The City of Victoria is preparing to remove 133 trees across the city this fall as part of ongoing efforts to manage its urban forest.

The removals are part of a larger plan to remove 167 trees overall in 2025. According to the city, each tree was assessed for safety and health concerns, with pruning or other mitigation efforts considered before removal was approved.

“Removal of any tree is always a last resort. Pruning and other methods of reducing safety risks of unhealthy or structurally weak trees are always considered first,” a City of Victoria spokesperson said in a statement. “Removing these trees reduces safety risks and opens space to establish young trees vital to Victoria’s urban forest.”

The work will take place at various locations across the city, with a map and legend available online showing the address, tree type and reason for removal for each tree.

While 167 trees are set to come down this year, the city plans to plant 350 new trees in 2025, more than double the number removed.

The replanting process is determined by factors like soil quality, drainage and nearby vegetation. Replacement trees are selected months in advance and grown at the city’s nursery before being planted.

The city’s tree management work is guided by its Urban Forest Master Plan, adopted in 2013. The plan recognizes trees as a defining feature of Victoria’s landscape, from flowering cherry trees along city streets to massive evergreens in parks and natural areas.

But the plan also notes challenges such as aging trees, climate change impacts and increased urban development that limits space for large-growing species. It outlines strategies to expand and protect the urban forest while ensuring biodiversity and watershed health are maintained.

“The street tree population is aging, and will diminish without a significant replacement program that seeks to diversify species and age classes,” the plan states.

“The urban forest needs to be adapted to the changing climate. This region will see more extreme wind- and rainstorms, as well as more prolonged summer drought and new pests that will stress the urban forest.”

About two-thirds of Victoria’s tree canopy is on private land, meaning the city relies on partnerships with homeowners, businesses, developers and community groups to help care for the overall urban forest.

Residents can view the full list of trees slated for removal on the city’s website.