Do you need an arborist for your Burnaby project?

No. The City reviews trees as part of demolition, building, rezoning, subdivision and development approval applications. A tree permit is then issued setting out which trees can be removed, which must be kept and how many replacement trees are required. Demolition and building permits are not issued until the tree permit is issued, the fees are paid and any required tree protection fence is installed and approved.

The City's July 2026 guide says rezoning, subdivision and development approval applications need an arborist report and a tree management plan. The August 2026 submission checklist lists them for Form and Character development permits where the site has a tree as defined in the Tree Bylaw, and a more detailed arborist report for streamside protection development permits on R1 lots. For R1 new builds, the City's Building Division confirmed in writing (14 October 2026) that the arborist report and tree management plan listed on the R1 building permit intake checklists are required when protected trees are on the site, or within 2 m of the property line on a neighbouring property or City land. If the survey shows no protected trees in either place, you can submit a letter saying so; staff then inspect the site and tell you whether a report is needed. A demolition-only application does not usually need an arborist report, though the City may ask for arborist involvement when a protected tree is close to the building coming down. For additions and alterations, the City may ask for an arborist report and tree management plan when the work is close to a protected tree or may reach into its critical root zone. The City can also ask for an independent certified arborist's report.

The greater of $1,500 or 120% of the cost of the replacement trees, paid as a cash deposit or an irrevocable letter of credit from a Canadian chartered bank before the tree permit is issued. It is refunded after a second City inspection one year after planting if the trees are healthy, and forfeited if the trees are not planted on time.

On R1 small-scale multi-unit housing sites, a 4 ft wood-framed fence covered with plastic snow fencing, in locations marked by City staff and inspected before the demolition or building permit is issued. On larger sites, a 6 ft chain link or portable metal panel fence shown on the landscape or tree management plans and inspected before work starts. The bylaw sets a minimum height of 1.2 m, placed on or outside the dripline.

No. Under the Community Charter, the tree bylaw can't prevent development to the density the Zoning Bylaw allows. The City can still ask for design changes that don't restrict the development, and fees, permits and replacement trees still apply.

Yes. The check is free and you don’t need to give us any details to use it. You only pay if you hire us for reports, tree management plans or construction monitoring, at a fixed fee agreed up front.

No. Where Burnaby requires an arborist report or tree management plan, it has to be written and signed by a certified arborist after a site visit. The check tells you whether trees are likely to come into your project, so you can commission the right reports early. We can write them.

Yes. Reports, tree management plans and construction monitoring are prepared and signed by an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist who is also an ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), for a fixed fee agreed before work starts. Fees are never contingent on the outcome.

We have a network of vetted, insured and licensed tree companies who can quote for removals, pruning and protection work, and you're free to get your own quotes. Our reports recommend work by qualified, insured professionals and never dictate who does it.