To:Community Council, Etobicoke Region

 From:John Fulton, Acting Commissioner, Parks & Recreation

 Meeting

Date:July 22, 1998

 Subject:Request for Tree Removal - Mr. Drago Erent - 8 Alcan Avenue

  Purpose

 The Parks and Recreation Services Department, Forestry Division has received a formal request from Mr. Drago Erent to remove a large Silver Maple from the front of 8 Alcan Avenue. Staff has met with the resident to discuss the matter and consider the options.

 Source of Funds

 The recommended response to the issue does not require funding.

 Recommendations

 It is recommended that:

 (1)Council receive this report and hear the case presented by Mr. Erent; and

.

(2)The tree not be removed.

 Background

 At 8 Alcan Avenue there is a 70 foot tall Silver Maple located at the street line south of the house. The Etobicoke Code Section 243 gives jurisdiction over this tree to the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. The tree has been evaluated (see attachment).

 We have record of previous storm damage to this tree in June 1992 and November/December 1982.

 On May 30, 1998, Toronto was subjected to significant wind and rain storm. The winds on that day caused a large limb to sever and fall on the driveway side. We responded to complaints for one 2.5 inch diameter branch and a 3 foot long twig that had fallen from this tree as well as a 6 foot long branch from the Norway Maple next door.

Comments

 The City of Etobicoke has undertaken to reduce the crown size by drop crotch pruning this tree a few years ago. For a period of time the terminal growth at these pruning points is vulnerable to breakage although only small branches are involved

 This region of the City is clearly deficient in trees and as a result the large ones are exposed disproportionately to severe winds. Damage from these winds is rare, however, when it does occur normal shedding of small branches may occur.

 Removal of this tree may relieve the concern of the immediate neighbour, however, the community would notice an immediate aesthetic and environmental loss.

 Conclusion

 The benefits of large trees in a community must be considered against the occasional self pruning incidents. Removal of this tree would cost between $2,500 and $3,000 and this tree has been valued at $13,400 (appraisal attached).

 Should removal be the preferred option it may be completed at the homeowners expense.

 Contact name

 Denis McQuestion, NPD

Manager of Forestry & Horticulture

Etobicoke Region

Phone: 394-8551

John Fulton

Acting Commissioner

Parks & Recreation