Amateur arborists warned of fines of up to $20K for tree-chopping in Surrey, B.C.

Residents hoping to trim the trees that reside on City of Surrey land could face fines of up to $20,000.

The City of Surrey is asking local green thumbs who have been trigger-happy with the pruning shears to leave the gardening to the experts, lest they face a hefty fine.

The city made the plea in a release issued Wednesday, requesting residents and businesses stay clear of the trees that reside on public property.

Improper pruning can weaken or kill trees, said the city, issuing a reminder that the damaging and cutting of trees on city property is also against Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw.

Fines for axing offences can reach up to $20,000.

“Our street trees are valuable assets and we’re committed to properly caring for them,” said the city’s urban forestry manager Rob Landucci.

“As these trees grow, they will help provide shade and reduce urban temperatures, while helping to manage rainwater and clean the air – benefits that help increase property values and support our mental and physical well-being.”

Throughout Surrey there are over 115,000 trees that reside on city property, 2,100 of those that were planted last year as part of the city’s urban forest expansion plan. The trees are “routinely monitored and cared for” by the city’s team of professional arborists, said the city.

For those who are itching to prune greenery but aren’t sure whether it resides on the city’s or their own land, interactive mapping tool COSMOS shows where all the trees on City of Surrey property can be found.

If a public tree located near a home or business needs cutting back, the city recommends submitting a report online to a city arborist or calling 604-501-5050.