If you are planning to remove a protected tree in Kelowna, the City requires a tree cutting permit, and that permit application must be supported by a tree assessment prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist. At Sylva Environmental, our ISA Certified and TRAQ-qualified arborists prepare clear, defensible arborist reports that document the trees on your property, evaluate their condition and hazard potential, and set out a replacement plan, so your application meets the City of Kelowna tree protection bylaw requirements. Whether you are a homeowner, a property manager, or a developer, we help you move through the permit process with confidence.
When Kelowna Requires a Tree Cutting Permit
The City of Kelowna protects trees in environmentally sensitive areas, and a tree cutting permit is required before you remove a protected tree. Generally, a tree is protected when it is over 100mm (10cm) in diameter and is located in one of the following situations.
- Riparian management areas. Trees located within a riparian area, roughly 5 to 30 metres from a creek, pond, lake, or wetland, are protected because they stabilize banks, shade water, and support fish and wildlife habitat.
- Steep hillsides. Trees on a hillside with a slope of 30 percent or greater are protected because they help hold soil in place and reduce the risk of erosion and slope failure.
Because the rules turn on the location of the tree, its diameter, and the slope or watercourse nearby, it is not always obvious whether a given tree is protected. An arborist assessment confirms which trees fall under the bylaw and documents the measurements the City needs to make a decision. If you are unsure whether your tree is protected, it is worth confirming before any work begins, as removing a protected tree without a permit can lead to penalties and mandatory replanting.
Why an ISA Certified Arborist Report Is Required
For protected trees, the City of Kelowna requires the permit application to include a tree assessment and a replacement plan completed by an ISA Certified Arborist. Permits to remove protected trees are generally only considered where a certified arborist has assessed the tree as hazardous, dead, or otherwise warranting removal. In most cases, replacement planting is required as a condition of approval, so the report sets out not only what is being removed but also what will be planted in its place.
This is where professional credentials matter. An ISA Certified Arborist has met the education and examination standards of the International Society of Arboriculture and maintains that credential through continuing education. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a further specialization focused specifically on evaluating the likelihood of tree failure and the consequences of that failure. A report carrying these credentials gives City staff a recognized, professional basis for their decision, which helps your application move forward smoothly.
What a Kelowna Arborist Report Includes
Our arborist reports are prepared to support a permit decision and are formatted to address the information the City expects. A typical report includes the following.
- Tree inventory and location. Each assessed tree is identified and located on the property, with a description of its position relative to any watercourse, slope, or structure.
- Species and size. The species of each tree and its diameter at breast height (DBH), which is the standard measurement used to determine whether a tree is protected.
- Health and structure. An evaluation of the tree's condition, including signs of decay, deadwood, cracks, lean, root damage, and other structural defects.
- Hazard evaluation. A TRAQ-based assessment of the likelihood of failure and the potential targets, supporting a clear recommendation on whether the tree should be retained or removed.
- Retention and removal recommendations. A professional opinion on which trees can safely be retained and which warrant removal, with the reasoning documented.
- Replacement plan. A planting plan that identifies suitable replacement species, locations, and quantities to satisfy the City's replanting requirements.
Reports are delivered as a clear PDF with supporting photographs, and they carry the arborist's credentials and signature so the City has a professional document on file.
Development and Environmental Planning
Arborist reports are not only for single-tree removals. Development permit applications in Kelowna often require arborist input, including a tree inventory, an assessment of which trees can be retained, and a plan to protect retained trees during construction. Protecting trees on a development site usually means establishing tree protection zones, fencing off root areas, and avoiding soil compaction and grade changes within the critical root zone.
For sites near watercourses or on sloped land, the environmental value of the existing trees is a central planning consideration. We work with property owners, builders, and design teams to balance the development program with the City's tree protection and environmental objectives, and to document that work in a way that supports the application.
Our Process and Turnaround
The process begins with a consultation to understand your goals, whether that is removing a single hazardous tree, supporting a development application, or completing a full property tree inventory. We then schedule a field assessment, where our arborist inspects each tree, records species and DBH, evaluates condition and hazard, and notes the surrounding site conditions including slope and proximity to any watercourse.
Reports are typically delivered within five to ten business days following the field assessment. Rush turnaround is available when you are working to a development deadline or facing an urgent safety concern. We are happy to discuss our findings with you, your contractor, or City staff, and to provide supplementary materials such as tree protection plans when a project calls for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Kelowna?
You need a tree cutting permit to remove a protected tree. A tree is generally protected when it is over 100mm in diameter and located in a riparian management area, roughly 5 to 30 metres from a creek, pond, lake, or wetland, or on a hillside with a slope of 30 percent or greater. If your tree does not fall into a protected category, a permit may not be required, but confirming its status first is the safest approach.
Why does the City require an arborist report?
For protected trees, the City requires a tree assessment and replacement plan completed by an ISA Certified Arborist as part of the permit application. Permits are generally only considered where a certified arborist deems the tree hazardous, and replacement planting is typically required as a condition of approval.
What if I remove a protected tree without a permit?
Removing a protected tree without the required permit can result in penalties and mandatory replacement planting. Because the cost and effort of obtaining a report are modest compared with those consequences, it is well worth confirming the tree's status and securing the proper documentation before any work starts.
How long does a report take?
Most reports are delivered within five to ten business days after the field assessment, with rush turnaround available for time-sensitive applications.
Service Areas
We prepare arborist reports throughout the Central Okanagan, with primary service areas in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country, and Vernon. If your property is outside these areas, contact us to discuss availability and scheduling.