Tree Removal or Alterations

The health and predominance of View Royal's urban forest is a significant part of what makes View Royal so liveable, green and sustainable. To protect and maintain View Royal's urban forest, the Town regulates which, when and how trees on private property can be removed or altered.

In many cases a Tree Permit may be required for tree removal or alteration. Tree Permits are required for the removal or alteration of trees designated as a Protected Tree.

As per the Tree Protection Bylaw [PDF - 290 KB], Protected Trees include:

  • Garry Oak (Quercus garryana);
  • Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii);
  • Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii);
  • Pacific Yew (Taxus Brevifolia);
  • Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii);
  • Grand Fir (Abies grandis);
  • Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum);
  • Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensi);
  • Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata);
  • Shore/Contorta Pine (Pinus contorta);
  • any tree with evidence of a nest by Raptors, Osprey or Heron colony;
  • any tree growing on Town-owned property;
  • any replacement tree;
  • any tree planted or retained as a requirement of a subdivision permit, development permit or building permit;
  • any tree having a diameter greater than 30cm D.B.H.; and
  • any tree protected by a restrictive covenant.

Before removing or altering a tree identified as protected, significant or designated as a replacement tree, property owners are required to submit a Tree Removal or Alteration Permit Application.

Replacement Trees

If your Tree Permit requires you to plant replacement trees, you can set up your new trees for success by renting Tree Watering Bags [PDF - 245 KB] from the Town.

For more information or to submit a Tree Removal or Alteration Permit application: