Tree Permits

I am considering removing a tree on my property. What do I need to do?

Colwood's Urban Forest Bylaw helps to protect and grow our declining urban forest. If the tree you are planning to remove is a protected tree, you will need to obtain a Tree Management Permit. 

Apply for a Tree Management Permit

To apply for a Tree Management Permit, complete the online Tree Management Permit Application and submit along with a Tree Site Plan or a Tree Management Plan, and photos of the trees you are applying to remove.  

• If you are removing less than five protected trees, you can submit a Tree Site Plan. Sample Tree Site Plan. [PDF/114KB]
• If you are cutting more than five protected trees, you will need to provide a Tree Management Plan prepared by a qualified professional.

The application fee for a Tree Management Permit is $75 for one tree, and $25 for each additional tree up to five trees. The application fee for removing more than 5 trees is $200. 

Planting replacement trees            

Replacement trees are to be planted on the same lot as the tree removals. When removing one to five trees, they must be replaced at a 1:1 ratio. When removing more than five trees, they must be replaced at a 2:1 ratio.

A security deposit of $250 per replacement tree is required. Security deposits are reimbursed in full with confirmation that the replacement tree has been planted and survived for at least one year. 

Replacement trees must be at least 1.5m in height and a native species found in Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem. 

If replacement trees cannot be planted on the same lot, $250 cash in lieu per replacement tree is required to plant trees elsewhere in the community.

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When is a Tree Management Permit not required?

Permits are not required to remove or cut a tree when:

• A tree does not qualify as a protected tree.
• A tree must be cut in response to an emergency in order to protect public safety or private property (conditions still apply related to replacement of such trees).
• Removing or pruning a hedge, which has five or more trees that are less than 5m in height and 1.25m apart.
• Pruning is performed in accordance with sound arboricultural practices
  • Pruning does not include: lift pruning of lower limbs such that the live crown ratio is less than 50%, removal of more than 25% of the crown in one season, topping, or pruning or removal of a structural root within the critical root zone.

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Have more questions about Tree Management Permits?

For more information about tree removal on private property, please contact Development Services at 250-294-8153 or planning@colwood.ca.

If you are concerned about a City owned tree in a park or boulevard, use our online Action Request Form or call Colwood Public Works at 250-474-4133.

If you would like to report an unauthorized removal or trees in progress, please contact a Bylaw Enforcement Officer at bylaw@colwood.ca or use the online Action Request Form. 

Planned Tree Removal

Listed below are properties where the City is aware that tree removal is planned in accordance with the Interim Urban Forest Bylaw.

Colwood's urban forest is declining every year, and much of this loss is occurring on private land. In 2018, Colwood Council adopted an Interim Urban Forest Bylaw to preserve trees on both private and public property and to assist in protecting the City's urban forest. If you wish to cut or remove a tree on public or private property, please contact the City first.