Ottawa Certified Arborist Reports
Trees in Ottawa are protected under the Tree Protection by-law which came into effect on January 1, 2021. This by-law replaced the Urban Tree Conservation and the Municipal Trees and Natural Areas Protection by-laws. Under the Tree Protection by-law, a permit is required to remove any trees from your property with very few exceptions. In order to secure a permit, it is required to provide an arborist report with your permit application. Only a certified arborist can complete these reports.
What is an Arborist Report?
An arborist report outlines the condition of the tree. It notes potential hazards the tree is causing, as well as damage or areas of concern on the tree. The report will also provide information on the cause of these issues which can include:
- Site Conditions
- Pests
- Disease
- Mechanical Injury
Based on these findings, the arborist will provide recommended actions in the report that can include:
- Site Remediation
- Fertilization or Injections
- Pest Control
- Air Spading for Root Issues
- Pruning
- Removal
The contents of the arborist report will help you in securing the right services for your tree. If you are seeking to remove your tree, the report must recommend that the tree be removed.
When To Get An Arborist Report
Applying for a tree removal permit isn’t the only time you should get an arborist report. Even trees that you have no intention of removing should have a report completed every few years. Arborist reports should be completed if you:
- Have a large tree on your property and want make sure it poses no risk to your or your neighbour’s property, or pedestrians passing by your property.
- Notice a tree that is sick. This could include growing fungus, discolouration or deadwood branches on the tree.
Even if a tree appears to be healthy, there is still a possibility that the tree has issues that will only get worse if they aren’t remedied. A certified arborist is trained to spot these issues, even when they are small. This will enable you to take appropriate actions to treat the tree and maintain its optimal health.
Trust Tree King for Your Ottawa Arborist Report
Tree King’s team of certified arborists are experts at tree assessment and preparing thorough arborist reports. Whether you’re looking to have a tree removed from your property, assessing hazards, or want to treat a sick tree, we will be there for you! When we look at a tree, we know what to look for and how to handle any issues a tree may have. You can have peace of mind knowing that any tree on your property will be properly assessed and that we can handle any treatments that we recommend. Contact Tree King today to have an arborist report completed for your property!
Frequently Asked Questions.
Most private property tree removals in Ottawa require a permit supported by an arborist report in order to remove it under the Ottawa Tree Protection By-law. There are only two exceptions:
- A tree is dead or hazardous and posing an immediate threat to public health and safety.
- Ash trees which are infested with the Emerald Ash Borer.
The by-law states that pictures of the tree should be taken to show evidence of the condition of the tree and reason for removal. However, an arborist report should be used as well because it offers much more credibility than pictures.
There are many ways people can injure trees. Breaking or cutting off branches, removing tree bark, parking vehicles on ground near a tree which can compact roots are a few examples. Injured trees are more likely to develop disease and die which is why the by-law covers injury as well. That is why it is also important to let a certified arborist handle any type of trimming or pruning because they use the best arboricultural practices.