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Council Meeting/Documents/Scotty Tree & Arborist Service Ltd. Tree Assessment and Development Report
Appendix

Scotty Tree & Arborist Service Ltd. Tree Assessment and Development Report

December 2, 2025Pages 153–1619 sections

A technical report assessing eight trees on and near the property, detailing health and required protection measures during construction.

June 2, 2025July 10, 2025Scott Mitchell, ISA Arborist3 trees to be removed5 trees to be retained

Tree Assessment and Development Report

Scotty Tree & Arborist Service Ltd.

Prepared for 2818 Shoreline Rd, View Royal BC SUBMITTED 2 June, 2025 (Edited 10 July, 2025)

Aerial view of the property at 2818 Shoreline Rd with the property boundary outlined in blue and a location marker
Aerial view of the property at 2818 Shoreline Rd with the property boundary outlined in blue and a location marker

Scott Mitchell ISA Arborist PN-6138-A Hazard Tree Assessor CTRA 309 TRAQ certified 250-220-9298


To whom it may concern,

By request, Scotty Tree & Arborist Service Ltd has assessed the trees on the property of 2818 Shoreline Drive, View Royal, BC for a development project.

Page 153–161

Executive Summary:

This proposal calls for a new dwelling after removing the existing home. To better protect the one remaining bylaw protected tree in the front yard, it is recommended the sewer, storm and storm services stay to the north side of the lot. Three remaining bylaw protected Oak and Douglas fir trees in the back yard were found to have structural issues and or decreased vitality. Two bylaw protected trees will be removed to facilitate excavations for the new residence. One bylaw protected 31cm Deodar tree requires removal for landscaping. Ample space is available in the back yard for new tree plantings for replacement trees.

Page 153–161

Tree Impact Summary Table:

Tree Status Total To be Retained To be Removed To be Planted
On-site trees, Bylaw protected 7 4 3 6
On-site trees non-bylaw protected NA NA NA See landscape plan
Municipal trees 0 0 0 0
Neighboring Trees, Bylaw protected 1 1 0 0
Neighboring trees, non-bylaw protected NA NA NA 0
Total 8 5 3 6 + See landscape plan

See tree inventory table for complete tree summary of trees requiring management.

Page 153–161

Introduction:

Scotty tree was contracted to assess the trees on this property to determine the impact of adding a larger dwelling to the property. The entire property was assessed, including neighboring and municipal trees.

Page 153–161

Methodology:

Detailed analysis of the proposed development plan was used to inform analysis of the trees, particularly in terms of the underground service excavation locations. Scotty Tree used standard arboricultural observation and physical examinations to determine tree health and confirm rooting areas. Soil analysis was conducted by physical exploration. Consultation with the leading reference book (Trees and Development, Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark) was used to determine protected root zones and tree suitability for development on this property.


Page 153–161

Observations and Discussion:

1. Underground services:

Excavations for water, sewer and storm services should stay 2.5m from NT2 if replaced. See tree management site plan.

Photograph of house being moved with red annotations specifying that underground services should stay 2.5m from tree NT2
Photograph of house being moved with red annotations specifying that underground services should stay 2.5m from tree NT2

2. Material storage:

Sufficient space is availiable outside of the root zones of bylaw protected trees along with presently paved driveway surfaces to accommodate material storage without infringing on root zones. See tree management site plan.

3. Replacement tree locations:

Multiple areas in the front and back of this lot can accommodate the required replacement trees. Replacement tree planting locations and species must be acceptable to the municipality.

4. Dogwood OS1:

Not included in the original survey, a newly planted dogwood tree located adjacent the proposed driveway in the neighbour’s yard appears to be a replacement tree. Protection fencing should be erected to remind contactors this small tree is likely bylaw protected.


Photograph of the driveway area with a red box indicating the required protection fence location for dogwood tree OS1
Photograph of the driveway area with a red box indicating the required protection fence location for dogwood tree OS1

5. Trees #60 to #62:

These three trees were found to have had poor pruning practices in the past that likely led to their diminished structure and health. Trees #61 and #62 are topped Douglas firs that were assessed to have smaller root zones then the trunk diameter suggests. The topping of these trees has led to a large trunk size then the supported canopy. Tree #61 was found to be in decline, while the adjacent Douglas fir tree #62 shows good vigor. Oak tree #60 has grown its main trunk laterally after an upright leader was removed leaving decay on the tension side of this tree. Little to no impacts are expected from development, otherwise these trees would be considered for removal.

Photograph of the shoreline area showing trees labeled #60, #61, #62, and NT4
Photograph of the shoreline area showing trees labeled #60, #61, #62, and NT4

Page 153–161

Conclusions and Recommendations:

After the removal of three bylaw protected trees, the retained bylaw protected trees will have no meaningful long-term impacts. Material storage areas have been identified on the tree management site plan. Sewer and storm services should be at least 2.5m from NT2. The neighbouring dogwood tree will be sufficiently protected from a 1m protection fence erected along the property line. Protective fencing will better assure the protection of the protected root areas, while permitting access for construction activities.

1. Install protective fences that cordon off property trees:

Protective fences and signage should be installed around bylaw protected trees. Detailed below is the Oak Bay fencing guide Protective fence dimensions, although not necessarily representative of the critical rooting zones will serve as a visual reminder to workers of the importance of not impacting these areas. (See tree management site plan for scaled dimensions)

Diagram and technical specifications for tree protection fencing
Diagram and technical specifications for tree protection fencing

Tree Protection Fencing Specifications:

  1. The fence will be constructed using 38 x 89 mm (2” x 4”) wood frame:
    • Top, Bottom and Posts.*
    • Use orange snow fencing mesh and secure to the wood frame with “zip” ties or galvanized staples.
  2. Attach a sign with minimum size of 407 mm x 610 mm (16” X 24”) with the following wording: a) DO NOT ENTER-Tree Protection Zone (For retained trees)

This sign must be affixed on every fence face or at least every 10 linear metres.

*In rocky areas, metal posts (t-bar or rebar) drilled into rock will be accepted.


Design for "DO NOT ENTER Tree Protection Zone" signage including prohibitions on dumping, storage, and digging
Design for "DO NOT ENTER Tree Protection Zone" signage including prohibitions on dumping, storage, and digging

Page 153–161

Tree Inventory Table:

Tree ID Species Status DBH (cm) PRZ * Factor PRZ* (m) Radius Canopy Spread (m) Dia Health Structural Condition Site specific Construction Tolerance Retain or removal - Reason Remarks / Recommendations
#60 Oak Bylaw 30 12:1 3.6 5 Good Fair Good Retain Decay on tension side of lower trunk. Significant lean.
#61 Douglas fir Bylaw 47/** 30 12:1 3.6 5 Poor to fair Fair Good Retain In decline. Topped. Assessed as 30cm for root zone.
#62 Douglas fir Bylaw 53/** 30 12:1 3.6 5 Good Fair Good Retain Topped. Assessed as 30cm for root zone.
NT1 Spruce Bylaw 45 12:1 5.4 6 Good Fair Good Excavations Topped and regrew 3 stems
NT2 Japanese Maple Bylaw 35/** 20 12:1 2.4 7 Fair Fair Fair Retain 3 stems measured (10, 12, 13cm = 35cm) assessed as 20cm for root zone.
NT3 Ash Bylaw 22 12:1 2.6 5 Good Fair Good Excavations Pollarded
NT4 Deodar Bylaw 31 12:1 3.7 5 Good Good Good Landscaping
OS1 Dogwood Bylaw 5 12:1 1 1 Good Good Good Retain Likely replacement tree

*PRZ - Protected Root Zone (12 to 1 for Good-Moderate construction tolerance & healthy trees / 18 to 1 for Poor construction tolerance or poor health) NBL = Non-Bylaw protected tree. ** - root zone modified for accuracy. Recommend


For further clarifications feel free to text @ 250 220 9298 or leave an electronic message at scottytree@me.com. Scotty tree Service is insured through Northbridge insurance of Canada, Policy CP 4181105 00.

Sincerely,

Scott Mitchell Submitted 2 June, 2025 (Edited 10 July, 2025)

ISA Arborist, PN-6138-A, PNW CTRA 309, TRAQ certified Scotty Tree & Arborist Service #7 10075 Fifth St, Sidney BC, V8L-2X8


Page 153–161

TREE MANAGEMENT SITE PLAN

MODIFIED FROM CLIENT PROVIDED SITE PLAN

For informational purposes only June 2, 2025

Scotty Tree and Arborist #7 10075 Fifth St Sidney, BC, V8L 2X8

LEGEND

  • Protective Fencing: Red boundary line
  • Anti-compaction Zone: (2 X 19mm plywood/20cm wood chips) - Brown hatched area
  • Unfenced protected area: No storage of material or construction activities without arborist supervision. No transiting machinery or vehicles without arborist supervision and/or anti-compaction. - Yellow area
  • Protected Root Zone: Established by DBH or assessments - Orange circle
  • Canopy Spread: Dotted green circle
  • Tree to be removed: Red X
  • Hedges / shrubs: As per development plans - Dark green line
  • Replacement tree area: As per development plans - Solid light green circle
  • Root zone diameter adjusted by assessment: Marked with **
  • Underground service area: Blue shaded rectangle
  • Tree as per development plans: Individual tree icons

Site Plan Notes:

  • OS1 Dogwood: 0.05m. Protection fence, 1m on property line.
  • NT1 Spruce: 0.45m. Material storage area designated nearby.
  • NT2 Maple: 0.35m. **2.4m root zone radius. Protection fence, 2.5m by 5m.
  • Water and sewer lines: To be kept out of root zones.
  • NT3 Ash: 0.22m.
  • NT4 Deodar: 0.31m.
  • Tree #60 Oak: 0.3m.
  • Tree #61 Douglas Fir: 0.47m. **3.6m root zone radius.
  • Tree #62 Douglas Fir: 0.53m. **3.6m root zone radius.
  • Protection fencing: Noted at various distances (6m, 4.5m, 1.5m, 5m, and 6m).
  • Material storage: Identified in multiple locations outside critical root zones.
  • Planting zones: Including Zone with foreshore native planting, Zone with native grasses, and Zone with planted native plants.
  • Replacement trees: Ample room noted in designated planting areas.
  • Floor levels: New dwelling floor levels noted at N 3.8m.
  • Retaining wall: New concrete landscape elements planned.
Page 153–161

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Extracted from: 2025 12 02 Council Agenda - Agenda - Pdf