In Colwood, trees play an essential role in the community’s natural environment. The Urban Forest Bylaw helps protect the urban forest, and you may need a Tree Management Permit to remove a protected tree.
Protected Trees
What is considered a protected tree?
(1) ANY tree over 60cm DBH
(2) Some native tree species are protected earlier in life, see the two special categories below:
(a) Tree with diameter greater than 4cm measured at 15cm above grade OR greater than 2m in total height:
(i) Garry Oak
(ii) Arbutus
(iii) Pacific Yew
(iv) Pacific Dogwood
(b) Tree with DBH greater than 30cm:
(i) Douglas-fir
(ii) Grand-fir
(iii) Western Redcedar
(iv) Bigleaf Maple
(3) ANY tree located on municipal property
(4) Wildlife tree (must have visible nest of eagle, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, osprey, heron or burrowing owl or a nest of any other bird containing eggs)
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?
DBH of the tree shall be calculated as the square root of the sum of all squared stem DBHs rounded to the nearest centimeter (example: [(12cm)2 + (14 cm)2 + (17 cm)2 ]= √1629 = 25 cm)
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
(3) Permits are not required to remove or alter a hedge which is defined as five or more trees or shrubs less than 5 metres high, and planted less than 1.25 metres apart
The timing of tree removal can be crucial for both safety and compliance with local regulations. Knowing the best time of year to remove trees can help ensure the process aligns with environmental conditions and bylaw requirements.
How much does a permit cost?
Tree Pruning
- $75 for the first tree and $25 for each additional tree to maximum of $200
Tree Removal
- $75 for the first tree and $25 for each additional tree to maximum of $200
- A security deposit of $250 is also required for each replacement tree planted to be refunded after 1 year permitting the replacement tree has been planted and maintained
What can you prune without a permit?
(1) Branches up to 4-inch (10cm) in diameter
(2) Some larger pruning cuts may be permissible as long as they are completed with sound arboriculture practices
(3) Remove up to 25% of the total canopy of the tree per year
Understanding proper pruning practices is vital to maintaining the health of your trees and avoiding unnecessary damage. It’s also important to know what types of pruning may require a permit under the Urban Forest Bylaw.
Replacement Trees
What are the replacement tree requirements?
1:1 Replacement ratio for the first 5 trees removed per year. That means one (1) tree is to be planted for every one (1) protected tree removed.
If you are removing more than 5 trees there is a 2:1 replacement ratio for each additional tree
What counts as a replacement tree?
Replacement trees can be any variety provided they meet these requirements:
(1) Trees must not be less than 1.5m in height, of a native species found in Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem, and planted in accordance with the approved site plan.
(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.
For property developers, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific trees that are protected under local bylaws to avoid fines and ensure compliance during development projects.
Do I have to plant a replacement tree?
Yes, if you conducted a permitted removal of a protected tree, you are required to plant replacement trees at a 1:1 ratio for every protected tree removed
In rare circumstances when the Director of Building Inspections and Bylaw 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.
After the permitted removal of a tree, you may be left with a stump. There are several creative ways to hide or repurpose tree stumps in your yard, turning them into aesthetic features rather than eyesores.
Refer to the bylaw for more information on how it applies to you. For more information, visit the City of Colwood’s website.
Protecting and maintaining the trees on your property is crucial not only for the beauty of your landscape but also for complying with local regulations. At Anchor Tree Service, we specialize in providing expert tree services in Victoria, BC. Whether you need help navigating the complexities of tree bylaws, obtaining necessary permits, or ensuring your trees remain healthy and safe, our team of certified arborists is here to assist you every step of the way. Don’t risk fines or damage to your property—contact us today for a consultation and let us help you keep your trees in top condition. Call us now or visit our website to schedule your appointment.