Tree preservation in Central Saanich is vital for climate mitigation, including carbon sequestration and supporting storm water management.
Protected Trees
What is considered a protected tree?
(1) ANY tree over 30cm DBH*
(2) Some native tree species are protected earlier in life, see the two special categories below:
(a) Tree greater than 50cm in total height:
(i) Garry Oak
(ii) Arbutus
(iii) Pacific Yew
(iv) Pacific Dogwood
(v) Shore Pine
(vi) Trembling Aspen
(3) ANY tree located on municipal property
(4) Wildlife tree (must have visible nest of raptor, osprey, or heron)
*Does not apply to Cottonwood, Alder, Leyland cypress, or Lombardy Poplar; no permit is required to remove trees of these species.
How do I measure the DBH of my tree?
Measure the diameter of the tree at 1.4m (4ft, 7-inches) off the ground. If the tree is on a slope, measure from the highest point of natural grade around the tree.
Diameter can be found by measuring the circumference at this point and dividing by pi (3.14)
How do I calculate the DBH of my tree if it is multi-stem?
Measure the DBH of the three largest stems and add them together. The total of the three is the DBH.
Permits
Do I need a permit?
A permit is required when you wish to:
(1) Remove a protected tree or
(2) Conduct significant pruning on a protected tree that would be considered “altering”:
(a) Altering means making cuts larger than 10cm (4-inch) in diameter and/or removing more than 25% of the total canopy volume in one year. *Please note, topping or removing the live crown of the tree is not allowed.
For trees that need structural support, tree cabling and bracing are effective methods to prevent potential hazards and extend the tree’s life.
Please note: Permits are not required for pruning or removing hedges, which are classified as “five or more trees or shrubs all planted less than 1.25 metres apart and planted in a row”
Understanding proper pruning practices can help maintain the health and structure of your trees, ensuring they remain safe and aesthetically pleasing.
How much does a permit cost?
Tree Pruning
There is no fee for a pruning permit.
Tree Removal
$75 application fee, plus $25 per tree requested to be removed (up to a maximum of $200)
There is also a $500 security deposit per replacement tree planted required which will be refunded after one year provided the replacement tree is proven to be healthy and established
Please note: There is no fee for the removal of a hazardous tree, defined as “dead, damaged, diseased or in decline beyond expectation of recovery” but must be proven to the Director of Planning and Building Services. Hazard trees still require a permit for removal, but only need to be replaced at a 1:1 ratio. Sometimes, the need to remove a tree is inevitable, especially when certain signs indicate it’s time.
What can you prune without a permit?
(1) Branches up to 4-inch (10cm) in diameter
(2) Remove up to 25% of the total canopy of the tree per year
Replacement Trees
What are the replacement tree requirements?
3:1 Replacement ratio.
That means three (3) trees are to be planted for every one (1) protected tree removed.
Special note: A credit will be granted if a protected species (or a species capable of reaching ≥60cm DBH at maturity) is planted, it shall count as two (2) replacement trees.
What counts as a replacement tree?
Replacement trees can be any variety provided they meet these requirements:
(1) Size requirement at time of planting:
(a) Of a species that will grow to 20 cm DBH or greater at maturity and;
(i) Deciduous: At least 5 cm caliper
(ii) Coniferous: Not less than 2.5m in height
(2) Replacement trees can be planted anywhere on the property as long as there is sufficient soil volume and space for the tree to thrive. It cannot be planted within three (3) metres of a building, or one (1) metre of a property line. It does not have to be planted or inspected by an Arborist, feel free to plant it on your own. Proof of planting must be provided to have your deposit refunded.
It’s important to consider the placement of trees on your property, particularly if they are too close to your house, as this can lead to potential risks.
Do I have to plant a replacement tree?
Yes, if you conduct a permitted removal of a protected tree, you are required to plant replacement trees at a 3:1 ratio for every protected tree removed.
In rare circumstances when the Director of Planning and Building Services determines that the lot cannot accommodate the required number of replacement trees, the security deposit may be kept as cash-in-lieu of planting but must receive approval.
Refer to the bylaw for more information on how it applies to you. For more information, visit the District of Central Saanich’s website.
Protecting and maintaining the trees on your property is crucial for preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of our community in Victoria, BC. Whether you need assistance navigating local tree bylaws, require professional pruning, or are considering the removal of a hazardous tree, Anchor Tree Service is here to help. Our team of certified arborists is dedicated to providing expert tree care services in Victoria, BC that ensure the health and safety of your trees while complying with all municipal regulations. Don’t leave your tree care to chance—contact Anchor Tree Service today and let us take care of your tree needs with the professionalism and expertise you deserve.