ISA Certified Arborist
ISA #: PN10411A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
BC Forest Safety Certified Fallers
$2 Million Liability Insurance
Worksafe BC
Bylaws & Costs
Each North Shore municipality each run separate bylaws, with different thresholds, fees, and exemptions.
Threshold
75cm diameter
$300–$1000
Permit cost
~$100–$2500
Threshold
20cm diameter
$300–$500
Permit cost
Fee set per project
Most single-family homes are exempt from removal permits.
Threshold
75cm diameter
$300–$1000
Permit cost
$330 + $120/extra tree
For developing/building the threshold drops to 20cm.
Fees and thresholds current as of July 2026. Rules and fees are subject to change.
Why choose us
Trusted by industry leaders across British Columbia
How do I get a tree permit approved in Vancouver?
TRAQ assessments are required for tree removal permits in North Vancouver and West Vancouver municipalities. Sylva Environmental's arborists hold both ISA Certification and TRAQ Qualification — the specific credentials these municipalities look for. Their reports are prepared to the format the City and District of North Vancouver require. The District of North Vancouver requires reports to be prepared by a Certified Professional Arborist. Reports from uncertified or improperly formatted sources are regularly rejected — it's worth getting it done right the first time.
Can you remove a protected species?
Protected status means you need a permit — not that removal is impossible. Municipalities regularly grant removal permits for trees that present documented hazards, have significant disease or structural failure risk, or are in direct conflict with permitted construction. A thorough arborist report making the arboricultural case is the key to a successful application. Jeff assesses the tree first and tells you honestly what the path forward looks like before any report is commissioned.
Can Ironclad handle both the report and the removal?
Yes — that's exactly the point. we handle the site assessment, Sylva Environmental prepares the report and manages any permit submissions, and once permits are in place Ironclad does the physical work. One call, one point of contact, start to finish. You don't need to find a separate arborist for the report and a separate company for the removal.
