Pruning trees? White Rock reminds residents to take care when cutting
Published 11:30 am Wednesday, March 18, 2026
As warmer weather approaches, the City of White Rock is reminding residents to take care when pruning trees.
Not being cautious can be costly, as damaging or cutting protected trees is an offence under Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2407, and can result in fines up to $10,000 as well as possible tree‑replacement requirements, the city noted in an online post.
Pruning must not include:
• Topping
• Crown raising that reduces the live crown ratio below 65 per cent
• Pruning or removing a structural root within the critical root zone
• Removing more than 25 per cent of the crown in one season
Improper pruning can cause longterm damage and will result in bylaw violations.
All tree work must adhere to International Society of Arboriculture pruning standards, and re‑topping previously topped trees requires a permit, the city’s post said.
A protected tree is any of the following:
• A tree 20 cm diameter or greater (measured at 1.4 m)
• A replacement tree of any size required by a tree management permit
• Any tree/hedge/shrub on city land
• A tree with evidence of raptor use, under the Wildlife Act (including the nest of an eagle, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, osprey, heron, or burrowing owl)
• Arbutus, Garry Oak, or Pacific Dogwood of any size
The city recommends hiring a licensed and certified arborist, especially for large trees, complex pruning, or any work near the critical root zone.
To perform tree work in White Rock, a business must hold a City of White Rock tree services business license, issued only to businesses with proof of ISA certification.
Intermunicipal business licenses and city‑issued landscape gardening business licenses are not sufficient for performing tree work in White Rock.
Learn more at whiterockcity.ca/trees