<font size=2 face="sans-serif">Hi Alex,</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Yes, when we established the Private
Tree Bylaw in 2007, we had to define where the trees would lie in relation
to both the Street and Private Tree Bylaws and subsequent ownership issues
to prevent confusion and potential overlap.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The logic used was that if the tree
trunk was planted 5 cm on private lands it would then have "grown"
onto Town property and the converse is applicable.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">For decades we took the approach if
it was close to streetline or a portion was on Town lands, the Town would
maintain the tree. </font>
<br>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Since 2007 we have had to revisit, over
time, the previously Town maintained "borderline" trees to have
the Survey Crew determine ownership. We try to schedule this in the
off peak season for them where possible.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">This does create some angst where we
have had a long term relationship with a homeowner that knows the history
of the tree maintenance.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Generally, this seems to be working.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Operationally, if the tree is in decline
and needs to be removed with part ownership on town lands we have suggested
to the Owner to contact the hydro utility, if applicable, to clear
the wires before the Owners' hired contractor carries out the work.
If there is no utility wires present we can reduce the canopy over town
lands to help off set some of the costs. These actions vary based
on discussion with owner.</font>
<br>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">In the street tree bylaw, we have noted
the town can trim private trees that overhang the R.O.W.. As
well we have a written work order that mirrors information for all involved
consistently for work to be done.</font>
<br>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Hope this helps.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Regards,<br>
Peter Wynnyczuk</font>
<br>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Urban Forestry Supervisor</font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Town of Richmond Hill</font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Community Services Department</font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Telephone: 905 780-2930</font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Fax: 905 780-2928</font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Internet: pwynnyczuk@richmondhill.ca</font>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><font size=1 color=#5f5f5f face="sans-serif">From:
</font><font size=1 face="sans-serif">"Alex Satel"
<a.satel@utoronto.ca></font>
<br><font size=1 color=#5f5f5f face="sans-serif">To:
</font><font size=1 face="sans-serif">"'Canufnet'"
<canufnet@list.web.net></font>
<br><font size=1 color=#5f5f5f face="sans-serif">Date:
</font><font size=1 face="sans-serif">12/14/2011 03:41 PM</font>
<br><font size=1 color=#5f5f5f face="sans-serif">Subject:
</font><font size=1 face="sans-serif">[CANUFNET] Municipal
tree ownership/responsibility</font>
<br><font size=1 color=#5f5f5f face="sans-serif">Sent by:
</font><font size=1 face="sans-serif">canufnet-bounces@list.web.net</font>
<br>
<hr noshade>
<br>
<br>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">Hello all,</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">I am interested to know how your community
determines tree ownership and assigns responsibility for maintenance, particularly
with regard to street trees. </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">Many communities operate on the principle
that if 50% or more of the stem is on public property, the tree is a City
asset and a municipal responsibility. Does your community work differently?
If so, do you maintain street trees if less than 50% of the stem is on
municipal land, or if only if the tree is wholly on City property? Has
your community at any point transitioned from one approach to another,
and if so, did that significantly change the workload for your forestry
crews?</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">Any insights into this issue would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks for your consideration, and best wishes for the holidays.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">--Alex</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"><b>Alex Satel, MFC</b><i><br>
ISA Certified Arborist ON-1353A</i></font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">Urban Forest Innovations Inc.</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">1248 Minnewaska Trail<br>
Mississauga, ON L5G 3S5</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">T: (905) 274-1022</font>
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri">C: (416) 452-8054</font>
<br><a href=mailto:asatel@ufis.ca><font size=2 color=#3f8080 face="Calibri"><u>asatel@ufis.ca</u></font></a>
<br><a href=http://www.urbanforestinnovations.com/><font size=2 color=#3f8080 face="Calibri"><u>http://www.urbanforestinnovations.com</u></font></a>
<br><img src=cid:_2_0D2ECF340D2ECCC8005AC1C98525796B alt="UFI new logo very small">
<br><font size=2 face="Calibri"> </font>
<br>