Yes. A permit is required if the tree trunk is more than 5 cm in diameter at 1.4 metres from the ground. 

Authorization to cut down a tree is given only in the following cases: 

• The tree is dead or irreversibly withering away.
• The tree is diseased, has a structural deficiency or is causing serious damage to property. 
• The tree risks spreading a disease or an exotic invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer. 
• The tree is located within the site of—or less than 3 metres (10 feet) from—construction work on a new building or extension.
• The tree is located within the site of a pool, a parking space, an access way and roadway for motor vehicles or an excavation area. In such a case, a certificate of authorization will be issued only if no other space is available elsewhere on the grounds for such facilities. 

Moreover, for all trees cut down, a new tree will have to be planted at the same location or elsewhere on the same grounds within the next six months. 

To obtain a permit, you must go to the front desk of the Direction de l’aménagement urbain et des services aux entreprises. Before it is issued, an arboricultural inspector from the Borough will come and check whether the tree may be cut down as well as the location of the new tree to be planted as a replacement. He may also give advice about preferable locations and tree species.

At time of planting, the new tree will need to have a trunk of at least 5 cm in diameter, measured at a height of 1.4 metres from the ground, and a height of at least 3.5 metres, measured from its  base, up to its highest level. 

Direction de l'aménagement urbain et des services aux entreprises
Division des permis et des inspections
777, boulevard Marcel-Laurin

Office hours: 
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.