Photo: City of Surrey
WITH pruning season approaching, the City of Surrey is reminding residents not to prune or cut trees on City property. Damaging and cutting these trees is an offence under Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw and carries fines of up to $20,000.
“Pruning cuts made at the wrong time or the wrong place can permanently damage and weaken a tree,” said Rob Landucci, Surrey’s urban forestry manager, on Thursday. “This reduces its ability to provide shade, manage rainwater and provide clean air, which all help to increase property values and support our mental and physical wellbeing. Properly caring for our trees ensures that these benefits continue for our community.”
The City manages more than 115,000 shade trees on public property. Certified arborists follow proper pruning practices to support the long-term health of our trees. Each year, arborists inspect and prune more than 20,500 trees – about 1,700 per month – to keep Surrey’s urban forest green and thriving.
If you believe a City tree near your home or business needs attention, call 604-501-5050 or submit a report online. To check if a tree is on City property, check out COSMOS, the City of Surrey Mapping Online system, and search for “Park Specimen Trees.”
For more information, visit surrey.ca/treepruning.