1. Services for Residents
  2. Housing & Property
  3. City-Owned Trees
  4. Tree Protection Requirements

Tree Protection Requirements

tree barrier

Trees on City property are valuable assets and an integral part of Saskatoon's urban forest. They provide various environmental, economic and social benefits to the community.  Protecting and preserving City trees is essential to ensuring these benefits continue well into the future.   

Tree Protection Bylaw

The City’s new Tree Protection Bylaw was created to protect trees located on City property (e.g., boulevards, medians, parks and natural areas) and regulate work occurring near them.

Bylaw No. 9957, The Tree Protection Bylaw, 2024 prohibits the following without prior approval from the City:

  • Pruning, removing or relocating a tree on City property
  • Applying pesticides or harmful chemicals either directly or indirectly to a tree on City property
  • Interfering with a City tree’s access to water, air or nutrients
  • Removing or interfering with a City tree’s protective barrier
  • Carving into or marking the bark of a tree on City property
  • Attaching any item or material to a tree on City property
  • Conducting work, such as construction or major landscaping within six metres of a tree on City property
  • Placing heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles or construction materials within six metres of a tree on City property, unless they are placed on a paved driveway, street or path

Prior approval from the City is not required in the following situations:

  • Placing lights or extension cords on a City tree during the winter months (October to March), as long as they do not create a hazard or cause injury to the tree
  • Minor landscaping such as hand digging or mowing
  • Trees in back lanes

Fines

Any unauthorized excavation, removal, relocation, pruning or damage (in part or whole) of a City tree is not permitted and may be subject to penalties under the Tree Protection Bylaw.

Working Near a City Tree

If you are doing construction, demolition or major landscaping within six metres of a City tree, a Tree Permit is required. To confirm the location of City trees near your worksite, access the Saskatoon Tree Map (zoom in and click on the tree icons for more information). For more detailed instructions or to submit an application, visit Tree Permits. 

Questions

Still have questions? Visit Tree Protection FAQs for answers to frequently asked questions.