April 3, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Director of Development & Support - Toronto Parks and Recreation, City Hall Office
Subject:Request for Tree Removal - 465 Armadale Avenue (Ward 19 - High Park)
Purpose:
An application has been received from Mrs. Jane Hemsley, 465 Armadale Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3Y1, for City
Council to consider removal of a City owned silver maple tree located at the above noted address. Mrs. Hemsley reports
that the tree roots are clogging her drains.
Recommendation:.
That this request for tree removal be denied.
Comments:
The tree in question is a 57 cm diameter silver maple which is in fair condition and is valued at $2,967.96. My staff
inspected the tree on March 25, 1998 and found that the tree is in fair condition and does not qualify for routine removal.
With respect to drain problems experienced at this address, I advise that if drains leak, they will attract tree roots which
may result in clogged drains. The only solution to this problem is to replace old, deteriorating drains with new drains which
do not leak and attract roots. Removal of the tree may not solve the problem of blocked pipes as water will still leak into
the soil and the opening could allow soil and roots from other trees or shrubs into the pipe.
Removal of City trees suspected of causing damage to drains is neither practical nor advisable and would set an undesirable
precedent for removing many City trees.
However, should Toronto Community Council approve tree removal, I recommend that the owner pay all costs involved,
this includes the tree value of $2,967.96, the removal costs of $1,242.12, and the cost to plant a replacement, $475.62, for a
total of $4,685.70.
(Signed by SR) pm
Susan Richardson
Director, Development & Support
___PM
PM
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Contact Name: Paulette Mullings
Email: pmulling @ city.toronto.on.ca
Tel: 416-392-1940
Fax: 416-392-6657
