Tree Preservation Plans
Under the City of Edmonton Public Tree Bylaw 18825, you cannot obtain a development or construction permit without an approved tree plan if your work is near city trees.
You are legally required to submit a Tree Preservation Plan if:
Proximity: You are working within 5 metres of a Boulevard/Open Space tree or 10 metres of a Natural Stand.
Activity: Your work involves excavation (ground disturbance) or grade changes.
The "Professional" Requirement: Unlike simple protection plans, a Preservation Plan must be prepared or signed off by a certified professional (Registered Professional Forester, ISA Certified Arborist, or similar).
If you are only doing temporary crossings or laydown with no excavation, you might only need a simpler Tree Protection Plan. We can help determine exactly which permit you need.
Our Process:
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We deploy a certified professional to your site to conduct the rigorous field assessment required for all City trees near your project footprint. This data forms the foundation of your application and includes:
Tree measurements: On site recordings of the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) at 1.4 metres, height, and crown spread for every regulated tree
Condition Ratings: We perform health checks using the Guide for Plant Appraisal (9th Edition), which is the specific standard required by the City for value assessment
Species Identification: Accurate identification of tree species, including sensitivity and common/scientific names
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We draft the comprehensive technical document required to obtain your Tree Permit. This signed plan integrates critical site conditions with your proposed work activities.
Site Plan Details: We map the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), access routes, laydown areas, excavation limits, and existing infrastructure.
Mitigation Strategies: We design specialized protection measures, including soil compaction prevention (such as mulch/plywood or rig mats) and root protection methods.
Removal Proposals: If preservation is not possible, we handle the proposal justification and removal approval process in accordance with the Live Tree Removal Guide.
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From the initial survey to the final permit, we ensure your project remains compliant with Bylaw 18825.
Submission Ready: You receive a complete, professionally signed PDF package ready for immediate upload to the City’s Tree Permit Application portal.
On-Site Supervision: For high-stakes work occurring inside the Critical Root Zone, we provide the required arboricultural supervision to oversee activities like air excavation, root cutting, and watering.
Project Continuity: We ensure all mitigation efforts are in place prior to work commencing, preventing delays and helping you avoid the $1,000+ fines associated with bylaw contraventions.