Notice of Tree Removal in MacDonald Gardens Park

May 22nd, 2024.

This post is to alert you that tree removals in MacDonald Garden’s Park are scheduled for this week.

I am very sad to report that among the trees that will be taken down is the large Norway Maple at the base of the sledding hill. This is arguably the most distinctive tree in the park because of its location and size. This will be a great loss to residents of Lowertown and to everyone who enjoys MacDonald Gardens Park.

The Norway Maple was assessed to be in critical condition on May 9^th. My office was notified the same day. A split forming between two major branches has caused a major structural impairment that could cause a large portion of the tree to go down at any moment. As soon as one section of the tree comes down, the remaining portion of the tree becomes vulnerable to rough weather, and so must come down as well. This is a risky time of year because storms can happen at any time.

On May 16^th, members of the City of Ottawa’s forestry team had a walkabout through the park with members of the Lowertown Community Association, and the Friends of MacDonald Gardens Park. On the walkabout, Forestry staff showed the group some of the mitigation measures they are using to prolong the lives of other trees in the park, like installing cables and pruning. Mitigation measures are always used where possible, before making the decision to remove a tree.

When asked whether the tree removal could be delayed, the Forestry department responded that they are not able to delay the removal because of significant safety concerns for park users and for Forestry crews. Forestry workers must factor in their own safety as well as the safety of people in the park when deciding when to take down a tree.

Please know that though this news saddens me greatly, I do not have the authority to prevent or delay the removal of this tree, nor any others in the park. I trust our Forestry experts who do everything in their power to save trees whenever possible.

Trees to be removed are as follows:

• 4 Mature Norway Maples
• 1 Silver Maple
• 2 Sugar Maple
• 1 Mature Pin Oak
• 1 Hackberry

Photo taken by Carina Pogoler during the walkabout on May 16th.

This map of MacDonald Gardens Park shows the Norway Maple at the base of the sledding hill is scheduled for removal.

These photos shows a crack in the central part of the tree. Photos by Marc D’aoust on May 16th, 2024.

This post is also available in French.