Arborist Review of Trees at 24 and 26 Falstaff Place
A report dated April 3, 2013, from Talbot Mackenzie & Associates, providing an arborist review of trees located at 24 and 26 Falstaff Place.
3. CONCLUSIONS
Based on our assessment and the review of the previous report and subsequent correspondence, it is our opinion that the two (2) trees on the Strata 813 Falstaff Place property and the two (2) trees on the adjacent property are structurally sound, healthy, and do not pose an elevated risk to people or property, including the residences on Falstaff Place.
Therefore, our recommendation of November 17, 2011 to retain the trees still stands.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend the following:
A qualified arborist be retained to annually inspect the trees within 20 m of the Strata 813 Falstaff Place residences and any other trees that residents are concerned about.
That the arborist provide a report to the Town and residents with an updated assessment and any recommended actions.
That the costs be borne by the residents as per the Town's Tree Protection Bylaw.
That residents be informed that the current assessment and future assessments do not guarantee the trees will not fail, but indicate the current condition.
That the residents consider working with the Town to implement a long term tree management plan to promote good health and form of existing and future trees and to remove trees if necessary in a timely fashion once identified as having an elevated risk of failure.
This report is based on the condition of the trees at the time of inspection and on the information made available to us. Should additional information become available, we reserve the right to revise our conclusions and recommendations.
Respectfully Submitted,
H. Krogstad, ISA Certified Arborist Michael Gye & Heidi Krogstad Urban Forestry Ltd.
Michael Gye, Urban Forester Heidi Krogstad, MSc, P.Ag.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Mayor & Council FROM: Parks Supervisor DATE: February 21, 2012 FILE: 5310-20 SUBJECT: Strata 813, Falstaff Place - Removal of Trees
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the report dated February 21, 2012 from the Parks Supervisor regarding the removal of trees at Strata 813, Falstaff Place be received for information.
PURPOSE
To provide Council with an update on the status of the trees identified for removal at Strata 813, Falstaff Place.
BACKGROUND
On October 14, 2011, Urban Forestry Ltd. provided a report to the Town on "Inspection of Trees close to building at 1504B Glentana Road, 24 and 26 Falstaff Place". The report recommended that the trees identified in the report did not pose an elevated risk to person or property, including the residences on Falstaff Place.
On November 17, 2011, the Town advised a resident from Strata 813 that the request for tree removal had been denied based on the arborist's report.
On November 29, 2011, the Town received a letter from a resident of Strata 813 requesting an opportunity to address Council regarding the decision.
On December 20, 2011, a resident of Strata 813, Falstaff Place, addressed Council regarding the decision by the Town to deny the request for the removal of trees adjacent to their property. Council passed the following motion:
"THAT the information presented at the December 20, 2011 Council Meeting from Strata 813, Falstaff Place regarding the removal of trees be received, and further, that the arborist be contacted regarding clarification of the October 14, 2011 report based on the information provided by the resident regarding a perceived increase in tree failure risk, and further, that a report be prepared to the January 17, 2012 Council meeting." (C-226-11)
On January 3, 2012, Michael Gye from Urban Forestry Ltd. attended a meeting with the resident of Strata 813 and the Director of Parks and Recreation to further discuss the issues and concerns regarding the trees.
On January 17, 2012, Council passed the following motion:
"THAT the information from the Parks Supervisor regarding the Falstaff Place Trees be received;
AND THAT the Town engage an independent arborist to conduct an assessment of the trees at Strata 813, Falstaff Place and the trees on the adjacent property for the purpose of a second opinion;
AND THAT the independent arborist be engaged with the consent of the residents;
AND FURTHER THAT a report be prepared for the February 7, 2012 Council meeting." (C-011-12)
On January 23, 2012, a letter was sent to a resident of Strata 813 to inform them of Council's decision to engage an independent arborist to conduct a second assessment of the trees. On January 26, 2012, the Town received a response from a resident of Strata 813 providing consent to conduct a second assessment.
On February 8, 2012, the Town contacted a second arborist, Tom Talbot, to conduct the second assessment of the trees on Falstaff Place.
DISCUSSION
On February 9, 2012, Tom Talbot met with the Director of Parks and Recreation and Michael Gye from Urban Forestry Ltd. and inspected the trees. The independent arborist requested to review the reports, photos, and information pertaining to the trees on Falstaff Place.
The Parks Supervisor has received preliminary verbal feedback from the independent arborist that he believes the previous report to be sufficient and comprehensive. Mr. Talbot will forward a written report to the Town to confirm his findings. Once this report has been received, the Parks Supervisor will forward a copy to the residents of Strata 813 for their information.
OPTIONS
- Receive for information.
- Provide alternate direction to staff.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This report does not align with any specific Strategic Plan goals or objectives. However, it provides ongoing quality service to residents.
CONCLUSION
The Town has engaged an independent arborist to conduct a second assessment of the trees on Falstaff Place. Upon receipt of the written report, a copy will be forwarded to the residents of Strata 813.
Staff Recommendation:
THAT the report dated February 21, 2012 from the Parks Supervisor regarding the removal of trees at Strata 813, Falstaff Place be received for information.
Respectfully submitted,
Parks Supervisor
Director of Parks & Recreation