[CANUFNET] Routine Tree Inspections

[Alan Kemp]

We use a Tempest / Prospero Calls For Service program for our street and boulevard trees. It can be initiated for specific streets and various re-issue dates depending on levels of hazard concern. What we don’t have so far is a formal inspection program for all other areas such as the Municipal RoW trees. I have been reviewing programs centred on risk management that can identify various areas within the City and then from that be able to create an inspection program. Unfortunately this is a huge task for a staff of one! We have an inventory for the boulevard / street trees, but not for all else. There are some great computer programs out there and companies that can assist in setting these types of programs up, but it all takes time, money and most importantly commitment and support from your local municipal government.

Nanaimo is in a critical stage of development where we still have considerable remnant areas of native trees that cannot reasonably be inspected every year if at all! We therefore at this time rely on staff, the public, other utilities and myself when I get time to look out for hazards. We are presently awaiting the outcome of an injury claim regarding a failed tree from one of these areas, so can’t comment further, but the question definitely is “what is reasonable”!!

Alan Kemp
Urban Forestry Coordinator
Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Risk Assessor
Community Development
City of Nanaimo
250 755 4460 (local 4357)
alan.kemp at nanaimo.ca
www.nanaimo.ca/goto/urbantrees


From: CANUFNET [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Giroux, Paul
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 12:32 PM
To: canufnet at list.web.net
Subject: [CANUFNET] Routine Tree Inspections

Hello!

I am interested in hearing from other municipalities regarding the details of their Tree Inspection Program if one does exist.

Specifically, in addition to any tree inventory updates or routine service requests, does your Municipality have a ‘regular inspection program’ that assesses all Municipal ‘Right of Way’ trees for health, structure and risk on a regular basis. If so, how is it delivered, what is the frequency of these inspections, how costly is it to administer and has the program been recently challenged in the courts as ‘sufficient’ due diligence or was it found to be ‘reasonable’?

Thank you in advance for the ones that will share.

Paul Giroux, RPF
City Forester/Manager of Forestry and Natural Areas
Parks Department
2450 McDougall Street, Windsor, ON  N8X 3N6
Office: 519.253.2300. ext. 2760.
Email: pgiroux at citywindsor.ca<mailto:pgiroux at citywindsor.ca>

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