134 Belgravia Avenue

Possible Damage to House by City-Owned Tree

Ward 28, York Eglinton

The York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report(April 7, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

A communication was received by Councillor Joe Mihevc from the property owner at 134BelgraviaAvenue. The property owner wishes to remove a healthy City owned tree. The owner claims its roots have damaged the building's foundation. Councillor Mihevc has requested staff to report on this matter.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable as the claim has not been substantiated.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that no trees on City property be removed.

Comments:

In August 1998, Mayor Lastman's office was advised regarding this issue (Appendix A). On March3, 1999, the site was re-inspected by the Forestry staff.

There are 4 trees at this address. Fronting the property is a privately owned 35 cm diameter Spruce in fair to poor condition and a 66 cm diameter City owned Norway Maple in fair condition. Flanking the property is a 66 cm diameter City owned Norway Maple and a 99 cm City owned SilverMaple, both in good condition. All trees at this address are maintainable and do not require any work at this time and do not qualify for removal. Forestry staff did not note any structural damage to the house from the exterior or interior. As suggested by the previous inspection, interior water damage may be caused by poor surface run off, drainage and/or a blockage in the subsurface (weeping tile) drainage.

Staff recommended to the property owner that:

(1)they investigate the probability of failing weeping tiles, proper surface run off and proper directing of the eaves trough downspout and sealing of the wall and walkway junction: and

(2)they excavate one metre out from the house foundation where the alleged damage is, exposing tree roots that are allegedly causing damage, for possible root pruning by City Forestry staff.

Conclusion:

City Urban Forestry staff have been unable to substantiate the property owner's claims of property damage caused by roots from City trees. The City trees fronting this property remain viable and do not qualify for removal.

Removal of trees for claims such as this would set an undesirable precedent and could lead to many thousands of trees being removed within the City.

Contact Name:

Wilf deHaan

Supervisor of Urban Forestry

394-2703