Tree Protection Bylaw FAQs
Here you will find answers to common questions about the new Tree Protection Bylaw. For general information on the Bylaw and related requirements, visit Tree Protection Requirements.
If you have questions not found here, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890.
Tree Protection Bylaw - General Information
Why create a Tree Protection Bylaw?
The need to draft a Tree Protection Bylaw was identified in the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan and Implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan. The former Trees on City Property Policy did not provide sufficient mechanisms to protect trees on City property; most notably, the Policy lacked enforcement mechanisms. A Bylaw, as opposed to the former Policy, is necessary to achieve the goals of protecting and growing the urban forest.
What activities are regulated under the Tree Protection Bylaw?
To reduce the risk of injury to a tree on City property, regulated activities include:
- 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
- Unauthorized tree planting on City property
If you have questions about whether an activity may impact a City tree, a Forestry Technician will be happy to consult with you further. Please contact urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890.
How were stakeholders engaged throughout the development of the Tree Protection Bylaw?
From January to March 2022, the City engaged with subject matter experts, developers, internal departments and the public to determent whether changes were needed to the Trees on City Property Policy. Based on what we heard, in addition to best practices in other cities and internal considerations, Administration presented a report to City Council in December 2022 entitled Proposing a New Tree Protection Bylaw where approval was obtained to draft the new Bylaw and revise the Policy. During the Bylaw’s development in 2023, the City had regular meetings with key stakeholders including representatives from the development community, SOS Trees Coalition and internal departments to help inform the specifications and guidelines for tree protection. The City will continue to meet with infill developers to discuss any changes to requirements for tree protection.
Why are back lane trees exempt from the Bylaw?
Back lane trees are exempt from both the Tree Protection Bylaw and Trees on City Property Policy to allow residents and Administration to remove these trees as needed. If removed early, it limits future conflicts with infrastructure and the right of way.
Why does the Tree Protection Bylaw allow for attachment of extension cords and lights from October to March?
Extension cords and lights are an important part of living in a winter city. Because these attachments present a low risk to trees outside of the growing season, they are allowed during the months of October to March, as long as they do not create a hazard or cause injury to the tree.
Why does the Tree Protection Bylaw define pruning as injury?
In the context of the Tree Protection Bylaw, pruning would constitute injury as it would be unauthorized pruning of a tree on City property. Pruning and maintenance of City trees is the responsibility of Urban Forestry. If a City tree adjacent to your home requires maintenance or you are concerned about its health, visit saskatoon.ca/treemaintenance to request a tree inspection online.
What is considered "near a City tree"?
The Tree Protection Bylaw defines “near a tree” as within six metres of the trunk of a City tree, measured from the nearest point of the trunk. This measurement aligns with some current standards at the City as well as other communities.
How do you know if the Tree Protection Bylaw applies to a specific tree?
The Tree Protection Bylaw applies to:
- All trees on City property, except back lanes
- For the purposes of the Bylaw, a tree is considered to be on City property where 50% or more of its trunk is on City property
- Any part of a tree on City property that may be located on, over or under private property.
The majority of trees on City property are inventoried and can be looked up on the Saskatoon Tree Map. Zoom in and click on the tree icons for more information. If you are not sure if a tree is located on City property, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890.
Please note that it is strongly recommended to measure the distance between your activity and City trees while on site. Online maps often do not have the degree of accuracy necessary for these measurements.
Do I need approval from the City to plant a tree on City property?
Yes. If you are interested in planting a tree on City property, you may request through urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890. Approval will be given based on a set of guidelines and requirements.
Planting trees on City property without approval could result in a fine under the Tree Protection Bylaw. If a tree has been planted without approval, Urban Forestry may require its removal.
Does the Tree Protection Bylaw apply to trees located on private property?
No. The Tree Protection Bylaw only applies to trees on City property. However, if developers or residents are wanting to preserve trees on private property during development, the tree protection measures required by the City can also be applied to trees on private property.
Tree Protection
How do I determine the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)?
To determine the minimum size of the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), you will need Diameter of Breast Height (DBH) of the City trees near the project, calculated by measuring the circumference of the trunk at 1.3 metres off the ground. Use the DBH of the tree to determine the size of the TPZ using the Tree Protection Zone Calculations Table.
TREE PROTECTION ZONE CALCULATION TABLE |
|
Trunk Diameter (DBH)1 |
Minimum Protection Distances Required2 |
<10cm |
1.8m |
11-40cm |
2.4m |
41-50cm |
3.0m |
51-60cm |
3.6m |
61-70cm |
4.2m |
71-80cm |
4.8m |
81-90cm |
5.4m |
91-100+cm |
6.0m |
1Diameter of tree trunk taken at 1.3m off the ground |
|
2Tree Protection Zone distances are measured from the outside edge of tree base |
What happens when there is no way to preserve a City tree? Is there an opportunity to remove the tree prior to the project commencing?
Tree removal will only be considered as a last resort and typically only when associated with large scale projects; for example, multi-unit residential or commercial projects.
If tree removal is approved by the City, removal will be conducted by, or at the direction of, Urban Forestry prior to the project commencing. The applicant is responsible for paying the assessed tree value and any associated costs. These funds are used towards planting new trees in the area to compensate for the lost canopy.
What happens if a City tree that I will be working near is already dead or in decline?
If a City tree is dead or in decline prior to the start of the project, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890 to arrange for a Forestry Technician to assess the condition of the tree. If the tree is determined to be in decline, an applicant may still be required to pay removal costs for expedited service.
How do I report concerns about damage or lack of tree protection at a construction site?
All suspected damage to trees on City property can be reported to Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890 for follow up.
Fines and Penalties
What are the fines for an offence under the Tree Protection Bylaw?
The Tree Protection Bylaw will take an education-first approach to infractions. If needed, the Bylaw includes enforcement mechanisms specifically, orders to remedy and fines.
Fines vary depending on the type of the offence. Minor offences such as attaching items to a tree or placing a vehicle, heavy equipment or construction materials near a City tree, may be subject to a discounted penalty of $50. More serious offences such as illegal removal of a City tree, may be subject to fines up to $10,000 for an individual or $25,000 for a corporation.
Tree Permits - Coming Fall 2024
What is the implementation plan for the Tree Protection Bylaw and specifically the permitting process?
The Tree Protection Bylaw is in effect. However, the rollout of the permitting requirement will occur towards the end of the 2024 construction season to minimize disruption.
To help prepare developers for the new requirements, Urban Forestry will host a series of information sessions in coordination with the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders Association, targeting infill builders in Saskatoon. In addition, resources will be developed to help guide applicants through the process of obtaining a Tree Permit. More information will be posted to saskatoon.ca/treeprotection in the coming months.
Does the Tree Protection Bylaw apply to existing projects?
Yes, the Tree Protection Bylaw and the requirements to protect City trees will apply to existing projects. The new tree permitting process will be introduced in the fall of 2024. In the meantime, applicants can obtain a Tree Protection Plan from Urban Forestry by emailing a completed Tree Protection Plan Application Form to treeprotectionplans@saskatoon.ca prior to the start of your project.
Why is the City moving to a Tree Permit process?
In the current state, developers work with Urban Forestry to obtain permission to work near City trees. Specifically, Urban Forestry provides a Tree Protection Plan to developers which includes instructions on how to work around trees. Typically, the Tree Protection Plan does not provide site specific information.
The future state will look similar to all other communities reviewed in the municipal scan, wherein, developers will submit a Tree Protection Plan to Urban Forestry for review and approval. If approved, Urban Forestry will issue a Tree Permit.
The rollout of the permitting requirement will occur towards the end of the 2024 construction season to minimize disruption. More information will be posted to saskatoon.ca/treeprotection in the coming months.
What is the distinction between minor and major landscaping
Minor landscaping is exempt from the Tree Protection Bylaw and includes mowing, hand-digging, gardening and other activities that do not involve extensive excavation within six metres of a City tree. Major landscaping, which will require a Tree Permit beginning in September 2024, are activities that can severely impact the health of a City tree. Major landscaping includes construction of retaining walls, removing and replacing sod, and installation of walking paths or artificial turf.
If you are uncertain whether your project falls under the category of major landscaping, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-2890 for clarification.