Trees in the Highlands are vital to our community. They support biodiversity, cleaning air and water, and improving the quality and livability of the District of Highlands.
The "Tree Management Bylaw No. 10, 1994" regulates and prohibits the cutting of trees in the District of Highlands.
A tree cutting permit is necessary when removing a protected tree or any tree located near a watercourse, lake, or steep slope area. Cutting down a significant tree is strictly prohibited. If you are unsure whether you need a permit, please contact the District office for confirmation.
Under the Tree Management Bylaw protected trees are:
- Garry Oak tree (Quercus Garryana)
- Arbutus tree (Arbutus Menziesii)
- Pacific Dogwood Tree (Cornus Nuttallii)
- Pacific Yew tree (Taxus Brevifolia)
- Cascara tree (Rhamnus Purshiana)
- Manzanita tree (Arcotostaphylos Columbiana)
- Douglas Fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii), having a diameter greater than 60 centimetres (24 inches)
- Any tree having a diameter greater than 80 centimetres (31.5 inches)
Over the past five years the rapidly increasing number of dead and dying Douglas fir and cedar trees has drawn the attention of many residents in the Highlands. It was expected that our majestic cedar trees would be the first casualty of climate change, but the effects on Douglas fir trees have been greater than expected.
Why are Douglas Fir and Cedar trees dying?
We are experiencing a rapidly transitioning forest ecosystem with the changing weather patterns of the climate crisis. Drought and heat stress are causing the rapid dying of coastal populations of Douglas Fir from Northern California up through British Columbia and Alaska.
You are seeing:
- Excessive pollen and cone production. This is called a “distress crop” and is what a tree might do when it is dying. The tree is trying to reproduce more seeds rapidly
- Rapid reddening and browning of needles
- Rapid needle loss
What is causing it?
- Heat and drought stress from the prior year has led to compromised tree health
- Reduced moisture within the tree causes the inner core to shrink, creating space/habitat between the bark and the tree for insects
- Insects that take advantage of the new habitat promote additional stress
- Several natural fungal species move in and increase the decay
This has several implications
- Fire Safety (see also the Home Owners FireSmart Manual available on the District Website)
- Ecology Biodiversity decline, affecting understory plants and animals, not just tree species
- Decreased shading = Increased heating
- Decreased soil stability
- Loss of organic matter due to increased soil temperature and less supply of litter from healthy trees
- Higher risk of wind damage
Responsible Carbon Management
- Upright dead or dying trees provide homes and food for beetles, borers, weevils and fungi species
- Dangerous trees should be removed, though large dead tree trunks are generally safe to keep upright as they house birds that will help reduce the insect populations in live trees
- Before falling a tree, check for nesting birds in the tree or in nearby ground cover during nesting seasons
- Placing the woody debris and tree chunks on the forest floor promotes more carbon sequestration in the soil (50%). Adding organic matter to the soil also improves moisture retention, and maintains the environment for fungi that help living trees get both water and nutrients
- Burning unnecessarily adds to increased CO2 emissions (which we now know is a major reason why the trees are dying)
- Chipping and mulching are highly valuable forms of keeping the carbon close to the soil, and soil moisture elevated = very good
Am I allowed to remove dead or dying trees?
A permit may be required under the Highlands Tree Management Bylaw or Development Permit Area and restrictions may apply under land title covenants. More information, advice and permits are obtainable at the District office.
References and Resources:
- Why are trees dying? https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/health-managment/why-are-my-trees-dying
- Crisis trees: https://bcitnews.com/2019/05/15/western-red-cedar-is-just-one-of-many-bc-trees-facing-extinction/
- Fewer Douglas firs expected to be planted as climate warms (study): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190730141838.htm
- Contact: Highlands 250-474-1773 or email: info@highlands.ca