January 4, 2000

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: 17 Forest Ridge Drive - Removal of Private Tree

North Toronto

Purpose:

An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property has been filed by Mr. Lorne Wallace, 551 Briar Hill Avenue, Toronto, M5N 1N1, owner of 17 Forest Ridge Drive.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) a permit for tree removal be refused; or

(2) a permit for tree removal be issued conditional on:

i) the tree in question not being removed until permitted construction and/or demolition related activities in accordance with plans approved under the building permit application for the subject project commence which warrant the destruction of the tree.

ii) the applicant implementing a landscape plan acceptable to the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

Background:

The applicant is proposing to construct a new house and the proposed new driveway is in conflict with the tree in question.

Comments:

The tree in question is a 55 centimetre diameter Siberian elm in fair condition and located at the rear of the property along the west property line. The Arborist report prepared by the Tree Specialists Inc. that accompanies the application states that the tree is in fair condition with normal amounts of deadwood throughout the crown and minor evidence of slime flux. The report also states that there are seams developing into splits at the main union and at the secondary union of the south leader. Significant pruning to remove deadwood, clear back from buildings and to repair the weak secondary union in the south leader, in addition to installing a cable to support the main union, are the maintenance recommendations put forth in the Arborist report. The report concludes that the proposed development will adversely affect the health of the tree and recommends that it be removed and replaced.

In the opinion of staff, the Siberian elm is a fast growing, weak wooded species, but the tree in question is a viable specimen that requires minor pruning to remove deadwood. The main union is weak with included bark, but there is no sign of splitting or visible cracks at this time. This tree appears to have never been maintained and the installation of cables at strategic points, combined with pruning for deadwood are the maintenance recommendations of our Department. If implemented, these recommendations would enhance the viability of the specimen.

The excavation required to construct the proposed driveway would have a significant impact on the trees root system, possibly destabilizing the tree. The tree cannot be adequately protected if the development proceeds as proposed at this time. Replacement trees have been proposed by the applicant which include two seventy to eighty millimetre caliper trees, one being a honey locust, the other a white spruce.

A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required fourteen day posting period, in order to notify the neighbourhood and provide an opportunity for objection to the application. Four written objections were received in response to the application to remove the tree in question. Copies of these letters are appended as Attachment No. 1

Conclusions:

The Siberian elm at 17 Forest Ridge Drive is a large shade tree that acts as a privacy screen from the buildings on Bathurst Street to the residents living immediately west of the tree. Any proposed development should consider retaining this tree and providing adequate protection for it during construction. If permission is granted for removal, it should be conditional on the planting of significant replacement trees that will buffer the noise and views from busy Bathurst Street.

Contact:

Andrew Pickett

Urban Forestry Planner

Tel: 392-6644

Fax: 392-1915

apickett@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

List of Attachments:

Attachment No. 1 - Letters of objection