June 22, 1999
To:Etobicoke Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture, & Tourism
Subject:15 Risdon Court - Blockage of Sewer Pipe by City Tree, Ward 4 - Markland Centennial
Purpose:
Staff has been requested to report on the property owner's request to have the City tree fronting 15 Risdon Court removed
as a permanent solution to tree roots blocking his sewer.
Source of Funds:
A maximum of $1500.00 for drain replacement under the City's new Drain Grant Program, which is a cost sharing
program.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)no City trees are removed related to this request;
(2) the property owner pursue replacement of the sewer as the preferable long term solution to roots blocking the sewer; and
(3) the property owner contact Mr. Bruce Granger at 394-8454 if he wishes to pursue funding under the City's Drain Grant
Program.
Council Reference/Background/History:
A letter to Etobicoke Community Council from Mr. Stevenson, of 15 Risdon Court, dated May 3rd, 1999 requesting a
long-term solution to tree roots clogging his sewer.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Tree roots are usually found in the top 30 cm of soil, well clear of sewer lines. However, moisture leaking from a broken
sewer may attract tree roots and cause a blockage.
Two City owned, 16 meter tall, Norway maple trees are located in close proximity to the sanitary clean out for 15 Risdon
Court. One tree fronts 15 Risdon Court and the other fronts number 17. Staff inspected these trees on May 20, 1999. Both
trees are in good condition and do not merit removal. Mr. Stevenson advised staff that he did not necessarily want trees
removed, but rather a long-term solution to the repeating sewer blockage problem.
Tree roots blocking broken sewer lines are a common problem throughout the City.
Conclusions:
Qualifying City trees for removal on the basis of their roots blocking sewer lines, will set a precedent which will qualify
thousands of trees for removal.
Sewer replacement provides a long-term solution that permits retention of trees.
Contact Name:
Dean Hart
Manager of Technical Services & Urban Forestry West District
394-8549
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
