Tree Protection FAQs

The need to draft a Tree Protection Bylaw was identified in the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan and Implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan. The former Trees on City Property Policy did not provide sufficient mechanisms to protect trees on City property; most notably, the Policy lacked enforcement mechanisms. A Bylaw, as opposed to the former Policy, is necessary to achieve the goals of protecting and growing the urban forest. 

To reduce the risk of injury to a tree on City property, regulated activities include:

• Pruning, removing or relocating a tree on City property
• Applying pesticides or harmful chemicals either directly or indirectly to a tree on City property
• Interfering with a City tree’s access to water, air or nutrients
• Removing or interfering with a City tree’s protective barrier
• Carving into or marking the bark of a tree on City property
• Attaching any item or material to a tree on City property
• Conducting work, such as construction or major landscaping, within six metres of a tree on City property
• Placing heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles or construction materials within six metres of a tree on City property, unless they are placed on a paved driveway, street or path
• Unauthorized tree planting on City property

If you have questions about whether an activity may impact a City tree, a Forestry Technician will be happy to consult with you further. Please contact urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890.

During 2022 and 2023 the City engaged with subject matter experts, developers, internal departments and the public to determine whether changes were needed to the Trees on City Property Policy. Based on what we heard, in addition to best practices in other cities and internal considerations, Administration presented a report to City Council in December 2022 entitled Proposing a New Tree Protection Bylaw where approval was obtained to draft the new Bylaw and revise the existing Policy. During the Bylaw’s development in 2023, the City had regular meetings with key stakeholders including representatives from the development community, SOS Trees Coalition and internal departments to help inform the specifications and guidelines for tree protection. 

Back lane trees are exempt from both the Tree Protection Bylaw and Trees on City Property Policy to allow residents and Administration to remove these trees as needed. If removed early, it limits future conflicts with infrastructure and the right of way.

Extension cords and lights are an important part of living in a winter city.  Because these attachments present a low risk to trees outside of the growing season, they are allowed during the months of October to March, as long as they do not create a hazard or cause injury to the tree.

In the context of the Tree Protection Bylaw, pruning would constitute injury as it would be unauthorized pruning of a tree on City property. Pruning and maintenance of City trees is the responsibility of Urban Forestry. If a City tree adjacent to your home requires maintenance or you are concerned about its health, visit saskatoon.ca/treemaintenance to request a tree inspection.   

The Tree Protection Bylaw defines “near a tree” as within six metres of the trunk of a City tree, measured from the nearest point of the trunk. This measurement aligns with current standards at the City as well as other communities.

The Tree Protection Bylaw applies to:

• All trees on City property, except back lanes
• For the purposes of the Bylaw, a tree is considered to be on City property where 50% or more of its trunk is on City property
• Any part of a tree on City property that may be located on, over or under private property.

The majority of trees on City property are inventoried and can be looked up on the Saskatoon Tree Map. Zoom in and click on the tree icons for more information. If you are not sure if a tree is located on City property, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890.

Please note that it is strongly recommended to measure the distance between your activity and City trees while on site. Online maps often do not have the degree of accuracy necessary for these measurements. 

Yes. If you are interested in planting a tree on City property, you may request through urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890. Approval will be given based on a set of guidelines and requirements.

Planting trees on City property without approval could result in a fine under the Tree Protection Bylaw, 2024. If a tree has been planted without approval, Urban Forestry may require its removal.

No. The Tree Protection Bylaw only applies to trees on City property. However, if developers or residents are wanting to preserve trees on private property during development, the tree protection measures required by the City can also be applied to trees on private property. 

To determine the minimum size of the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), you will need Diameter of Breast Height (DBH) of the City trees near the project, calculated by measuring the circumference of the trunk at 1.3 metres off the ground. Use the DBH of the tree to determine the size of the TPZ using the Tree Protection Zone Calculations Table.   

In general trees are not removed for demolition, construction or major landscaping projects. Tree removal will only be considered as a last resort and only when associated with large scale projects that provide other community benefits; for example, multi-unit residential or commercial projects.

If tree removal is approved by the City, removal will be conducted by, or at the direction of, Urban Forestry prior to the project commencing. The applicant is responsible for paying the assessed tree value and any associated costs. These funds are used towards planting new trees in the area to compensate for the lost canopy.

If a City tree is dead or in decline prior to the start of the project, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890 to arrange for a Forestry Technician to assess the condition of the tree. If the tree is determined to be in decline, an applicant may still be required to pay removal costs for expedited service. 

All suspected damage to trees on City property can be reported to Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2890 for follow up.

The Tree Protection Bylaw will take an education-first approach to infractions. If needed, the Bylaw includes enforcement mechanisms specifically, orders to remedy and fines.

Fines vary depending on the type of the offence. Minor offences such as attaching items to a tree or placing a vehicle, heavy equipment or construction materials near a City tree, may be subject to a discounted penalty of $50. More serious offences such as illegal removal of a City tree, may be subject to fines up to $10,000 for an individual or $25,000 for a corporation.

A Tree Permit is formal permission from the City of Saskatoon to work around City trees. This permit is granted based on an approved Tree Protection Plan, which outlines appropriate tree protection measures such as fencing and anti-compaction matting.

A permit helps to ensure adequate tree protection measures are in place to protect trees on City property.  Working near City trees – particularly construction, demolition and major landscaping – can put trees at risk.  The permit process helps developers and members of the community work with the City to preserve trees near their worksites. The tree permitting process provides opportunity to customize tree protection to the work that is being performed at the worksite.   

There is no administrative fee to acquire a Tree Permit. In cases where City trees may potentially be impacted, costs could include: 

• Payment of a deposit to be drawn upon in the event a tree is unexpectedly injured or destroyed 
• Tree pruning or removal costs 
• A tree’s appraised value 
• Tree relocation or replanting costs

No, if you have an approved Tree Protection Plan already in place, you do not require a Tree Permit.  Tree Permits will be needed for any subsequent projects. 

A developer, utility provider, homeowner, contractor or subcontractor can apply for a Tree Permit. Ultimately, the party conducting the work on-site is responsible for ensuring that a Tree Permit has been issued for that site and work type, and that the permit's conditions are being followed. 

A Tree Permit application requires the submission of a Tree Protection Plan. A Tree Protection Plan includes an application and a Site Plan. Start by preparing the Site Plan, which should detail how the applicant plans to protect public trees and their root zones. The Site Plan helps the City review and assess the potential impacts of the proposed work, as well as the appropriateness and effectiveness of the proposed tree protection measures.

A Site Plan will need to have tree protection fencing distances aligned with the Tree Protection Zone Table and anti-compaction measures within 6 metres of any City trees.  

It is advisable to plan ahead and submit your permit application well in advance of your project start date to avoid delays. Applications can be completed up to 18 months before work begins and as late as five business days prior to starting any work.  

Once submitted, a Forestry Technician will review the application and Site Plan. If all requirements are met, a Tree Permit will be issued. Applications that are incomplete or require revisions will be returned to the applicant with a request for revisions, which may delay approval.

Both extensions and changes to a Tree Permit should be addressed with the Forestry Technician by email at treepermits@saskatoon.ca. If changes are substantial, a new application and Site Plan will be required.  

Minor landscaping is exempt from the Tree Protection Bylaw (does not require a permit) and includes activities such as mowing, hand-digging, gardening and other tasks that do not involve extensive excavation within six metres of a City tree.

Major landscaping does require a Tree Permit and includes work that involves the removal of large volumes of soil such as the construction of retaining walls, removing and replacing sod, and the installation of walking paths or artificial turf. Major landscaping will often involve the use of heavy equipment including a skid steer or mini-excavator.

If you are uncertain whether your project falls under the category of major landscaping, please contact Urban Forestry at urban.forestry@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-2890 for clarification.