COUNCIL REPORT - Tree Removal Application, 294 Bessborough Avenue

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council denies the request to remove one (1) tree at 294 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 294 Bessborough Avenue.

BACKGROUND:

The Tree Removal Application submitted to the Town on February 23, 2015, requested the removal of the following tree:

• one (1), 64.0 cm dbh, Birch tree (Betula sp.) located in the front yard of the property on the north side of the house.

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

The owner is experiencing ongoing problems with the large tree in his front yard. The tree interferes with the overhead utility services to the house. The volume of material (leaves and branches/twigs) that the tree sheds is becoming an issue for the owner and his neighbours. The material is ending up in the gutters causing water flow problems.

The gutters require constant cleaning which is a concern for the owner as it is becoming more difficult for him to perform the cleaning task.

More information on the tree is as follows:

• was planted by the owner 26 years ago.
• is located approximately 10 metres (33 feet) from the front of the house and is approximately 18 metres (60 feet) tall.

The neighbours to the west at 296 Bessborough Avenue are also experiencing the same issues with the tree as the owner and have submitted a letter supporting removal of the tree (see attached). The neighbour to the north at 281 Bessborough Avenue also supports the removal of the tree (see attached).

The three options for this tree are as follows:

1. Allow the removal of the tree to eliminate all possible future issues. 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 the continuation of the above mentioned issues for years to come.
3. Perform a major pruning on the tree. Removal of approximately 1/3 of the canopy would reduce some of the issues mentioned but would not eliminate them entirely. A pruning of this magnitude does have some severe drawbacks. Excessive pruning can cause major stress to the tree (which could lead to disease and/or death), large wounds are created from removing large branches which take years to heal. The pruning also causes water sprouts (vertical, sucker-like shoots) which are unsightly and structural unsound causing issues in the future.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council allows major pruning to be performed on the tree by a qualified arborist.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council denies the request to remove one (1) tree at 294 Bessborough Avenue;

SUBMITTED BY: Dave Podmoroff, Parks Supervisor

REVIEWED BY: John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering