Council Report: Tree Removal Application, 25 Stoneridge Drive (May 2015)

TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Council DATE: May 13, 2015 FROM: Dave Podmoroff MEETING DATE: May 19, 2015

Tree Removal Application, 25 Stoneridge Drive

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approves the removal of one (1) tree at 25 Stoneridge Drive as requested;

AND THAT as per the Town’s Tree Protection Bylaw 695, that two (2) trees be replanted (2:1 ratio) for this one (1) tree to be removed with the requirement that the replacement trees be Garry Oaks.;

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To address the request for removal of one (1) tree at 25 Stoneridge Drive.

BACKGROUND:

The owners of 25 Stoneridge Drive are wishing to remove one Garry Oak tree (Quercus garryanna) from the back yard adjacent to the house and second floor patio deck.

The Tree Removal Application submitted to the Town on February 4, 2015, requested the removal of the following two trees:

Tree #1 - one, 31.0 cm dbh, Garry Oak tree located in the rear of the property.
Tree #2 - one, 21.0 cm dbh, Garry Oak tree located in the rear of the property.

The tree removals were denied as these trees are a protective species, were healthy and not causing any serious issues. Pruning was allowed to be performed on these trees to help eliminate or lessen the concerns. They were informed that they could appeal this decision to Council at a regular Council meeting.

The residents have since then had issues with Tree #1 which is the tree closest to their house/deck. The tree trunk/base is approximately 1.6 metres (5 feet) from the corner of the house. The problem is that rodents are using the tree to gain access to the roof and then entering the attic of the house. See the attached Orkin report.

The residents wish to remove this one tree to stop the access point for the rodents. Pruning of this tree to below the roof line is not an option as more than the half of the tree would be required to be removed. This would include almost the entire branch structure to be removed to get the tree below the roof line, leaving a trunk standing which will not allow the tree to survive. Therefore, the most viable option is to remove this tree.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

That Council request an independent arborist report be completed to confirm that the tree should be removed.

That Council denies the request to remove one (1) the tree and major pruning be allowed.