pine and yellow cedar. Many lots above the Upper Levels sit on slopes or near creeks, so it is worth checking before any work.

Can I top my trees in North Vancouver?

Not if the tree has never been topped. The District does not permit topping trees that have not been topped before. Retopping a previously topped tree may be considered when a certified arborist recommends it in the permit application.

What should I do about a hazardous tree?

The District can issue a hazard tree permit with no fee once the tree has been assessed by a qualified tree risk assessor. We hold that qualification and can write the report. If a tree is actively failing, emergency work can go ahead, but the failed parts must stay on site and a report is due within 48 hours.

When is the best time to prune trees in North Vancouver?

For most trees, late winter to early spring, before new growth starts. Some species do better with summer pruning, and bird nesting season from March 1 to August 31 can affect timing, so we plan each job around the tree and the rules.

Book Tree Pruning in North Vancouver

Tell us about your trees and where you are, and we will arrange a visit to assess them and give you a written quote.