The bylaw, which required approval from the city to remove trees on private property, did not go over well with residents.
A report going to council Monday says the bylaw may have the reverse effect on the city's goal of increasing the number of trees in the city.
Darrell Smith, senior operations manager, tells CKTB people might remove trees ahead of the bylaw or they may not plant new trees, worried they won't be able to remove them later.
Staff also found other municipalities that have private property tree bylaws have had limited success.
Smith says they they have come up with some other options to achieve the city's goal of a 30 per cent tree canopy.
They include enhancing the tree giveaway program and establishing an educational outreach program in schools