The City of Parksville has determined that a decades-old sequoia tree must be removed, as it has been in a state of decline for many years.
This giant sequoia is located at the intersection of Morison Avenue and Island Highway West, adjacent to the town clock.
The tree was planted around 1999, and has reportedly exhibited visible decline over the past five years, with 30 to 40% of its canopy affected by fungal blight.
“Despite antifungal treatments and fertilizer applications, the tree’s health has continued to deteriorate,” said the City of Parksville in a media release.
Additionally, the tree’s small garden bed is shared with a large oak tree and its roots have caused significant bulging and upheaval of adjacent sidewalk panels. The City says this has resulted in ongoing maintenance challenges.
The City says that the decision to remove the tree followed a comprehensive multi-year assessment and a recent arborist report.
This arborist report confirmed the health of the tree has continued to decline in recent years, despite efforts to bring the tree back into good health.
The appointed arborist’s recommendation is to remove the tree for safety and the protection of surrounding infrastructure.
According to the City of Parksville, the tree’s removal will occur within the next month.
No plan has been shared with what will take the giant sequoia’s place on the corner of Morison and Island Highway West.
