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Damage like this from a downed tree to a Labieux Rd. area home were all too common following the December, 2018 windstorm in Nanaimo (Brian Curley)
safety concerns

Incoming turbulent weather elevates tree-toppling concerns in Nanaimo

Nov 11, 2019 | 1:10 PM

NANAIMO — As storm season approaches, applications and inquiries from concerned citizens about potentially hazardous trees on their property are mounting at Nanaimo City Hall.

The City’s urban forestry coordinator Patrick McIntosh estimated the City has approved upwards of 30 applications to have damaged or diseased trees toppled since the devastating December 2018 windstorm.

He said the number of damaged trees the City has approved for removal is “way up” from previous years but many formal applications and casual requests from concerned residents aren’t backed by professional advice.

“There’s a real difference between perceived and actual risk,” McIntosh said. “You always need to have a good professional eye look at trees and determine what that level of risk might actually be.”

McIntosh said an arborist can ease worries by reporting a potentially hazardous tree is in fact firmly entrenched in the soil.

“This is a generalization, but if you have a big tree standing next to you that survived and suffered no damage from that storm it’s a good indication that the tree is very strong and fit to stand again.”

McIntosh said a trained professional could recommend measures such is strategic pruning to improve safety and lengthen a tree’s life.

Dozens of Nanaimo area properties sustained serious damage from wind-toppled trees in last December’s windstorm, which cut power to thousands of people for multiple days and closed roads. McIntosh said those furious winds thinned out many damaged or diseased trees, thus improving safety.

He said a thorough report by an industry professional recommending tree removal will be respected by City staff.

“If a legitimate hazard or concern exists the City is not going to stand in the way of keeping its residents safe,” McIntosh said. “We manage our own trees in the exact same way.”

McIntosh said permits to chop down hazardous trees can be approved in a week, or potentially sooner if a threat is more imminent.

He said many danger tree cases in city limits involves Douglas Firs, because of the prevalence of the west coast giants, which present higher risks since they’re so large.

While alders are a smaller tree, McIntosh said they are also abundant locally and shorter lifespans, which he said present dangers if not maintained properly.

The City’s tree removal bylaw allows upwards of four non-protected mature trees to be removed annually, while no protected trees can be felled without a permit.

Illegal tree removal in Nanaimo could lead to a $500 fine and potential court action if the fine isn’t paid.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes