Londoners concerned about numerous trees being removed to make way for spring infrastructure projects are being reassured the work is being carried out with the utmost care.
City crews began the task of removing trees and other preparatory work at the start of the month. However, the sight of mature trees being chopped has some residents concerned, leading the city to clarify it only cuts what is absolutely necessary.
"Tree protection and preservation is of the utmost importance during any city-led project and despite best efforts to explore design alternatives, tree removals are at times required to successfully and safely complete infrastructure projects," the city said. "During a project’s design, city staff along with consulting engineers and certified arborists assess trees within the project limits to determine the health of the trees and how to best complete the work with minimal impacts."
Trees to be removed to make way for new infrastructure projects have been marked with white paint around the trunk.
Among the areas where trees are currently being cut is along the Thames Valley Parkway near the Springbank dam. More than 40 trees are to be removed from that space to make way for dam decommissioning work.
The city has said it aims to complete all tree removals needed for planned construction by the end of the month. This will ensure the work will not interfere with the migratory bird nesting period.
Any trees removed will be replaced once the projects are completed, the city said.
Through its forestry program, the city plants more than 5,000 trees annually and gives away more than 2,000 trees to Londoners. Anyone who would like a boulevard tree to be planted in front of their home can request it from the city at london.ca/treeplanting.
