Muskoka Lakes Refines Their Tree By-Laws
As a cottage owner in Muskoka Lakes you’ve probably heard the terms “arborist report” and “tree inventory” quite a bit recently. And if you haven’t yet, you likely will! These phrases will soon become even more common as the Township of Muskoka Lakes refine their by-laws. The township is tightening up regulations in an effort to protect the Muskoka landscape. As part of the new requirements, preserving trees takes on greater importance and so, removing trees will often require the assistance of a qualified arborist. They may require one of the documents described below.
MUSKOKA ARBORIST REPORT
Any tree removal within 300 feet of the shore will require an arborist report. This is true whether you are undertaking a new build or simply performing routine maintenance. Sometimes trees need to be removed because they are dead, diseased, decayed, uprooted or in a location where they are a potential hazard to life or property. The township has begun requiring a document – an arborist report – from a qualified tree professional that lays out the rationale for removing a tree. This may include a diagnosis of any disease or decay or a description of circumstances that make a tree a potential hazard. Further, we are seeing incidents where people are accused of tree removal by-law infractions where a report is required after the fact.
Did you know that there are also new regulations related to tree pruning? Trees must not be pruned in a way that alters their natural shape. Trees are only to be pruned in order to maintain, improve or protect tree health. An arborist report may be required to demonstrate that tree pruning regulations were not violated.
MUSKOKA TREE INVENTORY
As new builds go through the permitting process, tree inventories are often required. A tree protection plan may also be required. A tree inventory includes a GPS location of each tree on the property as well as information about species, size and health. Tree inventories are used to show which trees need to be removed for the building site, access road, septic system and paths and patios. Tree inventories are also used to show how much of the tree canopy will remain on a site after the construction is complete. Last, a tree inventory can also be used to evaluate the best locations for replanting or to help locate the best areas for building.
Muskoka Lakes Tree By-Law Highlights
Below are some of the relevant items taken directly from the new by-law.
- All trees within 300 feet of a shoreline are subject to the by-law.
- All trees on islands are subject to the by-law with some exceptions for the largest islands.
- Diseased, dead and injured trees can be removed but only after approval from a by-law officer or director. The approval is contingent upon an arborist report or photographic evidence that provides a legitimate rationale for removal.
- The removal of any living tree within the “Shoreline Vegetative Buffer” of 300 feet requires a permit before the removal.
- By-law infractions will result in fines. Fines cost about $1,000 per tree with no limit to the cumulative total of all offenses.
At Coulson Brothers Arboriculture, we have the experience, expertise and equipment to create arborist reports and tree inventories. As the new by-laws are rolled out we will be in regular contact with by-law officers on the best interpretation of the laws. We are also available for general consultation about tree health and safety. Initial consultations and estimates are free.
Contact Jeremy Sayers at [email protected].
