Despite a maple tree causing grief for a couple of homeowners on Bartlett Street, the Town of Oliver will not to cut it down.
That was the decision at last week’s council meeting to address a “nuisance” tree at 738 Bartlett Street.
Resident Jennifer Morton complained to the Town that the tree on the boulevard has been a maintenance burden on her and a neighbour.
The leaves and seedlings that leave the tree make yard maintenance difficult, and the tree’s roots have damaged their concrete wall.
The Town had arborist Thor Clausen look at the issue, and he said the tree’s health is in good condition and it does not pose a hazard.
Clausen cautioned the Town in allowing complaints such as this to facilitate the removal of municipal trees.
According to Clausen, if the tree is removed for any other reason than hazard mitigation without compensation or replacement, a legal precedent will have been set. This may allow the removal of any tree deemed a nuisance by a property owner.
According to Clausen, the tree roots did not outright damage the concrete wall.
It was reported that the tree is valued at approximately $7,600.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell recommended keeping the tree for its value, aesthetics and maturity. He also noted the Town’s policy states that municipal tree cover in urban areas reduces pollution (absorbs carbon dioxide), moderates temperature extremes and reduces noise pollution.
But Councillor Jack Bennest said it seems that council is reluctant to do anything to help the complainants.
“We just seem to turn around and say it’s their problem, but we have some responsibility.”
Bennest said when it’s the Town’s idea, it can chop trees down, but when it’s a resident’s idea, they can’t.
Council voted to leave the tree as is but remove the surface roots, cut roots and use root guard to mitigate the concerns.
