An arborist report is a professional assessment of the trees on a property, prepared and signed by a qualified arborist. In Vancouver and across Metro Vancouver, these reports are most often required when a property owner, builder, or developer needs municipal approval to remove, retain, or work near trees. At Sylva Environmental, our ISA Certified Arborists and TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) holders prepare reports that document existing trees, evaluate their condition, and provide clear recommendations that meet the submission standards of the municipalities we serve. Whether you are applying for a development permit, a tree removal permit, or a building permit on a treed lot, a properly prepared report keeps your application moving and helps you avoid costly delays.
What Is a Vancouver Arborist Report?
A Vancouver arborist report is a formal document that inventories the trees on or near a site, describes their species and dimensions, evaluates their health and structural condition, and recommends which trees should be retained, removed, or protected. It is prepared by a qualified arborist whose credentials and signature give the document professional standing. Municipalities rely on these reports to make decisions about tree removal applications, to set conditions on development, and to confirm that protected trees are handled in accordance with their bylaws.
A report is more than a list of trees. It interprets the condition of each tree in the context of the proposed work and the surrounding site, and it translates that information into practical recommendations that a property owner, builder, or city planner can act on. Because the report carries the arborist's professional name and qualifications, it provides the accountability that municipal staff look for when reviewing an application.
When Vancouver Municipalities Require an Arborist Report
Most municipalities in Metro Vancouver require an arborist report in several common situations. Knowing in advance whether your project needs one can save weeks of back-and-forth with the city.
- Development permits. When a property is being developed or redeveloped, the municipality typically requires a tree inventory and arborist report as part of the permit package. The report identifies trees on the site and on adjacent properties, assesses their condition, and recommends which trees can be retained and which may need to be removed to accommodate the project.
- Tree removal permits. Removing a protected tree almost always requires a permit, and that permit application usually must be supported by a report from a qualified arborist. The report explains why removal is justified, for example because the tree is in poor condition, poses a hazard, or cannot reasonably be retained alongside the proposed work.
- Building permits near trees. When construction, excavation, or an addition is proposed close to existing trees, the city may require a report that defines tree protection measures and confirms that retained trees can survive the work.
- Subdivision. Dividing a lot frequently triggers a tree assessment so the municipality can understand the existing tree resource before approving new property lines, building envelopes, and servicing.
If you are unsure whether your project requires a report, it is worth confirming with your municipality early. Requirements vary between neighbouring cities, and submitting the right documentation the first time is far faster than responding to a request for more information after the fact.
Metro Vancouver Tree Protection Bylaws
Municipalities across Metro Vancouver have tree protection bylaws that regulate the removal and alteration of trees, particularly those above a defined trunk diameter. While the specific thresholds and rules differ from one municipality to the next, the common thread is that a protected tree generally cannot be removed without a permit, and that permit usually depends on an assessment by a qualified or ISA Certified Arborist.
City of Vancouver
The City of Vancouver regulates the removal of trees on private property under its tree protection bylaw. Removing a regulated tree typically requires a permit supported by an arborist assessment, and replacement planting is often a condition of approval.
City and District of North Vancouver
Both the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver have tree bylaws that protect trees above specified sizes. An arborist report is commonly required to support removal applications and to inform tree protection during construction.
District of West Vancouver
West Vancouver protects significant trees and requires permits for the removal of regulated trees. A report from a qualified arborist supports the application and documents the condition and species of the trees in question.
City of Burnaby
Burnaby regulates tree removal on private property and on development sites. Applications to remove protected trees are typically supported by an arborist report that inventories the trees and recommends retention, removal, and replacement.
Because each municipality maintains its own bylaw, diameter thresholds, and permit process, it is important that the report is prepared by someone familiar with local requirements and formatted to the standards the city expects. We prepare reports with these differences in mind so that your submission aligns with the rules in your specific neighbourhood.
What an Arborist Report Includes
A complete arborist report from Sylva Environmental documents each tree in enough detail for municipal staff to understand the site and make a decision. Reports generally include the following.
- Tree inventory. A numbered list of the trees assessed, keyed to a site plan or map so each tree can be located.
- Species identification. The common and botanical names of each tree, which matters because some species are valued more highly or protected differently.
- Diameter at breast height (DBH). The trunk diameter measured at standard height, which municipalities use to determine whether a tree is regulated.
- Condition assessment. An evaluation of each tree's health and structure, including defects, decay, dieback, and any factors that affect its viability.
- Retention and removal recommendations. A clear statement of which trees can reasonably be retained and which are recommended for removal, with the reasoning behind each recommendation.
- Tree protection zone plans. Where trees are to be retained, the report defines protection zones and the fencing, signage, and construction practices needed to keep those trees healthy through the work.
- Replacement planting. Recommendations for replacement trees, including species and quantities, which municipalities often require as a condition of approving removals.
The report is delivered as a signed PDF and includes the arborist's credentials so municipal staff can confirm the professional standing of the author.
Our Process and Turnaround
The process begins with a conversation about your project, the trees involved, and the municipal requirements you are working toward. We then schedule a site visit, where our arborist measures and assesses each tree, records species and condition, and photographs anything relevant to the recommendations. After the field work, we prepare the written report and the supporting plans, then deliver everything in a format ready for submission.
Reports are typically delivered within five to ten business days of the site visit. When a development deadline or permit timeline is tight, rush turnaround is available. We are also happy to answer questions from municipal staff during their review, which can help resolve any follow-up requests quickly.
Why ISA Certified and TRAQ Matters
Municipalities want assurance that the person assessing the trees is genuinely qualified, and credentials are how they get that assurance. The ISA Certified Arborist credential, issued by the International Society of Arboriculture, is an internationally recognized standard that requires demonstrated knowledge and ongoing continuing education. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is a further specialization focused on evaluating the likelihood and consequences of tree failure.
Reports prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist who also holds TRAQ are more readily accepted by municipal staff because they reflect a recognized methodology and a professional held to a defined standard. When your report is prepared to that standard, your application is less likely to be sent back for clarification, which keeps your project on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an arborist report to remove a tree in my yard?
In most Metro Vancouver municipalities, removing a tree above a regulated trunk diameter requires a permit, and that permit usually depends on an arborist report. Smaller trees may be exempt, but the thresholds differ by municipality, so it is best to confirm with your city before removing any mature tree.
How long is an arborist report valid?
Validity varies by municipality and by the nature of the application. Because tree condition can change over time, cities often expect a report to be reasonably current. If your project is delayed for an extended period, the municipality may ask for an update.
Will the report guarantee my permit is approved?
A report documents the trees and provides professional recommendations, but the permit decision rests with the municipality. A thorough, accurately prepared report supports your application and addresses the questions staff are likely to ask, which improves the chances of a smooth review.
Can you assess trees on a neighbouring property?
Trees on adjacent properties are often relevant, especially their canopies and roots near the work area. We document neighbouring trees that may be affected, while access for detailed inspection depends on the neighbour's permission.
Service Areas
We prepare arborist reports throughout Metro Vancouver, including Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, and the Squamish and Sea-to-Sky corridor. If your property sits just outside these areas, contact us to discuss availability and scheduling for your report.