Development Tree Protection

• Upon submission of a development application
• For all land use types
• For sites outside the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
• To significant trees as defined in Schedule I
• In environmental conservation areas identified during development

Defined in Schedule I, significant trees include:

Large, healthy trees:

• Trunk diameter ≥ 30 cm (12") measured 1.4 m above grade
• Rated “excellent” or “good” by a certified arborist or landscape architect

Specific species over 3 m (10') tall:

• Arbutus, garry oak, pacific yew, pine, western redcedar, douglas fir, grand fir, pacific dogwood, redwood, sequoia, maidenhair, monkey puzzle, and other non-native trees

Heritage trees:

• Designated by Council or listed in the Langley Heritage Listing

Greenway trees:

• Alders, birch, big leaf maple, and hemlock over 3 m (10') tall in designated greenways

Trees outside the developable area must be identified and assessed but do not count toward tree replacement credits.

Site clearing is not permitted until final development approval is granted. This includes:

• Final reading of a rezoning bylaw by Council
• Issuance of a development permit
• Final subdivision approval by the Approving Officer

Before clearing can begin, you must:

• Complete a Development Tree Removal Checklist and submit for approval.

Unauthorized clearing may result in fines, application delays, or denial.

Never remove trees in SPEAs or environmentally protected areas unless they have been identified as an immediate hazard by an ISA Certified Arborist. Follow the risk mitigation recommendations provided by the Arborist and note that replacement tree planting may be required.

To protect nesting birds, avoid clearing vegetation during the critical breeding window:

If clearing during this period is unavoidable, a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) must conduct a nest survey and recommend appropriate buffers or timing restrictions.

Township staff will:

• Review all submitted materials
• Prepare a report to Council summarizing:
• Compliance with tree protection requirements
• Any premature site clearing
• Engagement of qualified consultants
• Number of significant trees before and after development
• Number of replacement trees proposed

Staff may recommend conditions or amendments to Council as part of the approval process.

A simplified process applies to small residential developments. Applicants must comply with Schedule I, Appendix D

Required at Time of Application:

Site Plan with:

• Tree survey showing location of significant trees
• Trees marked for removal (e.g., with an “X”)
• Totals for trees to be saved, removed, relocated, and existing significant trees

Tree Protection Fencing Detail

• Include TLP 27 – Township Standard Tree Protection Detail if retaining trees

Appendix C – Tree Summary Schedule

• Must show number of replacement trees required

Once your plan is accepted, Green Infrastructure Services will calculate security bonding for:

• Replacement trees
• Retained trees
• Designated heritage trees
• Required protective fencing

You’ll receive a detailed breakdown from a landscape design coordinator or technician after initial submission.

• Landscape Security Worksheet
• Landscape Security Estimate 5 or less lots
• Landscape Security Estimate 6 to 10 lots

Before final approval, applicants must submit the following for review by the Manager of Green Infrastructure Services:

• Tree Protection Plan (Schedule I - Appendix A or D)
• Tree Replacement Plan (Schedule I - Appendix B)
• Final Landscape Plan.
• Security deposit acceptable to the Manager of Green Infrastructure Services assuring the successful completion of all tree retention, protection and replacement works.
• Written confirmation from the arborist or landscape architect that they have been engaged to be responsible for the implementation of the tree retention, protection and replacement works.

Once accepted, approvals may be granted, and the project may proceed.

After approval, and before site clearing or construction begins, a pre-construction meeting must be held.

During development:

The project arborist or landscape architect must:

• Ensure tree protection fencing is installed and maintained
• Conduct regular site visits
• Submit monthly reports to Green Infrastructure Services
• Ensure all retained and replacement trees are maintained according to arboricultural standards