In Esquimalt, trees play a vital role in everyday life, from providing shade and beauty to supporting biodiversity. The township’s Tree Protection Bylaw outlines how trees are protected and what residents can do to help maintain a vibrant and healthy urban forest.
You will need a permit to cut, remove, or alter a protected tree, including those that are dead, dying, or hazardous, as well as trees that interfere with construction if no alternatives exist. Construction projects near protected trees require careful planning to avoid penalties. The Tree Protection Bylaw in Esquimalt details how to handle trees that interfere with construction, ensuring they are preserved or properly removed with a permit. To apply, download a Tree Cutting Permit Application or pick one up at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre.
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 that has reached a height of at least 4m:
(i) Douglas Fir
(ii) Grand Fir
(iii) Western Red Cedar
(b) Tree that has a DBH of 4cm
(i) Garry Oak
(ii) Arbutus
(iii) Pacific Dogwood
(iv) Pacific Yew
(v) Big Leaf Maple
(3) ANY tree located on municipal property
(4) Wildlife tree (must have visible nest of raptor, osprey, or heron)
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
A permit is not required for the alteration or removal of a hedge which is defined as means a row of two or more trees of consistent size and form planted in close proximity to each other that have been topped or sheared. If you notice signs like disease, decay, or significant damage, it might be time to consider removing a tree. In cases where trees pose an immediate risk, emergency tree care might be necessary. Understanding the signs that indicate tree removal is necessary can help you comply with Esquimalt’s Tree Protection Bylaw.
How much does a permit cost?
- $30 for the first 3 trees and $5 for each additional tree to be pruned or removed
- A deposit of 100 percent of the value of all of the Replacement Trees, including the cost of planting and maintaining such Replacement Trees for a period of one year. This refunded after 12 months provided the replacement tree is in good health
What can you prune without a permit?
- Branches up to 4-inch (10cm) in diameter
- Remove up to 25% of the total canopy of the tree per year
Apply for your tree permit here
Replacement Trees
What are the replacement tree requirements?
| Protected Tree Species | Size of Tree to be Cut (DBH) | Number of Replacement Trees Required for Each Tree Cut |
| Bigleaf maple Garry oak Pacific dogwood Pacific yew Arbutus | <4 cm 4 cm to 20 cm 20 cm to 40 cm > 40 cm | 0 1 2 3 |
| Douglas-fir Western redcedar Grand fir | < 1.2 m 1.2 m to 6 m tall 6 m to 12 m tall > 12 m tall | 0 1 2 3 |
| All Other Tree Species | < 30 cm 30-45 cm 45-60 cm > 60 cm | 0 1 2 3 |
What counts as a replacement tree?
(1) Have a height of a least 1.2 meters for coniferous species
(2) In the case of deciduous species must have a caliper of at least 4 centimeters DBH
(3) A full list of accepted replacement trees can be found in Schedule “C” of the Esquimalt tree bylaws
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 the required ratio for every protected tree removed
When you receive a permit to remove a protected tree, you must plant a replacement tree within the time specified on your permit. Unauthorized tree removal or cutting can result in fines ranging from $250 to $10,000.
In rare circumstances when the Director of Parks and Recreation 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 Esquimalt’s Parks and Recreation bylaw website.
At Anchor Tree Service, we understand that navigating the complexities of local tree bylaws can be challenging. Whether you need assistance with obtaining permits, conducting proper pruning, or removing a tree safely, our experienced team is here to help. We specialize in providing comprehensive tree services in Victoria, BC, ensuring that your trees are well-maintained and that you stay compliant with all regulations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us take care of all your tree care needs.