Trees and Storms

Maintain your trees before severe weather hits...

  1. Proper pruning will help prepare your tree during future storms - follow ISA standards
  2. Plant the right tree in the right place - help reduce future problems
  3. Hire a certified arborist to regularly prune and inspect your trees
  4. Giving your tree water and nutrients can help it thrive. The ISA has great tips...
  5. Is it a public tree in Saanich? Contact Saanich Parks and we will perform the required maintenance.

What to do if there is a storm event...

  1. Stay safe - look for downed power lines and keep a safe distance.
    • Contact BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) if trees or branches interferring with power lines
  2. Keep calm and be patient - there likely are multiple households needing help
    • take the time to make sure your tree receives proper care
  3. Property owners are responsible for removing trees or branches on their private property.
    • A tree permit may be required to remove or significantly prune a tree, even if it fell. Certified arborists can help make sure you follow the Saanich Tree Bylaw
    • Small pieces of tree debris can go in your green curbside compost bin
    • You can take larger bits to the Saanich garden recycling drop-off (see what you can or can't drop off) or to the Hartland Landfill
  4. It is a public tree (e.g., from a park or on a boulevard)? Contact Saanich Parks to perform maintenance.

Tree fall after a wind storm

Public Trees

For trees in parks or boulevards, ask us for a request for service: 

Private Trees

You need a apply for a Tree Cutting Permit to remove or alter a protected tree. This includes trees that are dead or dying.

If you have a bylaw-protected tree: 

You can also call a tree care professional to have a Certified Arborist assess your tree. We recommend International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification or other recognized certifications like a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. 

Has a tree damaged your property?

Think safety first. Do not stand under trees that have broken branches or look like they are ready to fall.

  • Contact your homeowner's insurance company;
  • Take photos;
  • Document what property structures were damaged by the tree.