Tree removal in Montreal
Close to a house, a tree is taken down from the top, one section at a time, each piece lowered on a rope. Here is how it works, what it costs and what to sort out first.
When removal is the right call
- the tree is dead, or declining past recovery;
- it is dangerous: a crack in the trunk, rot at the base, a split leader, a lean that is getting worse;
- it carries a disease or pest that can spread, such as the emerald ash borer;
- it is in the way of permitted work: an addition, an in-ground pool, a driveway.
Shade, leaves in the pool, surface roots or sap on the car are not accepted reasons for a permit. Pruning often solves those problems instead.
Sectional removal, step by step
- Assessment. The arborist reads the lean, the condition of the wood and what lies below: roof, fence, wires, pool, garden beds.
- Access. A bucket truck is faster. In a closed backyard reached by a lane or a narrow side passage, the climber goes up on spikes and a harness.
- Limbs first. Each one is cut and lowered on a rope over a clear drop zone.
- The trunk in sections. The stem comes down in 1 to 2 m pieces, held by a rope through a pulley, down to the stump.
- Clean-up. Brush goes through the chipper. The trunk is cut into firewood and left, or hauled away if that is in the price.
The stump is left flush with the ground. Stump grinding ($100 to $1,000 per stump) is almost always a separate line on the quote.
What a good quote spells out
- which trees, so there is no confusion on the day;
- whether brush is chipped and hauled, and what happens to the trunk wood;
- whether the stump is included, and how deep it will be ground;
- who applies for the permit, and whether work waits for it;
- proof of the company’s liability insurance.
Permits around Montreal
In Montreal, a permit is needed for a tree with a trunk of 10 cm or more measured 1.3 m above ground, and each borough applies its own bylaw; apply on montreal.ca. Laval requires a certificate from 3 cm (hardwoods) or 1.5 m tall (conifers), at $84 per tree, free for an ash. Longueuil requires authorization from 5 cm and a replacement tree from 10 cm. West Island municipalities and Westmount have their own forms. Rules change: check with your city before work starts.
Common questions
Can I take a tree down myself?
A small tree in an open yard, yes, with the permit. Once a tree is taller than the house, or there are wires or a building in its fall zone, it is a job for a climber with ropes and rigging.
Is emergency removal more expensive?
Often, yes. Evening, weekend and post-storm work is frequently billed at a higher rate. Ask for the price before the crew starts.
Updated November 10, 2026