News

Pending Tree Removal in Sea Ridge Park

Subject: Saanich Parks – Pending tree removal in Sea Ridge Park
Date: 2018-02-16 18:23
From: “Andrew Burger” <Andrew.Burger@saanich.ca>
To: <cba.president@cbaca.ca>
Cc: “Eva Riccius” <Eva.Riccius@saanich.ca>, “Jason Clarke”
<Jason.Clarke@saanich.ca>, “Mike McLellan” <Mike.McLellan@saanich.ca>

To whom it may concern,

Saanich Parks would like to inform the Cordova Bay Association for
Community Affairs of the pending removal of a large tree in Sea Ridge
Park adjacent to 963 Seamist Rise. The tree is a Douglas fir measuring
approximately one metre in diameter at breast height. The tree was
brought to Saanich Parks’ attention by the resident at 963 Seamist
Rise who noticed an unnatural lean toward the house and was concerned
for safety of the family.

Responding to the Call For Service, Saanich arborist’s conducted
several field tests and completed a Tree Risk Assessment to determine
the stability of the tree. After multiple ground and aerial
observations, crews conducted crown mitigation work to lower the height
of the tree in an attempt to reduce the end weight load and eliminate
any potential hazards to the adjacent residence. Subsequent load tests
revealed further movement at the base of the tree. Staff then conducted
a more targeted investigation of the internal integrity of the tree.
Staff collected data by resistographing (micro drilling) in 7 locations
on the trees lower trunk. The results were conclusive, with a
significant drop in resistance of the wood integrity indicating signs of
incipient decay. The required shell wall thickness to pass the integrity
test needed to be 21.5 cm’s, and testing found an average of 16.6cm’s
from readings taken at the 4 cardinal directions. Due to these readings,
the tree failed the minimum shell wall thickness test.

After expert review of the assessment data, the Urban Forest team
determined that the structural integrity of the tree was compromised and
posed a significant risk to the neighbouring resident. The
recommendation was for its complete removal to an adequate height to
accommodate a functional wildlife tree.

We have informed the home owner of the findings and will
work with staff to plant 4 suitable replacement trees during the 2018
planting season. The tree is posted and will be schedule for removal in
the next couple of weeks pending crane availability.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Thank you,
Andrew Burger
Manager, Park Operations
Parks and Recreation Department
District of Saanich
1040 McKenzie Ave
Victoria BC  V8P 2L4

t: 250-475-5522 ext.5541
f: 250-475-5525
Andrew.Burger@Saanich.ca