New Westminster · builders and developers
Do you need an arborist for your New Westminster project?
Tap your answer and leave your details. We'll call you within one business day to talk through your project and quote a fixed fee.
Infill and multiplexes, laneway and carriage houses, townhouses, new houses, additions and rezonings. Reports by an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist® who is also an ISA Certified Arborist® with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Fixed fees, never tied to what the report concludes.
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New Westminster development and tree questions
When does New Westminster require an arborist report?
For every development application (rezoning, subdivision, development permits and variances, building, demolition and fill permits), when there are 3 or more protected trees on site, a specimen tree or off-site trees that could be affected, for laneway or carriage houses, new single detached houses and demolitions, for substantial excavation or grade changes within a critical root zone, and whenever the City asks.
Who can write an arborist report in New Westminster?
An ISA Certified Arborist, or an arborist technician certified by the BC Industry Training Authority, who is also an ISA tree risk assessor (TRAQ) and holds a New Westminster or intermunicipal business licence, with proof of professional liability insurance. The City only accepts reports for 12 months from their date.
Do you have a City of New Westminster business licence?
Yes. We're licensed to do business in New Westminster, which the City requires of every arborist whose report it accepts. Reports are written and signed by an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist who is also an ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
When can I get my demolition or building permit?
Not until the tree protection barriers are built to Schedule B and your arborist's letter with photos has been approved. The City won't issue the tree permit before then either, and all fees and securities must be paid first.
What is the 4 m rule?
No excavation, demolition, construction, fill or engineering works within 4 m of a protected tree's drip line, including a neighbour's or a City tree, until a barrier is around its critical root zone and you hold a tree permit that covers it, or a CRZ work authorization if no trees are being removed.
What tree protection barrier does New Westminster require?
Schedule B of the bylaw: a wood frame of 50 x 100 mm posts with bracing and plastic mesh, posts no more than 2 m apart and staked 450 mm deep, with a 900 x 450 mm Tree Protection Area sign. The minimum distance from the trunk is 6 times the trunk diameter, from 1.2 m for a 20 cm tree to 6.0 m for a 100 cm tree.
How do tree securities work?
Replacement tree security comes back 40% when the trees are planted and 60% after 12 months, with your arborist's reports. Retained tree security is held until final building inspection and released with your arborist's letter and photos. If you redesign to keep trees the City names, the retained tree security is cut by 50%. Amounts are in the City's fee schedule.
Is the project tree check free?
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 protection plans or construction monitoring, at a fixed fee agreed up front.
Does the tree check replace the arborist report?
No. Where the City requires an arborist report or tree protection plan, it has to be written and signed by a qualified 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.
Do you write arborist reports and tree protection plans?
Yes. Reports, tree protection plans, replacement plans and construction supervision 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.
Can you carry out the tree work?
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.