ISA Certified Arborist
ISA #: PN10411A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
BC Forest Safety Certified Fallers
$2 Million Liability Insurance
WorkSafeBC
Bylaws & Costs
Each North Shore municipality runs separate bylaws, with different thresholds, fees, and exemptions.
District of North Vancouver
- Tree bylaw 7671
Threshold
75cm diameter
$300–$1000
Permit cost
~$100–$2500
City of North Vancouver
- Tree bylaw 8888
Threshold
20cm diameter
$300–$500
Permit cost
Fee set per project
Most single-family homes are exempt from removal permits.
West Vancouver
- Tree bylaw, amended 2025
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
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in North Vancouver?
It depends on where your property is. The District of North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver have different bylaws. In the District, a permit is required for trees over 75cm in diameter, trees near watercourses, on slopes greater than 36%, or protected species including Arbutus, Garry Oak, and Yellow-cedar. In the City of North Vancouver, Tree bylaws are mostly for commercial or lot clearing, most single family homes are exempt from permits. West Vancouver updated its bylaw in December 2025, lowering the protected tree size to 20cm DBH for properties undergoing new residential or commercial development. If you're not sure which jurisdiction applies to your property, that's exactly what Jeff's site assessment determines first.
What is an arborist report and what does it include?
An arborist report is a document that assesses the condition of a tree and makes recommendations for its care. It includes an assessment of the tree's health, structure, and potential hazards. Reports submitted to North Vancouver municipalities are required to convey current tree inventory details and recommendations made for tree management or removals. For permit applications they also include tree location, diameter measurements, species identification, and condition ratings. Sylva Environmental prepares every report Ironclad coordinates to ISA Best Management Practice standards — the format North Shore municipalities require.
How much does an arborist report cost?
On the North Shore, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a basic single-tree report, while more complex reports can cost upwards of $1,000 or more. Construction reports involving multiple trees typically cost $400 to $1,000 depending on municipality requirements. The best way to get an accurate number is to call Jeff — after the site assessment he'll give you a clear quote with no obligation.
How do I get a tree permit approved on the North Shore?
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.
