Frequently asked
Courtenay Tree Removal FAQ
Courtenay Tree Removal provides plain answers to common tree service questions across seven Comox Valley communities. We explain local rules for the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland. You can learn about permits, pricing from $400 and power line clearance before booking a site visit.
- Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Courtenay?
- On lots over 4,000 m², permits apply to trees over 20 cm or protected species. On a smaller lot you need one if the tree is over 20 cm across at chest height, if it is one of the six protected species, if it stands in a riparian area, or if removing it would take the property below the City's tree-density target. A permit for a hazardous tree costs nothing. We provide the details and costs you need to file your application.
- What does tree removal cost here?
- Most removals run $400 to $2,000, and a big one over 60 feet can reach $4,000. Height plays a part, but lean, access and what's under the tree — a shed, a fence, a power line — move the price more. We check all of that before we give you a figure.
- Which trees are protected in Courtenay?
- You need a permit for Garry oak, Pacific dogwood, western white pine, Pacific yew, trembling aspen and arbutus over 0.5 m tall.
- Do you take the stump out as well?
- If you want it gone, yes. We grind below grade so you can replant, pave or lay turf over the spot, and it is quoted separately from the removal.
- What should I do if a tree comes down on my property?
- Tell us what is holding it up before anyone goes near it. A tree under tension releases when it is cut, so we plan that job differently from a standing removal.
- Do you work outside Courtenay?
- Yes. We cover Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Royston, Merville, Black Creek and Union Bay, including all rural properties between them.
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Comox Valley?
- It depends on which of the four authorities your address falls under. Courtenay and Comox require permits once trees hit specific trunk size or species thresholds. Cumberland requires no municipal permit on private land. Regional district areas rely on development permit zones rather than standalone tree bylaws. We confirm which applies before we quote.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- We carry full liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, and our ISA Certified Arborist plans every tree removal. We gladly provide written proof of our ISA Certified Arborist credential, liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage whenever you request them.
- How close can you work to a power line?
- BC Hydro recommends staying 1 m away from lines under 750 V. For higher voltages, WorkSafeBC sets approach limits at 3 m between 750 V and 75 kV, 4.5 m from 75 to 250 kV, and 6 m from 250 to 550 kV. You can prune near a line only if you can verify the voltage and maintain that clearance distance. Any work inside those approach distances goes to BC Hydro. If a tree you've called us about is inside that zone, we'll tell you upfront rather than take the job.
- What does an arborist report cost?
- $300 to $800, from the same regional pricing on our cost guide. Our report fee is separate from the $300 per tree cash-in-lieu required by some municipal permits for tree replacement funds.
- What if my tree is storm damaged or already leaning?
- Please tell us if your tree is storm damaged or already leaning when you call so we can plan our site visit. During our initial call, we advise you on immediate safety steps and note which specialized gear we must bring to your lot.