Removal of Tree - 191 Forest Hill Road (Midtown)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council refuse to issue a permit for tree removal at 191
Forest Hill Road.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (April 12, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property due to its large size and proximity to the house has been
filed by Ms. Patricia Thomson, Thomson, Bruce and Associates, P.O. Box 27093, 500 Rexdale Boulevard, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9W 6L0, agent for the owner of 191 Forest Hill Road, Mr. Richard Ian Farb, 191 Forest Hill Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M5P 2N3.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
(1)refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; or
(2)issue a permit for tree removal.
Comments:
The tree in question is a forty-five centimetre diameter blue spruce in fair condition. The arborist report prepared by
Thomson, Bruce and Associates that accompanies the application states that the tree is in fair health. The report states that
the tree's large size, proximity to the house and the fact that the sight line to the front windows is obstructed are the reasons
for requesting tree removal. The report indicates that the spruce is competing with a City owned linden tree and that branch
dieback will soon occur due to the competition for sunlight.
In the opinion of Forestry staff, the spruce tree could be pruned to elevate the crown somewhat more than it already is and
thus open the sight line to the front windows. The information included in the application did not contain documentation
that the spruce tree is causing damage to the house as a result of its location. The matter of the spruce and linden competing
for light and space on a small front lawn is not unique, but rather a natural process when two or more trees are in fairly
close proximity to one another. If the spruce tree is approved for removal, there is no suitable location on the property that
could accommodate replacement planting.
A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required 14 day posting period, in order to notify the
neighbourhood and provide an opportunity for objection to the application. No written objections were received in response
to the application to remove the tree in question.
Contact Name:
Andrew Pickett
392-6644
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Mr. Richard Farb appeared before the Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.
