The removal of trees in Cherry Ridge Park has generated questions from the public as to why the trees are being removed and what will be done to replace them.
The Town arborist determined that the trees removed were not healthy; the trunks were girdled, due to stakes being in place too long. Girdling, also known as ring barking, is the complete removal of a strip of bark from around the entire circumference of a trunk or branch. Girdling cuts off interaction between the roots and the leaves, depriving parts of the tree of nutrients so that the tree or branch above the girdle will die.
Over the past few years there have also been complaints from residents about sightlines to the playground from the street. The trees were seen as a visual barrier whereby children safety and playground vandalism became a concern.
These factors, along with the girdling (efforts are being made to get ahead of girdling), were the sole determinants in the tree removal. The department of public works has committed to replacing the removed trees – one for one – throughout the park later this year.
Tree removal decisions by the Town are carefully calculated, as the preference is always to maintain and enhance the tree canopy. However, some tree removal scenarios are unavoidable, such as the removal of Ash trees in Town.
The removal of Ash trees remains at an aggressive (as budget allows – about $75,000/year). Ash tree removal began in 2015 and is expected to continue until 2020. Diseased trees have been identified, however primary focus is given to those at highest risk to fall, especially in areas of high resident traffic.
Initiatives such as Arbor Day tree planting and the annual tree-planting program are important to the Town and it is hoped that they continue for years to come.
A tree policy was established in April 2016, to ensure the Town commits to “provide the community with safe and healthy trees on municipal property that are maintained and inspected regularly, while staying attentive to budgetary and staff resources”.
In that budget is this policy statement:
Decisions about the removal of trees shall be … in accordance with department procedures, taking into account technical staff input and supporting information about risks related to safety, location, utilities, tree health, liability and other factors.
The Town shall strive for no net loss of trees on urban boulevards, and where practical and viable, in parks and rural areas. In addition, where conditions allow, every effort shall be made to increase tree planting and greening in the Town, barring conditions related to invasive pests or diseases.
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