Community News

HIGHWAY 8 TREE FELL DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ROOTS

FORESTRY STAFF FOUND NO SOIL EROSION OR THREATS TO OTHER TREES

CRAIG CAMPBELL ccampbell@hamiltonnews.com

City of Hamilton staff said Highway 8 road, sewer and retaining wall construction, and related tree removals and plantings in the last two years did not contribute to the sudden uprooting of a mature burr oak tree earlier this month.

The tree uprooted and fell, partially on top of the retaining wall west of District Lofts at 397 King St. W. sometime before the morning of Tuesday, March 7.

City spokesperson Norm Miller said forestry staff inspected the tree on Thursday, March 9 and determined there had been no "main structural roots" anchoring the tree to

the slope's top side - leaving it at high risk for failure.

"In addition, the heavy snow and soil moisture from recent weather led to the tree failing at the roots," Miller said. "Staff noted no root decay or erosion of soil in the area."

He said there was no evidence of root damage on the

uprooted tree, just an "insufficient number of roots on the top side of the slope, which led to the tree failing."

Forestry staff cleaned up the tree and left some debris to decompose on the slope.

Miller said damage to the railing on top of the retaining wall will be repaired.

"(There is) no risk at this time, from our perspective, on the slope or (to) adjacent trees," Miller said.

He said forestry staff inspected the area to see if other trees require work to mitigate risks of falling, but none were noted.

"As part of routine inspections, staff will monitor this area and other city infrastructure on a regular basis and take any corrective action determined to be necessary," Miller said.

Staff did not say if any new trees will be planted at the site to replace the one that fell.

In Spring 2021, approximately 143 trees were removed in the area between the King Street West Bridge and Woodley's Lane in preparation for the planned 20-month long bridge, road, sewer and retaining wall replacement project.

City staff said 140 new trees and shrubs were planted within the construction area in 2022.

NEWS

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

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