Old City heritage tree inspected by expert for public safety

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 21, 2016 9:00 AM

Summary

A tree listed on the City of Nanaimo's registry of Heritage trees was recently inspected by a Vancouver Island tree expert to determine if it should be cut down for public safety reasons. Dr. Julian Dunster was hired to perform an advanced risk assessment of the tree, a Catalpa bignonioides, located in front of 321 Wesley Street.

By using sonic tomography and resistograph drilling, Dr. Dunster was able to confirm there is extensive decay and structural issues throughout the trunk and major limbs. However, the decay is isolated and slow spreading and given other factors, such as the light weight wood of Catalpa trees and relatively sheltered location, the tree can safely stay where it is for the time being. The City will receive a full report of Dr. Dunster's findings later this week.

Link to Strategic Plan: Public Safety; Environmentally Responsible; Cultural Vitality

Key Points

Due to the historical significance of the tree, the decision to retain or remove it needed to be based on a thorough understanding of its structural integrity, biomechanics and the extent of decay.
Despite the large amounts of decay, the tree is still in good condition and, with proper maintenance like pruning, it can safely stay where it is.

Quotes

"Like all living things every tree will eventually decline and die. In an urban environment it can be difficult to balance the desire to preserve our living heritage with the need for public safety. Fortunately in this case with the use of the latest technology and a thorough understanding of tree biomechanics we were able to determine that with some mitigation keeping this beautiful tree in the Old City Quarter posses an acceptable level of risk. "

Patrick McIntosh

Urban Forestry Coordinator

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

Sonic Tomography uses sound waves bouncing from points around the circumference of the trunk or limb to generate an image of a cross section of the tree.
A Resistograph is an instrument that drills a small hole in the tree while measuring the resistance of the wood against it, it generates an accurate picture of the composition of that part of the tree.

Images

Dr. Julian Dunster setting up tomography equipment

-30-

Contact:

Patrick McIntosh

Urban Forestry Coordinator

City of Nanaimo

250-755-4460 Ext: 4357

Print News Release

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Email Address

What you were doing

What went wrong

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.