County News
Tree trouble
Are healthy trees being cut down in the County?
My name is the Lorax, and I speak for the trees. And I’d like to say a few words if you please.”
Dr. Seuss created the story of The Lorax as a way to vent his frustrations with what society was doing to the environment. The book was his personal favourite because he was able to create a story addressing economic and social issues without it being dull. Well, in the town of Wellington, some residents are wishing that the Lorax was real, because it doesn’t seem that anyone these days is looking out for the trees, even if concerned parties state that they are.
The latest issue revolves around the removal of two large Norway Maples that lined the lakeshore at Wellington Park. It is estimated that the trees were at least 65 years old, and both were cut down last November. It has left a blank vista where there once was shade and shelter, and Wellington residents are getting differing opinions from professionals about the necessity of both of them being removed. When asked to comment, the County’s statement was clear as to why.
“The County removed two Norway Maples in Wellington park in November 2017. An arborist recommended the removal of the trees because they were unhealthy and their deteriorating structural conditions posed a risk to the public. In addition, the trees were negatively affecting the retaining wall,” says Robert McAuley, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works.
McAuley also goes on to state that the County’s tree trimming and tree removal activity is guided by arborist assessments, and that the County is currently drafting a tree policy that will be the guide for all issues regarding tree removal and maintenance.
This, though, is in contrast to statement made by local arborist and member of the Tree The County movement Kevin Halloran, whose professional opinion is that only one of the two trees was unhealthy.
“It is clear that one of the trees had to come down. The tree had a fungus called Kretzschmaria deusta. The common name is brittle cinder. This fungus has the potential to severely weaken trees by causing deep seated decay within the lower stem and roots. Upon inspection it looks like there was nothing wrong with the second tree. It’s easy to see because all the wood still lying here. I guess the better question to the County is, why haven’t they cleaned up all the wood if they cut these trees in November,” says Halloran.
Halloran then points out a tree in the park that is in obvious distress. There is a large split down both sides, and the large exposed roots at the base indicate that the tree was poorly planted in the first place. “Why did this tree not come down when they were taking down the other two?” asks Halloran.
Tree The County is a local interest group that was formed in 2015 and spearheaded by local tree enthusiast Susan Banks. The group was formed for the purpose of helping re-write the tree replacement policy in the County with a mandate of replacing a tree for every tree removed, but the group has been frustrated recently by the amount of bureaucracy and red tape that council is throwing at them.
There was also mention in McAuley’s statement that the trees were negatively affecting the retaining wall at the shoreline. Halloran disagrees with this as well.
“The root system of these old trees would be beneficial to holding the soil in place, and not the other way around,” says Halloran.
With such differing opinions from professionals, it’s no wonder that the community is confused. To the County’s credit, most of the trees that have come down by the County’s hand on Main Street have been affected by the same fungus and warranted removal. But there are some decisions that are leaving people scratching their heads and wondering why they are looking at a blank space where there once was a healthy tree. The public is entitled to know the reasons why. When one professional opinion contradicts another, then clearly more research needs to happen before something irreversible is done. It would be a travesty if a tree that stood in Wellington Park for generations watching young families play and grow old underneath its branches had been chopped down for no reason. What would the Lorax do? I know what he would say.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Look up the invasive species list. Norway Maples are big on the list. An imported tree, grows faster than many other trees, has many more leaves and seeds. Loved by consumers ,especially the Crimson King Norway Maple for it’s contrasting color. They are now showing up with Black Fungus Spots as the season goes by. Not beautiful this. Yes they do give dense shade. This allows them to crowd out native trees just beginning growth. An entire wood lot could become all Norway Maple. In Toronto there is nothing but Norway Maples in trees areas. I think they came to Price Edward County in the early 1970. We must have had a deal on them as they were planted all along highway 33 and even on peoples lawns who didn’t really want them. Think of all the leaves to need taking in the fall. Anyway, dear concerned folks, please do some serious research of your own. Also, these trees stuck up more water than other trees.
With so many trees being felled for no apparent reason, I’m beginning to wonder about how the resulting logs are being “disposed of.” I’d like to see that included in any forthcoming arborist report, since we are discussing the distribution of what to many is still a valuable resource as a source of heat. The healthy mature trees that were taken down on the property next to me for a badly routed road and an oversize billboard were taken out of County, to be burned in the woodstove of the work site manager,
Would be great to have a consulting arborist do the reports, not a local tree company that also ends up removing the trees. Just because you use the title arborist does not make you capable of doing a proper tree risk assessment; years of running a chainsaw does not equate to years of learning about tree mechanics, biology, disease, insects, decay, mitigation techniques etc.
It seems to me that time and time again there is a mention of an arborist report but never can the County produce the report for the public to read, nor can they define the criteria the arborist must meet to be hired to do the report. Further there is also continual talk of a tree policy and tree planting but never any proof that it is happening.
Lots of ways to get trees cut town if you continually look for excuses.
In 2015 the Athol Recreation Committee paid an arborist to review the health of the trees around the hall in Cherry Valley and had some pruning done and one dead tree was taken down. No more than 3 months later the County cut down a large maple tree behind the hall with no notification or explanation as to why despite numerous requests. The only answer to date is that tree service determined the tree be cut without any review by an arborist. To date the tree has not been replaced that provided shade over our children’s play area. Clearly the County needs a better system in place.
Thanks for raising this important issue. Trees benefit everyone. They are an essential source of oxygen, they absorb carbon dioxide, they provide shade from UV rays, and they help mitigate flooding. And that’s just for starters.
Included in the new tree policy that the County has promised to formulate – with input from Tree the County – must be an arborist on staff to give a careful and unbiased assessment of trees at risk. Trees that have been cut down must be replaced, at least one for one, as it takes decades for a new tree to provide the benefits the mature one did. And if healthy trees are being cut down in error – inexcusable.
Lamentably, our tree canopy is shrinking, noticeably. Protecting our trees, and planting more of them, is an important and powerful step we can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must all do this, and the County must be on board to do its part.
Would be interested in knowing more about Tree the County. anyone have any contact information
Tree the County’s email address is TreetheCounty@gmail.com
Facebook page is “Awesome Trees of Prince Edward County”
Those of us who are paying attention to the number of healthy mature trees that are coming down thanks to Hydro One, County staff, and homeowners are becoming alarmed at the negative impact on our environment. There are numerous ways in which trees contribute to a healthy ecosystem, and numerous ways in which their destruction negatively impacts all creatures large and small, including humans. Climate change and air quality are not negotiable. The County needs trained personnel on staff: random advice from consulting arborists is insufficient. An urban forester would be a long overdue upgrade in promoting environmental stewardship at Shire Hall, on behalf of all County residents and their descendants.
it does not matter what the County or anyone else does it seems there is always someone who is not happy