Residents walking through Victoria this fall may notice a new set of signs tied to trees across the city.
The notices, issued by the City of Victoria, are part of the Urban Forest Master Plan and outline upcoming tree removals.
The city manages about 34,000 trees on municipal property, caring for them through pruning, planting, and, when necessary, removal.
According to the notices, trees are taken down only when they are no longer healthy or pose a risk to public safety.
The Urban Forest Master Plan, first adopted in 2013, sets out how Victoria will maintain, expand, and renew its tree canopy over time. The document highlights the value of urban trees not just as greenery but as essential infrastructure, supporting ecosystems, cooling streets, and contributing to overall livability.
Colleen Mycroft, a spokesperson for the city, said 167 trees are scheduled for removal in 2025, with 133 of those set to come down this fall.
Each removal is reviewed by city staff and considered a last resort.
"Pruning and other methods of reducing safety risks of unhealthy or structurally weak trees are always considered first," Mycroft said.
At the same time, the city plans to replant 350 trees around Victoria during the year.
The policy ensures that at least one tree is replaced for every one removed, though replanting does not always occur in the same location. Factors such as soil quality, nearby trees, and drainage influence where replacements are put in the ground.
The chosen species are grown in the city's nursery months ahead of time, ready to be planted when conditions are right.
For those curious about which trees are affected, the city has created an online map and legend showing removal locations, species, and reasons for removal.
Many of the trees listed are reaching the end of their natural life spans or have structural weaknesses that make them hazardous in storms. Their ages range from as young as five years old to more than 40.
While the loss of mature trees is often noticed immediately, the city emphasizes that removals create room for younger trees to take root and grow.