COUNCIL REPORT - Tree Removal Application, 305 Bessborough Avenue

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council denies the request to remove one (1) tree at 305 Bessborough Avenue;

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To address the request for removal of one (1) tree at 305 Bessborough Avenue.

BACKGROUND:

The Tree Removal Application submitted to the Town on August 24, 2015, requested the removal of the following tree:

• one (1), 101.0 cm dbh, Sequoia tree (Sequoia sempervirens) located in the back yard of the property on the south side.

The removal was denied as the tree is a protected species and a significant tree within the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw #695. It is healthy and growing at a very quick rate.

The new owners (as of September 2014) have had major issues with drainage in the past year. The tree’s roots have plugged the drains causing flooding and water damage in the crawlspace and the area surrounding the house. The drain lines have been dug up and replaced but will experience the same fate in the future as the tree continues to grow. See the letter and all attached materials, supplied by the home owner.

More information on the tree is as follows:

• was planted by the previous owners 26 years ago. Average height growth per year is 0.6 metres (2 feet).
• is located approximately 11 metres (36 feet) from the corner of the house and is approximately 15 metres (49 feet) tall.
• is located approximately 2 metres (6.5 feet) from the south property line and lies within a sewer easement.
• is on top of a Town of View Royal sewer line servicing the neighbourhood, please see attached drawing.
• storm drain lines for the house run towards the rear of the property immediately beside the tree (to get the proper fall for water flow).

The neighbours to the south at 307 Bessborough Avenue are also experiencing issues with the tree. See attached letter supporting the removal and picture. The paver stones in the patio area are being heaved by the roots of the tree causing trip hazards. The house and its infrastructure are not that far beyond the patio area and therefore, possibly the same drainage issues in the near future as the owners of the tree.

The two options for this tree are as follows:

1. Allow the removal of the tree to eliminate all possible future issues with damage from the roots and tree. Also the resident will be required to replant with two replacement trees on the property as per the bylaw.

2. Deny the removal of the tree and have possible further damage to the house and surrounding area as the tree grows larger.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Allow the removal of the tree.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council denies the request to remove one (1) tree at 305 Bessborough Avenue;

SUBMITTED BY: Dave Podmoroff, Parks Supervisor

REVIEWED BY: John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering