[CANUFNET] Removal of trees for replacement of water lines

[Ian Wilson]

Linda,
 
I've had some similar experiences with engineering staff, utilities,
etc.  Among some of these professionals there seems to be a belief that
the tree is expendable and that it's a lot easier and cheaper to remove
the tree than to try to accomodate the tree.  I try to work with these
folks and educate them about the value of the tree(s) (monetary and
social) and the fact that they (and us) could get heavily criticised by
the public and by the politicians.  If that doesn't work we also have a
tree bylaw that says if you damage or remove a publilc tree you have to
pay "equitable compensation" based upon the ISA tree appraisal formulae
which can be significant.  I also like to explain that the tree is
another piece of public infrastructure and they wouldn't do something to
damage or undermine a street light, so why do this to a tree?
 
Using this approach we've been able to get utility lines re-routed,
utilities tunneled under trees rather than trenched, sidewalks moved,
and even entire road profiles and curbs moved over.  Road engineers in
particular tend to really like straight linear designs but you can get
them to start thinking outside the box.
 
Ian Wilson
City of Kelowna

	-----Original Message-----
	From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net
[mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Moskalyk, Linda (IS
- Parks)
	Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2008 9:07 AM
	To: 'canufnet at list.web.net'
	Subject: [CANUFNET] Removal of trees for replacement of water
lines
	
	
	
	We recently had a valuable American elm removed from our
boulevard because the engineers (management) made a decision to replace
a hydrant and insisted the tree beside it would have to come down. Our
urban forestry people were told that they needed to excavate 4 feet on
each side of the hydrant to replace it.  The tree was only 2 feet away.
We reluctantly removed the tree, and now there is an uproar from the
community.  As the tree was coming down some of the enginneers (field
workers this time) came along and said they probably could have worked
within that 2 foot area.  Its hard to know who to believe.  Alternately,
could the hydrant have been capped off and the line rerouted to a new
location?  We are arbortists and don't know the options when it comes to
sewer and water.  We want to have the knowledge and ability to argue for
alternative methods that could potentially save the trees.   Is there
any good information or advice on the subject?
	 
	Linda Moskalyk
	Certified Arborist
	Urban Forestry Section
	Parks Dept.
	City of Saskatoon
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

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