[CANUFNET] High density housing and tree planting

Mon Apr 11 11:19:31 EDT 2011

Thanks for the photos James, it is heartening to see some examples where trees take priority

Ian Wilson

City of Kelowna

From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of James Urban
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 5:35 AM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] High density housing and tree planting

A couple of points to consider:

This image is simply to indicate that trees can grow quite successfully near buildings in very tight spaces if a number of conditions are met.  

Obviously the ambient soil (type and volume) in this location is sufficient otherwise the tree would not have grown.  We need to to better understand existing soil conditions when making judgements on if there is sufficient soil.  We need to better understand how to modify the existing conditions to make it better when it is not.

In this a section of town this image is replicated many times over a long history of tree growth.  

This section of town has some of the cities highest property values and that seems to say there is a strong preference or satisfaction for this condition.

The trees are in the public ROW.  Yes, cars do drive down that alley.  Note it is not a street but an alley, but those are the front doors to the town homes.  The town houses are over 100 years old.  The trees vary in age but are growing slowly and are replaced when they need to be.  I am going to guess that the replacement cycle is 30-50 years.

I think species is not relevant to this image vis a vis the canadian experience.  You have trees that can do this.

Yes, this image compromises many urban standards, but it is those standards that almost always favor utilities and automobiles at the expense of trees and people.  It is the standards that we need to challenge not that trees cannot be grown in denser spaces.  Is this an ideal condition for trees, no but far better for the residents that no trees.  Please do not think that I am proposing that we can design cities this way, only to illustrate what is possible if the designers were to understand all the issues, design to those issues and the standards allow the tree and pedestrian win.

Attached, below, is another example of large trees in dense areas, this time on a street with parking on both sides.  Note that on one side of the street there are power lines in the trees.  These homes are some of the most expensive homes in Annapolis.  This block is one of the most favored by walkers in the city despite the narrow irregular sidewalks.  Examples like these can be found in Toronto.  The owners fight for these trees.

Jim Urban

Urban Trees + Soils

410 263 4838

On Apr 10, 2011, at 8:17 PM, John & Carolyn Howden wrote:

Agreed. It would also appear that this picture also touches on a previous issue that was addressed not too long ago and that being the need 
for adequate soil exposure around the base of the tree.  

Bohdan Kowalyk wrote: 

More information is needed about the details (history, species, sites, ownership, satisfaction with) of this Philadelphia example and other similar ones elsewhere to see how relevant they may be compared with current urban requirements and standards.

Bohdan

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: James Urban <mailto:urbantree at toad.net>  

	To: Canadian Urban Forest Network <mailto:canufnet at list.web.net>  

	Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2011 3:40 PM

	Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] High density housing and tree planting

	Friends 

	Please note the following example from Philadelphia Pa.  Densification does not mean you cannot plant trees or even grow trees.  it is all about the resources needed to accomplish the goals not that they cannot be accomplished

	Jim Urban

	Urban Trees + Soils

	410 263 4838

	<Mail Attachment.jpeg>

	On Apr 8, 2011, at 11:53 AM, Ian Wilson wrote:

	We've had some similar issues in Kelowna, because much of the new development is happening on hillsides.  In these areas, the roads are narrower and so are the building lots.  In some cases we've said we don't want street trees because it's too narrow.  However you might be able to work with your development bylaw and require that the trees get planted elsewhere on the private property (in the back yard) if there's enough space.  That way you still get the environmental benefits but not the maintenance costs.

	Ian Wilson

	City of Kelowna

	From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Nielsen, Astrid
	Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 8:37 AM
	To: canufnet at list.web.net
	Subject: [CANUFNET] High density housing and tree planting

	Hi urban foresters,

	With a mandate of intensification, our City of Ottawa planning department is facing pressure to decrease the setbacks from home to the city right-of-ways down to 3 m. This would mean that trees could be planted as close as 3.5 m from the home, which could cause complications down the road from a tree trimming perspective. Are other jurisdictions facing this same pressure, and if so, how close to the homes are you allowing trees to be planted?

	I would be interested to know if other jurisdictions have developed species specific guidelines for how close trees can be planted to homes. Any information on this would be very useful. Thanks!

	Astrid Nielsen, RPF | Forester | Forestry Services | City of Ottawa | 
	, 100 Constellation Ave. | Ottawa, Ontario, K2G 6J8| ( (613) 580-2400 x15258 | Fax: (613)580-2611 

	This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you.

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