The City of Nanaimo will cut down a “significant” arbutus tree on Millstone Avenue.
The action, according to a city press release issued Thursday, was prompted by public safety concerns following an examination of the tree that revealed extensive structural decay spreading throughout the tree’s trunk and lower stem. The tree’s canopy is also declining rapidly.
An initial assessment of the tree was carried out in January and a follow-up inspection in June showed the canopy had “died back” another five to 10 per cent over the six-month period.
The tree will likely be removed this month and its wood will be salvaged by the Mid-Island Woodworkers Guild, a non-profit organization that provides wood and support to its members and local high schools.
“Trees are living organisms and as such all trees will eventually decline and die,” said Patrick McIntosh, city urban forestry coordinator, in the press release. “With a large declining tree there can be a risk of causing harm to people and property, and the decision on how large that risk is and how to manage that risk must be based on an informed and systematic approach. Sometimes removal of the tree is the best mitigating option.”
Related: Tree gets a checkup to determine its fate
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