Trees are valuable assets for Vancouver property owners, but there are times when their removal is more beneficial or even necessary. Whether it has become a safety hazard or an inconvenience, removing a tree isn’t just about cutting and hauling away logs. Tree protection bylaws also ensure that trees are only removed on reasonable grounds.
Hiring a professional arborist can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
Arborists have extensive knowledge of local tree health, bylaws, experience, and proper tools.
Here’s a complete guide to tree removal in Vancouver, British Columbia, to help you better understand the process.
Tree Removal Bylaws in Vancouver
The Vancouver area’s beautiful urban forests are preserved with the help of the Protection of Trees Bylaw.
Regulations prohibit removing, replacing, and relocating trees without complying with the conditions of the bylaw.
It only allows you to remove trees from a site under the following conditions:
- A tree is dead, dying, dangerous, or has a disease.
- A tree has inflicted severe damage to your property.
- A tree is located within the building envelope of a development site.
- The roots damage or disrupt sewer and drainage systems.
- The canopy interferes with utility wires or construction and can’t be resolved with tree pruning.
The bylaw wouldn’t just take your word that your tree meets these conditions. An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture must confirm that this is the case.
For underground damage, you need to solicit the help of a plumber accredited under the Industry Training Authority Act of British Columbia.
If property damage is suspected, you’ll need to engage a structural engineer.
Does The Protection of Trees Bylaw Include Small Trees?
Not all trees are subject to the bylaw, though.
A tree is covered by this only if its trunk is 20cm diameter—around 64cm circumference—or larger, measured at 1.4m above the ground.
The bylaw only affects young trees if they are replacement trees in an approved development project.
If you are unsure whether your tree is a replacement, perhaps from a previous property owner, a call to 311 or records requisition will give you the answer.
Steps in Securing a Tree Removal Permit in Vancouver
If you have probable cause to remove a tree, then you should be able to secure a tree removal permit.
Here are the steps for getting your permit:
- Have an ISA-certified arborist inspect the tree and the site. They will provide an arborist report confirming the issues with your tree.
- Make a drawn plan of the tree site on your private property. It should show the surrounding buildings, streets, and trees. Indicate which tree will be removed, which trees will be retained, and, if applicable, where the tree replacement will be planted. Typically, an arborist can provide you with an accurate site plan.
- In exceptional cases, you would need more documents. If applying on behalf of someone, get a signed letter of authorization. For co-owned trees, you need the other owner’s consent letter. For trees on a strata property, a letter of consent from the strata council president or vice president is required.
- Submit your application on the Vancouver permits portal and pay the accompanying fees.
- You need to wait for the approval of the permit and further instructions.
Also, the more trees you remove within 12 months, the higher the permit fees.
Depending on the number of trees to be removed and the trees that remain onsite, you may be required to plant a replacement tree.
The Tree Removal Process
Once you’ve secured a tree removal permit, then comes the removal.
Remember, though, that doing the job yourself can lead to even more damage than you were trying to avoid.
If not done right, you can also put yourself in danger of personal injury. So, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
A professional tree service company can safely and efficiently remove your tree.
They can use high-quality equipment to cut your tree safely and legally without much disturbance.
This is usually followed by stump grinding and soil restoration.
If you need to replace the felled tree, you can consult your local arborist to choose the suitable species and location for your new tree.
The Tree Removal Costs
The cost of tree removal services in Vancouver, BC, can vary greatly.
Different factors will affect the cost of cutting down your tree, such as:
- The tree size.
- The location of the tree.
- The site’s difficulty and areas where extra care is needed (e.g., nearby utility lines or high-value targets within the work zone).
- The removal process and the equipment that will be used.
- Additional services such as stump grinding, log removal, and cleanup.
- Planning logistics, outages, coordination with neighbours or other parties, high-traffic areas, and other factors that require additional time and energy.
You can contact your local tree company for a free estimate.
Work With an ISA Certified Arborist
With the legalities and processes involved, tree removal in Vancouver can be complicated.
Your local tree service company can help you every step, from securing a tree removal permit to cutting down your tree and cleaning up the site.
A reputable team of arborists providing fully insured services will give you the best value for your money.
They can also assist you in picking a replacement tree if needed.
Essential Care Tips For Newly Planted Trees!
They have the knowledge and experience working with Vancouver’s soil, weather conditions, and other factors that affect tree growth.
They can offer accurate solutions to setting up your new tree for successful, long-term growth.
