970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree

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1 STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree Date: December 5, 2014 To: From: Wards: Reference Number: Toronto and East York Community Council Jason Doyle, Director, Urban Forestry, Parks, Forestry and Recreation Ward 29 Toronto - Danforth P:\2014\Cluster A\PFR\TE AFS#20339 SUMMARY This report requests that City Council deny the application for a permit to remove one (1) City owned tree located at 970 Carlaw Avenue. The application indicates the reason for removal is that the tree has lifted the asphalt driveway making it unsafe for the homeowners. The subject tree is a white mulberry (Morus alba) measuring 43 cm in diameter. The white mulberry is healthy and in fair condition structurally and botanically. There is no conclusive evidence that tree roots are responsible for any damage. RECOMMENDATIONS The General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation recommends that: 1. City Council deny the request for a permit to remove the one (1) City owned white mulberry tree at 970 Carlaw Avenue. Financial Impact There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report. Staff report for action on 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree 1

2 COMMENTS An application was received from the owner of 970 Carlaw Avenue for a permit to remove one (1) tree, a white mulberry tree measuring 43 cm in diameter, located in the front yard of the subject property. The application indicates the reason for removal is that the tree has lifted the asphalt driveway, making it unsafe for the homeowners. The arborist report claims that the tree is no longer maintainable, as there is an internal crack in the tree trunk and the tree leans. Urban Forestry staff inspected the tree and found the white mulberry to be healthy and in fair condition structurally and botanically. The tree has bacterial wetwood, a common disease that affects the central core or bark of many trees. Although the symptoms are unsightly, in most situations the tree suffers little damage, as appears to be the case in this instance. No evidence has been provided to conclude that the cracks in the driveway are due to tree roots. Asphalt and concrete can crack for many reasons such as age, insufficient base material, an incorrect mix of paving material, and freeze and thaw cycles. It is not uncommon for pavement to crack where there are no trees in the vicinity. A suitable response to cracked pavement is to check for tree roots when making repairs. If tree roots are found once pavement has been lifted, a qualified arborist can properly cut small roots and if larger roots are found, determine if it is possible to shave down the larger roots to provide a flat surface under new pavement. If the owners do not wish to pursue replacement of damaged asphalt, crack sealing and filling are examples of asphalt driveway maintenance strategies that may be applicable in this circumstance. A permit to remove the tree was denied by Urban Forestry. The owner is appealing the decision to deny the permit. Should City Council approve this request for tree removal, in accordance with Section B of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 813, Trees, Article II, approval is conditional upon payment for the appraised tree value and the costs for a replacement tree to be planted elsewhere by the City. The applicant would be responsible for tree removal and all associated costs, as well as submission of an Agreement for Contractors to Perform Arboricultural Services on City Owned Trees prior to tree removal, to the satisfaction of the General Manager. Trees improve the quality of urban life and contribute greatly to our sense of community. They are aesthetically pleasing and soften the hard lines of built form and surfaces in an urban setting. Trees contribute to the overall character and quality of neighbourhoods. Studies suggest that social benefits such as crime reduction and neighbourhood cohesion can be directly attributed to the presence of trees. The environmental benefits of trees include cleansing of air, noise and wind reduction, and protection from ultraviolet radiation. Trees reduce rainwater runoff thereby reducing Staff report for action on 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree 2

3 soil erosion and lowering storm water management costs. They also contribute to moderation of temperature extremes and reduction of the urban heat island effect by providing shade during the summer. Trees provide many economic benefits, including the enhancement of property values. Homes with mature trees have higher value when compared to similar types of homes in similar locations without trees. Trees are a community resource, which can make the city more attractive to investors, tourists and prospective residents, thus contributing to growth and prosperity. The white mulberry at 970 Carlaw Avenue is a valuable part of the urban forest and with proper care and maintenance this tree has the potential to provide the property owner and the surrounding community with benefits for many years to come. Urban Forestry, therefore, cannot support removal of this tree. CONTACT Mark Ventresca, Supervisor Tree Protection and Plan Review, Urban Forestry Branch, Tel: , Fax: , mventre@toronto.ca SIGNATURE Jason Doyle Director of Urban Forestry Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 - Photo of the 43 cm diameter white mulberry tree Attachment 2 - Photo of the 43 cm diameter white mulberry tree Attachment 3 - Photo of base of 43 cm diameter mulberry and driveway Staff report for action on 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree 3

4 Attachment 1 43 cm diameter white mulberry fronting 970 Carlaw Avenue Staff report for action on 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree 4

5 Attachment 2 43 cm diameter white mulberry fronting 970 Carlaw Avenue Staff report for action on 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree 5

6 Base of 43 cm diameter mulberry and driveway at 970 Carlaw Avenue Attachment 3 Staff report for action on 970 Carlaw Avenue Application to Remove a City Owned Tree 6