Tree Removal - 465 Armadale Avenue (High Park)

 The Toronto Community Council recommends that the request for removal of a city-owned tree at 465 Armadale Avenue be denied.

 The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (April 3, 1998) from the Director of Development and Support, Toronto Parks and Recreation:

 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.