Victoria’s urban trees provide public health and social benefits and are of high importance to the City. They improve air quality, absorb rainwater during storms and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment.
The regular inspection of existing public trees is a critical component of the management of the City’s urban forest. Staff manage approximately 33,000 public trees on 300 kilometres of boulevards and in over 130 parks and open spaces.
Guided by the Urban Forest Master Plan [PDF/5.9MB], the arboriculture team develops plans that involve identifying areas for new trees. The team also has plans for identifying existing trees that are at the end of their healthy life. Removing unhealthy trees reduces safety risks and opens space to plant new, young trees which will grow into the future urban forest.
Annual Tree Maintenance Program
Each year the arboriculture team identifies trees that are dead, in decline or requiring removal due to infrastructure conflicts. Removal of any tree is always a last resort. Treatments that may extend the life of a tree, such as pruning or partial removal of trees that mitigate risks, are always considered first. The City’s practice is to plant a replacement tree when a tree is removed.
Map of Trees Currently Set for Removal [PDF/2MB]
Tree Removal Legend [PDF/86KB]
What You Need to Know
- Tree removal notices will be posted on trees 10 days before any planned removal.
- Immediate neighbours will also receive notification.
- Please ensure that vehicles are not parked under or across from the tree during the removal process. The City appreciates your cooperation in observing no parking signs placed on your street ahead of the removal of the tree.
- The wood produced will be left on the boulevard in manageable sized pieces for residents to take, on a first come, first served basis.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to improve the health of its urban trees.
Removal or Pruning of Private Trees
Removal and pruning of private trees falls under the Tree Protection Bylaw. To learn more about the application process for removing or pruning a private tree, please see the bylaw.
Tree Protection Bylaw
www.victoria.ca
https://www.victoria.ca/parks-recreation/trees-urban-forest/trees-planting-removal
