Who would have thought a simple tree would cause a headache in an Oliver neighbourhood?
But apparently the maple on the boulevard in front of 738 Bartlett Avenue is far from a simple tree, according to property owner Jennifer Morton.
She addressed Town council last week, saying the tree has been a “bone of contention” between her and a neighbour. She noted there has been animosity over the amount of leaves that fall, adding neither of them are physically able to clean them up or pay someone to do it.
Morton said it took her nearly 30 hours to clean up the tree’s seedlings from her yard, which has caused much frustration.
In addition to compromising the curb, she also noted the tree’s roots have broken up a concrete wall along her front property line.
“If the tree was on our property and causing this problem for the town, I’m sure that we would be charged for the cleanup or asked to remove the tree,” Morton said.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said if a tree is still in good condition, they will not remove it.
Morton said if Town staff pruned the tree more often, it wouldn’t be such a problem.
But Mayor Ron Hovanes said owning a home and a yard means yard work. He noted that he has to rake up many bags of leaves from his trees.
“I don’t like raking leaves, but I have to.”
The mayor said trees are a part of the fabric of a neighbourhood, and people buy homes in neighbourhoods because of the beautiful trees there.
Council passed a motion to look at the maple tree in question (regarding its roots and pruning). It will also review its Municipal Tree Policy in relation to the section dealing with “hazard to public safety or property.”
By Lyonel Doherty
