Tree Management Bylaw

• What the Interim Tree Management Bylaw Means for Property Owners

  Tree Care during Property Maintenance

  • Trees must be maintained using accepted arboricultural practices, consistent with standards of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
  • Topping of trees is prohibited.
  • Over-pruning (removal of more than 25% of a tree’s branches or structure) is prohibited.
  • Cutting or damage to the roots of a tree in the Critical Root Zone is prohibited.

   

  Tree Removal

  • A permit is required to remove Permit Trees; trees with trunk diameter larger than 20cm (7.9”).
  • Tree removal companies must hold a valid City of Pitt Meadows business licence and insurance.
  • All trees and woody plants are protected on City-owned lands, unless removal is required for approved municipal or utility work.
  • All trees and woody plants are protected within Riparian Development Permit Areas and Natural Features Development Permit Areas unless removal is approved under permit.

   

  Tree Replacement

  • Each tree removed under a permit must be replaced with a new tree planted on the same property, where feasible.  Where replanting is not determined feasible, a Cash In Lieu payment to the City Tree Replacement Reserve is required.
     
• What the Interim Tree Management Bylaw Means for Builders and Developers

  Tree Protection During Construction

  • A tree survey and tree assessment completed by a certified Arborist is required. 
  • Trees being retained on a site must be protected during construction.
  • Refundable security deposits are required to ensure Retained Trees are not damaged or removed.
  • A Tree Management Plan, prepared by a Certified Arborist, is required to guide the removal of Permit Trees, the protection of Retained Trees, and the planting of Replacement Trees on the project site.
  • A Certified Arborist is responsible for monitoring tree protection throughout construction.

   

  Tree Removal

  • A permit is required for tree removal.
  • Tree removal companies must hold a valid City of Pitt Meadows business licence and insurance.
  • All trees and woody plants are protected on City-owned lands, unless removal is required for approved municipal or utility work.
  • All trees and woody plants are protected within Riparian Development Permit Areas and Natural Features Development Permit Areas unless removal is approved under permit.

   

  Tree Replacement

  • Replacement trees are required for all trees removed.  Where the planting of Replacement Tree(s) is not considered feasible, a Cash In Lieu payment to the City Tree Replacement Reserve is required.
  • Refundable securities are required to ensure Replacement Trees are planted and maintained successfully for 12 months.
     
• Interim Tree Management Bylaw Guiding Documents

  • Interim Tree Management Bylaw background document
  • Tree Management Permit Application Form
  • Tree Management Plan – Guidelines
  • Tree Protection Requirements
  • Replacement Tree Requirements
  • Tree Management Permit Fees, Securities, Cash In Lieu Payments
  • Letters of Completion
  • Letter of Undertaking – Project Arborist

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is an Interim Tree Management Bylaw Needed Now?

  Trees can be removed quickly, but they take decades to replace. Developing a long-term Tree Management Bylaw requires time for community engagement, technical review and Council consideration. Without interim protections in place, trees could be removed during this process, resulting in permanent loss before the community’s feedback is reflected in final regulations.

  The Interim Tree Management Bylaw provides:

  • Immediate, consistent rules for tree protection and removal
  • A clear permitting process during the engagement period
  • Protection of the City’s urban forest while long-term policies are being developed
  • Replacement tree requirements to assist in maintaining the City's long-term tree population
• Why Does Tree Protection Matter in Pitt Meadows?

  Trees are a critical part of Pitt Meadows’ environment and community. They provide many benefits, including:

  • Shade and cooling during hot weather
  • Stormwater management 
  • Improved air quality
  • Habitat and biodiversity
  • Mental and physical health benefits
  • Enhanced neighbourhood character and aesthetics

  The City’s Urban Forest Strategy sets a long-term goal of achieving 30% tree canopy cover in the urban area. Tree canopy refers to the layer of leaves and branches formed by trees, measured as the percentage of land area covered when viewed from above. As of 2020, tree canopy cover was approximately 17%, representing a 3% decrease since 2014. This highlights the need to both protect existing trees and support new tree planting over time.

  Tree protection is one of several tools the City uses to support a healthy urban forest. Other actions include tree planting and maintenance on City-owned parks, streets, and public spaces.
   

• Why is Tree Protection Needed on Private Property?

  Many of the trees that make up Pitt Meadows’ urban forest are located on private property. Protecting and growing the overall tree canopy cannot be achieved through City-owned lands alone, which is why tree protection on private property is an important part of the City’s approach.

  Under provincial legislation, municipalities are permitted to regulate trees on private property to protect environmental values, manage growth, and support community-wide objectives. The Interim Tree Management Bylaw is intended to balance private property interests with the broader public benefits that trees provide.