Tree Management

Are you considering removing a tree on your property?  If you are, you might need a permit.

Local governments are authorized by the Community Charter to enact bylaws to preserve and protect trees, to regulate and prohibit their cutting and removal, and to require their replacement. 

Trees and forested areas provide a variety of individual and community wide benefits such as wildlife habitat, stormwater management, carbon absorption, air quality, heating and cooling benefits, aesthetics, quality of life and health benefits. 

Encouraging the preservation and healthy management of forested areas and tree stands, including within neighborhoods, is an important objective in the District of Squamish Official Community Plan, along with protecting and maintaining the integrity of our green infrastructure, natural assets and sensitive ecosystems. 

A Tree Management Bylaw is in place to regulate the removal of trees on all lands within the District and was recently updated.

This new Bylaw was adopted on May 19, 2026 and is currently in effect. 

View District of Squamish Tree Management Bylaw No. 3229, 2026.

The following information is provided to help you determine whether the Bylaw applies to your property. 

The Bylaw regulates Trees that are 20 cm Diameter and larger, unless located in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).

First determine if the tree you wish to cut is in an ESA. You can visit our WebMap and view the Layer List to see if your property is wholly or partially within an ESA.

If the tree is in an ESA, you may require an Environmental Development Permit. 

Use the Tree Wizard or click on the above infographic to help you determine if a permit is needed.

If you are unsure, please contact Community Planning: [email protected] or 604-815-5002.

The Bylaw seeks to maintain a minimum Tree Density Target (TDT) on each property of 50 trees per hectare, not including any Environmentally Sensitive Area that may be present. (Use the WebMap and view the Layer List to see if your property is wholly or partially within an ESA.)

The Tree Density Target may be achieved by: 

• Retaining Native Trees 
• Replacing trees on your property to meet your TDT 
• Paying $500 into the District’s Environmental Reserve Fund for each Replacement Tree that may not be planted pending District approval. 

(For more detailed information on Tree Density Targets, please refer to the Tree Management Bylaw Section 7) 

To calculate your property's TDT, use the calculator below. Your parcel size in hectares can be found on our WebMap.

Replacing Trees when you go below your calculated Tree Density Target: 

You must replace trees as necessary to meet your Tree Density Target.

For example, if your property's TDT is 4 Trees, and your proposed tree removal leaves you with two trees, you must replant two trees.

• Total Trees on property: 8
• Proposed number of Trees to Remove: 6
• TDT = 4
• 8 - 6 = 2, therefore you must replant 2 trees to meet your TDT of 4 Trees.

Please see Bylaw Section 7.11 onward for specific Replacement Tree criteria.

For any questions or support, please reach out to [email protected]