[CANUFNET] Removal of trees for replacement of water lines

[Ward, Greg]

Linda,
    I would tend to believe the field staff, the vast majority of times there is a way to accommodate the tree, it just costs money.   Understandably the engineering project management staff will take the expedient route in the planning and implementation of the project in consideration of all sorts of values, particularly monetary.  Hence the need for green infrastructure advocates (arborists) to affirm the value of the tree, environmental, social and economic,  with the engineers and fairly and firmly encourage them to explore alternatives in construction.  No easy task for the engineers to make a decision when they are expected to come in on budget and spend the tax dollars wisely.  
 
    The urban consulting arborist needs to be reasonably well versed in engineering contraction standards and methods, at least to the point of suggesting alternatives to the engineers.  This could be a topic that needs more attention at tree symposiums and conferences- how often have you seen an engineer presenting at one, outlining there interests, concerns, and challenges, and what they go thru from their perspective in saving trees.    
 
    I find it valuable to build a respectful relationship with the engineers, one where a greater mutual understanding of values and needs is the foundation.  Essentially, 'walking a mile' in each other's shoes.    With each community outcry there is a subsequent motivation for engineers to improve their processes, and an opportunity for urban forestry folks to collaborate with them in doing so.   It sounds like the timing may be right to offer to do so. 
 
Greg Ward 
Manager, Urban Forestry and Environmental Programs 
City of Surrey, B.C. 
604 501 5170 

'Nature matters, 
protect, enhance, enjoy'   

 
 -----Original Message-----
From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net]On Behalf Of Moskalyk, Linda (IS - Parks)
Sent: 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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