FAQs • What is a tree risk assessment?

What is a tree risk assessment?: In a tree risk assessment a Registered Professional Forester or Certified Arborist assesses a forested area to identify both windfirm (those with a reduced risk of blowdown) and non-windfirm trees. This then allows for detailed recommendations for pruning and tree removal that will ensure the integrity of the forest and creek corridors.

Tree Risk Assessment

1. What is a tree risk assessment?: In a tree risk assessment a Registered Professional Forester or Certified Arborist assesses a forested area to identify both windfirm (those with a reduced risk of blowdown) and non-windfirm trees. This then allows for detailed recommendations for pruning and tree removal that will ensure the integrity of the forest and creek corridors.

2. Why was an assessment needed for Burke Mountain?: Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain area has seen considerable development in recent years and remains a heavily treed area with extensive parkland and creek corridor areas. The 2015 windstorms and drought conditions affected the dynamic, green spaces in Northeast Coquitlam. The assessment will allow the City to take a proactive approach towards creating solutions to stabilize the forested space in the Upper and Lower Hyde Creek, and Smiling Creek neighbourhoods.

3. Will I receive the results of the assessment?: If the Tree Risk Assessment identified work required within a covenant area of a resident’s private property then the affected resident will be informed in writing of the work planned on their property.

4. How will the hazard work affect the streams and wildlife?: The City will be following recommendations made by the consultant for tree planting and habitat restoration to ensure that the environmental values of these forested areas and Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas are sustained in the long term.

5. Who conducted the assessment?: The City of Coquitlam issued an request for proposal for the Tree Risk Assessment and the assessment was carried out by BA Blackwell and Associates. Read the Report to Council (PDF).

6. Now that trees have been removed from the covenant are registered to my property, can we use or modify this space?: No. These areas are under protective covenants registered to your property and no disturbance of the vegetation or building of structures of any kind are permitted.