Tree Cutting: A First Step Toward Better Protection
The Town has adopted a new regulatory article in its Permits and Certificates By-law to better oversee tree cutting on its territory, specifically for work carried out for non-commercial purposes or outside shoreline buffer zones
A certificate of authorization is now required, except for tree cutting within agricultural zones as identified in the Urban Plan (commonly referred to as the green zone).
This decision is inspired by practices already in place elsewhere in the Eastern Townships, notably in Sherbrooke and Bromont, where authorization is required for any tree cutting and where specific rules apply to certain situations (such as dead or diseased trees, or those located in agricultural zones).
There are three types of authorizations related to tree cutting:
Tree cutting for non-commercial purposes (Section 97 of Zoning By-law 596)
Tree cutting near lake or river shorelines, which must comply with the standards set out in Section 80 of Zoning By-law 596
Tree cutting of commercial-diameter trees (over 10 cm) of commercial species such as oak, maple, white pine, and white or red spruce (Section 96 of Zoning By-law 596)
Why this measure now?
Trees play a vital role in the quality of life in our community — they improve air quality, support biodiversity, reduce heat islands, and enhance our landscapes. However, several instances of excessive tree cutting have been observed. To better protect our tree heritage and ensure compliance with regulations, the Town has now designated a specific staff member to review all tree-cutting permit applications.
The Town’s Commitments
- Quick processing times: Each complete application will be processed within a maximum of seven business days.
Active awareness: For the past two months, the Town has been actively encouraging residents to obtain authorization before any tree cutting — and the approach is working well.
Diligent follow-up: The Town continues to respond to complaints and concerns from residents with transparency and responsiveness.
A First Step Toward a More Comprehensive Review
This is a transitional measure. As part of the upcoming review of the Urban Plan and the comprehensive by-law overhaul planned over the next two years, the Town will adopt a more detailed framework that will clearly distinguish between:
- Pruning
- Trimming
- Tree cutting
With this amendment, the Town will be able to apply clear regulations and also take appropriate action in cases of abusive tree cutting or pruning.
Commercial Tree Species
The following species are considered commercial tree species:
| CONIFEROUS SPECIES | DECIDUOUS SPECIES |
|---|---|
| White spruce | White birch |
| Norway spruce | Gray birch |
| Black spruce | Yellow birch (cherry birch) |
| Red spruce | Late cherry |
| White pine | Red oak |
| Red pine | Sugar maple |
| Gray pine | Silver maple |
| Scots pine | Red maple |
| Eastern hemlock | White ash |
| Balsam fir | Red ash |
| Eastern white cedar (thuja) | Black ash |
| Tamarack larch | American beech |
| Hybrid larch | Butternut |
| Black walnut | |
| White elm | |
| Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) | |
| Large-tooth aspen | |
| Balsam poplar | |
| Trembling aspen | |
| Hybrid poplar | |
| Other poplars | |
| American basswood |