[CANUFNET] hybrid poplar tree hazard

[Stephen Smith]

I wouldn't condemn a tree just because of risk that something might/will happen sometime in the future based on species alone. It has to demonstrate an imminent risk of failure now. 

That said, I wouldn't recommend planting them if I know of these characteristics, subject to other goals for planting that might be more important at the time.

If I want to remove one because of species, say a large Manitoba maple because it's an invasive species, I will remove it on that basis not future presumed risk, even if it has future risk of failure too but isn't imminent now. If your municipality doesn't make allowances for invasive species or other reasons for removal than imminent hazard, then it might get more complicated.

Stephen Smith
Urban Forest Associates Inc.
Urban Forestry and Ecological Restoration
www.ufora.ca
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Vince Rutter 
  To: Canadian Urban Forest Network 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 9:52 AM
  Subject: [CANUFNET] hybrid poplar tree hazard



  A client's neighbour owns two large hybrid poplar (similar to cottonwood) trees that overhang his property.  They are healthy vigourous trees, both with many codominant stems and are quite large (2 metre DBH).  That's pretty big for here in Thunder Bay!  Over the past several years there have been many occasions where branches have snapped and fallen which is typical of the species.  The branches are anywhere from 2 inches to 5 or 6 in diameter.  They are truly concerned about the tree and would like to compel the owners to take action.
  At best, we could clean the crown, reduce long branches and support included branch connections by cabling but I don't feel that would greatly reduce the risk of occasional limb breakage.  That said, have any of you condemned a tree based on its species characteristics like these poplars?  
  This problem comes up fairly frequently here and it usually leads to tree removal but in this case all parties involved can't come to an agreement.  

  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
  -- 
  Vince Rutter, RPF
  ISA Certified Arborist
  www.rutterurbanforestry.ca
  807-627-6201
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