Pruning a City of Surrey tree can hit your wallet hard
Published 10:30 am Thursday, February 19, 2026
The City of Surrey is issuing its annual reminder that pruning or cutting trees on city property can earn you a fine of up to $20,000 under Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw.
“Pruning cuts made at the wrong time or the wrong place can permanently damage and weaken a tree,” Rob Landucci, Surrey’s urban forestry manager, states in a press release. “This reduces its ability to provide shade, manage rainwater and provide clean air, which all help to increase property values and support our mental and physical wellbeing. Properly caring for our trees ensures that these benefits continue for our community.”
There are more than 115,000 shade trees on Surrey public property and certified arborists are tasked with pruning them properly to help them thrive. According to the press release, some 20,500 trees – roughly 1,700 each month – are inspected and pruned.
If you know of a tree on City of Surrey property that could use some TLC, you may call 604-501-5050 or do up a report online. To learn more, check out surrey.ca/treepruning.