After reading the proposed amendment to the tree bylaw my first response was, you have got to be kidding me.
Why would Saanich propose a bylaw that they will have no way of enforcing?
If you have a protected tree on your property you are responsible for pruning it, cleaning up after it and any damage that might incur from the tree.
With that responsibility, the homeowner should have the option of having the tree removed without having to apply for a permit, as they own the tree.
With the new bylaw the number of species would be increased and the height would be any tree over 20 inches. I would have several “protected trees” a year growing out of my compost box; would I have to apply for a permit to remove them?
Let’s be realistic, if you can cut it down with a weed eater, it isn’t a tree.
Barrett Smith
Saanich
