REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF TREE AT 17 GRANDVILLE AVENUE
Ward 27, York Humber.
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
(January 27, 1999)
Purpose:
The York Community Council at its meeting of October 14, 1998 requested that:
"The Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, direct the Director of
Parks and Recreation, West District to report on an alternative solution after a further review
of the circumstances related to the tree"
Recommendation:
It is recommended that:
1.removal of the tree be refused.
Comments:
Staff reported at the October 14, 1998, meeting of the York Community Council that the
mature Maple tree located at 17 Grandville Avenue be pruned and not removed as it does not
qualify for removal according to the tree by-law.
Mrs. Miller during her deputation claimed that roots were breaking through the foundation of
her floor and entering her basement. Staff did not investigate the basement of the property at
17Grandville, however found this irregular as young roots generally do not break through
basement foundations, but redirect themselves as they abut concrete.
Tree roots normally grow in the uppermost 60 cm of soil where the nutrients, oxygen and
water required for tree growth are available. Tree roots do not break drains or foundation
walls, but will enter cracks in drains when the drains break down with age. Leaking drains
provide a source of oxygen, water and nutrients and therefore attract roots from trees or shrubs
to much greater depths than normal. Roots from trees or shrubs nay get under a basement floor
if drains are deteriorating and providing the growing conditions to sustain root growth.
The only permanent solution to ensure that roots do not grow back or continue to grow under
the basement floor is to ensure that drains and weeping tile are functioning properly. If the
homeowner digs a trench at the foundation wall and roots are found, Forestry Staff could cut
the roots back. The homeowner could install inexpensive root offending deflectors in the
trench near the foundation. This work would occur on private property. If the homeowner has
any questions regarding this procedure, they could hire a private contractor to do the work or
contact the Forestry staff for additional information.
Conclusion:
Removal of this tree would not be a permanent solution, since improper drainage or leaking
drains will attract roots from any new trees or shrubs. Removal of trees for this reason would
also set an undesirable precedent resulting in the removal of thousand of trees city-wide.
Contact Name:
W.N. Kevin Bowser
394-2486
