October 15, 1998

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

Subject:Request For Removal Of One City Owned Tree - 314 St. Clarens Avenue

(Ward 20 - Trinity-Niagara)

Purpose:

An application has been received from Mr. Emil Stadnyk, 314 St. Clarens Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 3W3, for City Council to consider removal of one City owned tree because he is concerned that the tree roots are uplifting his walkway and that the tree is taking away from the appearance and value of his home. Mr. Stadnyk also reports that tree roots are damaging his drains.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

That tree removal be denied.

Council Reference/Background/History:

Not applicable.

Comments:

The tree in question is a 62 cm diameter Norway Maple which is in fair condition and is valued at $4,057.73. Staff inspected the tree on October 8, 1998 and found that the tree does not qualify for routine removal.

With respect to the walkway, the applicant was advised that if the pavement is lifted to expose roots, Forestry staff will reinspect the site to determine the possibility of cutting or shaving roots which appear to be causing damage, provided that such work will not cause damage to the tree.

Regarding the damage to the drains, roots do not cause pipes to break. Tree and shrub roots normally grow in the uppermost 60 cm of soil. Roots only enter pipes through existing cracks or breaks. Water will leak from the openings, attracting roots to a greater than normal depth in the soil. The only permanent solution is to have broken pipes replaced. 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. If the drains are properly repaired and newer plastic pipes are properly sealed and installed, the drains should not deteriorate.

Conclusions:

Removal of City trees suspected of causing damage to private walkways and drains is neither practical nor advisable and would set an undesirable precedent for removing thousands of City trees. Furthermore, trees would not be replaced as the new trees would be seen to cause the same problem. I therefore recommend that this request for tree removal be denied.

However, should Toronto Community Council approve tree removal, it should be with the condition that the applicant be required to pay all costs involved, including the tree value of $4,057.73, removal costs of $1,053.83 and the cost to plant a replacement tree, $475.01, for a total of $5,586.56.

Contact Name: Paulette Mullings

Email: pmulling@city.toronto.on.ca

Tel: 416-392-6640

Fax: 416-392-6657

Joe Halstead

Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

Metro Hall

:PM

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