I appreciate the “green infrastructure of our municipality” (Rooting for trees, Oct. 29) and can celebrate Tree Appreciation Day on Nov. 2, but when is some sense going to prevail with the Garry Oak Meadows Preservation Society?
Earlier this year a large branch came down on Neil Street, fortunately not injuring anyone. Since its removal, two outer trees at neighbouring houses were deemed dangerous enough to be cut down. My house is just north of these three and has a large tree in its driveway which, I consider, to be very dangerous. Some years ago it was the featured tree on a leaflet produced by the Garry Oak Preservation Society, showing the dangers of allowing ivy to cover trees.
As a result, I cut back all the ivy revealing that about one-third of the bark had been stripped away. Further, there are no branches on the north and west sides as the utility companies have stripped those sides for their cables. Thus, all the heavy branches are leaning toward my house. Yet further, my driveway is cracking up rather badly, more each year, showing root movement below my ground.
I have approached Oak Bay council but no one is willing to give permission for the removal of the tree. I guess it won’t be important enough until a branch comes crashing through my front bedroom or, hopefully not, someone is killed. Surely some sense can prevail before that and someone will make a responsible decision.
Gareth Evans
Oak Bay