Any building development, home improvements or construction projects in Toronto and most of the GTA require a Tree Preservation Plan and Arborist Report to proceed. These reports are designed around Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) that are pre-defined by the municipality based on the diameter of the trunk at breast height (DBH).
There are 3 categories that the trees on your property will be placed into for the Tree Protection Plan: Remove, Protect, and Preserve with Injury. The goal of a Tree Protection Plan is to preserve as many trees as possible on a development site while balancing the proposed plans of the home-owner, developer, or architect.
Oftentimes, an existing tree is too close to a project to protect without becoming a hazard in the future. In this situation, the tree will be recommended for “Removal.” Trees that are a certain distance from the construction and can maintain full TPZs are placed in the “Protect” category. Tree protection barriers are placed around these trees to ensure no machinery or equipment can enter the Tree Protection Zone. However, if construction within these TPZs is unavoidable but the tree is likely to survive with some mitigation measures, the tree is designated as being “Preserved with Injury.”
The qualified arborist will come to the property, create an inventory of the trees and place them into 1 of the 3 categories based on the proposed site plan. The arborist will also recommend what steps should be taken to increase the likelihood of survival for the injured trees and ensure they have the best chance possible to thrive in the altered environment. An arborist must also consider how many trees can be replanted on a specific site and recommend locations and species. In situations where a property is designated “Ravine”, an even more stringent process is required.
At Cohen and Master our ISA certified consulting arborists produce professional tree preservation plans specifically written for each unique client and situation. We work with clients, developers, architects, and city foresters to provide tree preservation and replant plans that will satisfy regulations and Tree Protection By-laws. However, our primary concern is helping trees survive the process and thrive after the construction is completed. We use industry best practices and the most current equipment and techniques to ensure your trees and soils are healthy.
By: Rachael Kowaleski, BES
Consulting Arborist, Cohen & Master Tree and Shrub Services
