Surrey Memorial Tree Program - Bylaw & Application

Parks and Public Spaces British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia donors can honor loved ones through the city’s Memorial Tree Program and must follow municipal rules, applications and enforcement pathways. Read this guide for practical steps to apply, what forms to expect, likely fees and how enforcement and appeals work. Official program details and the application form are published by the City of Surrey; check the program page for the current application and instructions Memorial Tree Program application[1].

Apply early in the planting season to secure your preferred location.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Memorial Tree Program is implemented within Surrey’s parks and tree management framework and subject to municipal bylaws and bylaw enforcement. Specific monetary fines and daily penalties for breaches of park or tree-related bylaws are not consistently listed on the program page; where fine amounts or escalation are not printed on the program page, they are detailed in applicable bylaws or bylaw enforcement notices Tree protection / parks bylaws[2] and enforcement guidance By-law Enforcement contact and procedures[3].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the controlling bylaw text or enforcement notices for exact amounts.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences and per-day continuance penalties are not specified on the program page; see the bylaw or enforcement orders for ranges and daily rates.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, replacement requirements, stop-work orders and court action are possible under municipal bylaws.
  • Enforcer: City of Surrey By-law Enforcement and Parks Operations enforce program rules and respond to complaints; use the official contact and complaint pathway for inspections and investigations.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes vary by bylaw; time limits for review or appeal are not specified on the program page and are set out in the relevant bylaw or adjudication procedure.
If a fine amount or deadline is essential, request the specific bylaw section from By-law Enforcement.

Applications & Forms

  • Application name: "Memorial Tree Program Application" (official form available on the City of Surrey program page).
  • Fees: fee amounts for memorial planting or plaque installation are not specified on the program page; consult the application or Parks fees schedule for current charges.
  • Deadlines: seasonal planting windows apply; specific submission deadlines are not specified on the program page and may vary by year.
  • Submission: submit the completed application and any payment as directed on the program page or by Parks staff; check the page for online or in-person options.
Keep a copy of your approved application and any permit for future reference.

How the Program Typically Works

The City reviews applications for site suitability, species selection and maintenance. Approval may include conditions such as plaque size, planting location, species selection, and maintenance obligations assigned to Parks staff or donors depending on program rules.

Approved memorials must meet species and placement standards to protect park ecology.

FAQ

Who can apply for a memorial tree?
Individuals, families or organizations may apply; eligibility details and any residency or donor requirements are set out on the City’s program page and application form.
Can I request a specific tree species or location?
Requests are considered but final species and location are approved by Parks staff to meet site and ecological criteria.
What happens if a memorial tree dies?
Replacement and maintenance policies are governed by program rules; consult the application and Parks operations for the replacement policy.

How-To

  1. Download or obtain the Memorial Tree Program application from the City of Surrey program page Memorial Tree Program application[1].
  2. Complete the application with donor details, dedication text and preferred species/location.
  3. Check and pay any applicable fees as indicated on the form or fee schedule.
  4. Submit the application and payment online or to the Parks office per the program instructions, then await site review and approval.
  5. After approval, follow any installation or plaque guidelines and retain the approval record for inquiries or appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • Applications and approvals are managed by City of Surrey Parks; check the official program page for forms and instructions.
  • Fees and fines are governed by municipal bylaws and fee schedules; specific amounts may not be published on the program page.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey - Memorial Tree Program
  2. [2] City of Surrey - Tree protection / parks bylaws
  3. [3] City of Surrey - By-law Enforcement

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