March 16, 1998
To: Toronto Community Council
From: Director of Development & Support - Toronto Parks and Recreation, City Hall Office
Subject: Request for Removal of a City-owned Tree - 120 Westmoreland Avenue
(Ward 21 - Davenport)
Purpose:
An application has been received from Mr. Scott Fairweather, 120 Westmoreland Avenue, Toronto, M6H 2Z9, for City Council to consider removal of a City owned Siberian elm located at the above noted address. Mr. Fairweather reports that the tree is close to the house and could contribute to the deterioration of the basement walls in the future.
Recommendation:
The request for tree removal be denied.
Comments:
The tree in question is a 38 cm diameter Siberian elm located on City street allowance. The tree stands in fair condition and is valued at $820.77. Forestry staff inspected this tree on February 26, 1998 and found it to be located 2.2 metres from the foundation. If the property owner excavates at the basement walls and roots are found, Forestry staff can prune the roots. If roots are found to be causing damage, the tree will be removed and replaced at no cost to the owner.
Since the Siberian elm is not structurally unsound, dead or dying, I recommend that the request for tree removal be denied.
However, should Council approve tree removal, I recommend that the applicant pay all costs involved; this includes the tree value of $820.77, the removal costs of $417.62, and the costs to plant a replacement, $475.62, for a total of $1,713.68.
(Signed by SR) pm
Susan Richardson
Director, Development & Support
___PM
PM
