At Advantage Tree Care, we often see homeowners in Greater Victoria caught off guard by the cost and complexity of removing trees, even when those trees are dying or hazardous. One homeowner recently shared their frustration at facing a potential $4,000 bill to remove two ailing cherry trees.
Under the City of Victoria’s tree bylaw, removing protected trees can trigger cash-in-lieu fees of around $2,000 per tree unless replacement trees are planted and survive city inspections. In this case, despite the trees being in poor health and posing risks like termite infestation, the bylaw still applied in full force.
Key Takeaways
- In the City of Victoria, removing a protected tree often requires a Tree Removal Permit, and cash-in-lieu fees of $300–$2,000 per replacement tree may apply if you choose not to plant replacements.
- Planting replacement trees is the more affordable legal route, but must follow strict species and site requirements, and pass inspection after three years to get your $350 security deposit refunded.
- Even if a tree is dead, dying, or hazardous, documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist is usually required to waive or reduce permitting fees.
- Homeowners frequently report that lot size and spacing rules make compliance difficult, especially when trying to replant on small urban properties.
- Bylaw enforcement can be strict, and removing trees without a permit can result in fines up to $10,000 per tree, plus required replanting.
Key Points Raised in the Discussion
1. Replacement trees are the cheapest legal option
It’s often the case that planting replacement trees is usually far less expensive than paying cash-in-lieu. However, the city’s requirements aren’t always easy to meet. Replacement trees must be chosen from a city-approved list, and planting must follow strict spacing rules — including specific distances from buildings, sidewalks, underground utilities, property lines, and even other trees.
A refundable deposit (about $350 per tree) is also required and only returned if the replacement trees survive and pass inspection. Unfortunately, many homeowners find that their yards simply don’t have enough space to comply with all the planting rules, even if they’re willing to replant.
See this notice about the new Victoria Bylaw from 2021 – link
2. The approved tree list is restrictive
It’s been mentioned by several customers noted that the city heavily favours certain species, like particularly dogwoods; while previously accepted varieties have been removed from the list. Some homeowners are surprised to learn they can’t replant the same species they had to remove.
Others are frustrated by the lack of evergreen options, especially for those seeking year-round privacy or screening. The narrow plant list makes it difficult to find trees that suit both the bylaw and the homeowner’s needs.
3. Health and safety concerns
Many people agree that when trees are clearly dead, dying, or structurally unsound, the city should offer exemptions or streamlined processes — especially when a certified arborist has assessed the risk. Delaying tree removal due to high fees can increase the danger of falling branches or trees causing property damage or personal injury. Some users suggested options like pollarding or coppicing to reduce size and risk without triggering removal permits, but these methods aren’t always appropriate or effective.
4. Debate over “money grab” vs public good
The thread revealed a philosophical divide. Some commenters argued that tree protection serves a broader public benefit — cleaner air, shade, biodiversity — so regulations are justified. Others pushed back, saying if the urban canopy benefits everyone, it shouldn’t be individual homeowners footing the bill. Comparisons were made to sidewalks and other civic infrastructure, with many questioning whether it’s fair for private citizens to bear the bulk of the cost for what amounts to public good.
5. Inconsistency and perceived unfairness
A recurring complaint were here is that bylaw enforcement seems stricter for homeowners than developers. It is true that some large-scale projects are allowed to remove trees with relative ease, simply passing on the cost to future buyers, while individual property owners face more scrutiny and fewer options. It was worth mentioning that many mature trees around the city wouldn’t even be legal to plant today due to current spacing and species restrictions — a sign that the rules may be too rigid for existing neighbourhoods.
6. Risky advice and workarounds
If you are thinking of quietly removing trees without permits, we warn against it. Tools like satellite imagery and GIS mapping can reveal canopy changes, and neighbours may report unpermitted work. The city can issue significant fines, which may even be added to property taxes. The risks of cutting corners outweigh the short-term gain — especially when fines can cost more than the proper process.
7. General sentiment
We think that most people agreed on the value of urban trees, however many homeowner do feel the frustrations of the current bylaw system, that it is too heavy-handed, especially for homeowners with small yards or safety concerns. Even those who support strong tree protection admit the implementation feels impractical in many real-world cases. This conversation reflects a mix of frustration, confusion, and a feeling of being stuck between safety concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and high costs.
A Reminder of what classifies as a protected tree
Protected trees include:
- Trees with a trunk diameter greater than 30 cm
- Hedges where any individual stem exceeds 30 cm in diameter
- Garry Oak (Quercus garryana), Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii), Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia), or Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) that are taller than 50 cm, measured above natural grade
- Any tree planted as a replacement tree
- Trees protected under a restrictive covenant in favour of the City
- Trees of any size located on slopes steeper than 33 percent over a 10 metre distance
- Trees of any size situated within 15 metres of the natural boundary of a watercourse
Key Takeaways
in Victoria there is real tension between protecting the urban forest and addressing the practical realities of private property ownership. Homeowners are often left navigating complicated rules, high costs, and limited flexibility, even when trees are dying or unsafe.
At Advantage Tree Care, our tree care service extends to helping clients make sense of the city’s tree bylaws, assess tree health, and find solutions that meet both safety needs and municipal requirements. If you’re facing a tough decision about tree removal, we’re here to guide you through the process, all without the headaches.
Resources
Tree Protection Bylaw – City of Victoria
Tree Permit and Application Fees (City of Victoria)
