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Unintended consequences of tree bylaw

Editor: In conjunction with the intended benefits of the proposed changes and additions to our tree bylaws, there are unintended consequences, particularly from significant and larger trees.

Editor:

In conjunction with the intended benefits of the proposed changes and additions to our tree bylaws, there are unintended consequences, particularly from significant and larger trees.

These include higher home insurance rates because of tree and branch fall during high winds; root interference and excessive shade.

Higher insurance rates are self-explanatory. Root interference is self-explanatory. Shade is not so cut and dried.

Home owners, for the most part, who have significant and larger trees have no idea of the shade issue for neighbours. As well, such trees create excessive year round cleaning of debris fall as well as the need for power washing where moss accumulates in shaded areas and disproportionate gutter cleaning. Because some of these trees are impacted by phototropism, they grow to heights and widths that are not specific to the species which in turn creates more shade. For example, when we moved into our home 12 years ago, we got sun in our backyard starting at 10 a.m. Now we do not get sun until 12:30 p.m.  

We need trees. Trees that are manageable without the need for an arborist whose fees could cause monetary issues. Trees that do not cause home damage. Trees that can be watered thereby mitigating the surface root issue. Trees that do not impact neighbours. Significant trees belong in forests and parks, not in residential areas.

Pat Cropo