Arborist Consulting & Permits

Tree Removal Permits and Arborist Reports in Saanich and Victoria

Oakstead Tree & Property Care assesses hazardous, dead and unwanted trees across Saanich, the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria. Because each municipality has its own tree protection bylaw, Oakstead helps you through the tree cutting permit process first, including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist tree report many jurisdictions ask for, then refers the removal to vetted local partners.

In plain words

Each municipality here has its own rules that protect trees. You often need a permit before cutting a tree down. Oakstead helps with the permit and the arborist report. Vetted local partners then remove the tree.

A crane lifting a large cottonwood tree away in one piece, high above a roof — Earlier field work, from before Oakstead focused on consulting.

Tree cutting permits and bylaws

Across the Saanich Peninsula there are approximately 14 districts, and 14 different approaches to tree protection (bylaws). These bylaws are in place primarily to ensure that minimum canopy levels will be retained over time. This is important because of all the services urban trees provide and the ongoing pressures to remove them. Therefore, there are a number of tree cutting permit systems in place that vary in their requirements depending on where you live. The bottom line with all the tree bylaws is that you need a good reason to remove a protected tree, and you must have a tree cutting permit, even if it’s on your own property. Here are several good reasons to remove a tree that are common to many district bylaws:

The tree is hazardous, or is an unhealthy or damaged tree in decline that is beyond recovery.
An Arborist Report has been submitted with your application that documents that the protected tree, by virtue of its size and species, is inappropriate for its location, and includes the reasons that it is deemed to be inappropriate for its location.
Designated professionals have determined that the protected tree is impairing, interfering with, or presents a risk or hazard to the operation of sewers, drains, water lines, septic fields, electrical lines, poles or similar equipment and appurtenances, and that the impairment, interference or risk cannot be reduced or removed in any other way than the removal of the tree.
The tree is interfering with foundations.
To accommodate the construction of a building for which a building permit has been issued.
For the construction or installation of a driveway, required off-street parking area, septic tank or field, or underground or above-ground utility corridor, where no other locations are available for the driveway, parking area, septic tank or field, or utility corridor.

Check your local bylaw first

The above requirements are generalizations and are not complete or accurate for all jurisdictions. Property owners should refer to the bylaws specific to their districts prior to cutting trees. The jurisdictions will normally state conditions on the tree cutting permit, such as requiring the services of an ISA Certified Arborist for a Tree Report. It has been our experience that the permitting process can often be expedited by including a Tree Report with the initial permit application.

If you’d like an arborist to look at your trees or site in the Saanich and Victoria area, please give us a call at (250) 888-9222 or use the request form on our Get a Quote page and we’ll get right back to you.

Photos of hands-on work below are from Oakstead's earlier field work, from before it focused on consulting.

A climber high in a tall tree next to a fenced kindergarten play area

A worker holding a chainsaw beside a cedar trunk with a felling notch cut into it

A climber roped to the top of a bare trunk, taking a tree down in sections in a backyard

A worker in a bucket lift cutting a roped log section off the top of a trunk

A tree that broke under heavy snow and fell across a driveway

A tall tree with most of its branches removed beside a house, with a worker watching from the ground

Tree Removal Permits: frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Saanich or Victoria?

Often, yes. Each municipality on the Saanich Peninsula and in Greater Victoria has its own tree protection bylaw, and a protected tree usually needs a tree cutting permit, even on your own property. Rules differ by municipality, so check your local bylaw or ask Oakstead to help before cutting.

What are good reasons to remove a protected tree?

Common reasons accepted by many bylaws include a hazardous or declining tree beyond recovery, a tree unsuitable for its location, interference with sewers, utilities or foundations, and construction under an issued building permit. Requirements vary by municipality, so review your local bylaw first.

Does an arborist report help with a tree removal permit?

In our experience, including an ISA Certified Arborist tree report with the first permit application often speeds up approval. Many municipalities also require one as a permit condition. Oakstead can assess the tree and prepare the report before the removal is referred to vetted local partners.

Is stump grinding included with tree removal?

Stump grinding is a separate service, so you can choose whether you need it. Oakstead recommends mechanical grinding below grade (below ground level), without chemicals, so the area can be covered with soil and replanted, seeded or landscaped, and refers the grinding to vetted local partners.

Is Oakstead insured and registered with WorkSafeBC?

Yes. Oakstead Tree & Property Care is fully insured and registered with WorkSafeBC (British Columbia's workers' compensation agency). Its team of Certified Arborists and Arborist Technicians assesses trees and plans removals around homes and other structures, and the removal work is referred to vetted local partners.

Ready to talk to a Certified Arborist?

We respond to every request. Serving the Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria and the Cowichan Valley.

Call (250) 888-9222 Request a quote