These guidelines help arborists and their clients understand what information Saanich needs in different circumstances and to ensure they meet the Tree Protection Bylaw requirements and or meet the intent of the Urban Forest Strategy.

Arborist recommendations and methods must be consistent with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices (BMPs) and/or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Replacement trees must meet Canadian Landscape association standards.

There are different kinds of arborist reports and assessments, and a combination of different information may be required. All arborist reports must be in writing and  contain the information in the General Arborist Report Guidelines. 

General Arborist Report Specifications 

General Arborist Report Guidelines [PDF - 203 KB]

These general specifications lay out the information that all types of arborist reports must contain

Additional Arborist Reports & Assessments 

Arborist Report with a Tree Management Plan [PDF - 169 KB]

An arborist report is required when development activities are occurring in or near trees. The tree management plan describes how trees will be retained and protected during development activities or provides rationale why trees require removal. On occasion, Parks may require additional information.

Impact Assessment [PDF - 145 KB]

An impact assessment is required when “tree damaging” activities have occurred, and a report is needed to detail the impacts to the tree, and what methods will be used to mitigate those impacts.

Tree Risk Assessment [PDF - 214 KB]

A Tree Risk Assessment helps to determine the condition and risk rating for a tree. There are three levels of tree assessments depending on the situation.

Post-construction Arborist Supervision Memos [PDF - 146 KB]

These memos are required when set out as a condition of a tree permit, or to provide evidence the works occurred under arborist supervision.  

Replacement Tree Process for Developers [PDF - 275 KB]

A guidance document for developers to plant suitable trees and get tree security deposits back.