Frequently asked
Duncan Tree Removal FAQ
Common questions asked about tree removal, storm cleanup, stump grinding and pruning across Duncan, North Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley — including Bylaw No. 3135 — answered plainly.
- How much does tree removal cost in Duncan?
- Tree removal in Duncan typically costs $400 to $4,000, with a typical job landing around $1,600 — a small tree sits at the low end and a large tree near a structure at the high end. Duncan Tree Removal provides a written price before any cutting starts.
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Duncan?
- Yes, for a Protected Tree under Bylaw No. 3135 — 30 centimetres in trunk diameter for most species, or 20 centimetres for Douglas fir, western red cedar, grand fir and big leaf maple. The permit fee is $50, plus a refundable replacement-tree security.
- Does North Cowichan require a tree removal permit?
- No. North Cowichan states it has no tree protection bylaw covering private property, though Development Permit Areas 3 and 4 can still restrict removal near sensitive natural or hazard land.
- What is a hazard tree, and does it affect the permit fee?
- A hazard tree shows signs like a changed lean, dead or missing bark, fungal growth, cavities at the base, or root heave. Duncan's Bylaw No. 3135 waives the $50 permit fee once a hazard is confirmed, though the replacement-tree security still applies.
- How much does stump grinding cost, and how deep does it go?
- Stump grinding typically costs $200 to $600 per stump. A standard grind reaches 15 to 25 centimetres below grade, enough to plant grass or a shrub over it, and can go deeper on request for a planned replant or paving.
- Can a tree be pruned instead of removed?
- Often, yes. Bylaw No. 3135 governs removal, not pruning, so a protected tree can frequently be crown-raised or thinned back from a structure or line without triggering the permit process at all.
- When can't trees be pruned or removed because of nesting birds?
- The BC Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Bird Convention Act make it illegal to disturb an active nest. The local nesting window runs late March through mid-August, and Duncan Tree Removal checks for active nests before work in that period.
- What credentials does Duncan Tree Removal's crew carry?
- Work is carried out by an ISA Certified Arborist, insured and following WorkSafeBC standards, with pruning cuts made to the ANSI A300 standard. BC has no separate provincial licence for arborists — ISA certification, insurance and WorkSafeBC compliance are the credentials that matter.
- What areas does Duncan Tree Removal serve?
- Duncan Tree Removal serves Duncan, North Cowichan, Chemainus, Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan, across the Cowichan Valley.
- Does emergency storm cleanup cost more?
- Yes. Emergency removals during active winter storms typically carry a 50–100% premium over standard rates, reflecting the access and safety conditions of working on a downed or windthrown tree.
Ready for a quote on tree removal in Duncan?
Duncan Tree Removal offers free in-home estimates across the Cowichan Valley.
Text or call (236) 801-1714