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City arborist outlines inventory of dead, dangerous trees and planned removals
Summary
Milton’s city arborist presented a ward-level inventory of dead and dying trees, recommended targeted removals to reduce storm damage risk, and said the city’s contractor estimated roughly $17,000 to remove the city-owned hazardous trees on the map; the work fits within existing street trimming budgets.
Lee, the city arborist, presented maps and an inventory of dead, dying and potentially hazardous trees across Milton’s wards and explained the city’s plan to notify property owners where trees on private property pose risks to infrastructure.
Lee said the planning department and street department collaborated on the inventory and that the city’s contractor estimated about $17,000 to remove the identified dead trees on city property. Lee noted the annual street-trimming budget is roughly $40,000, of which staff typically reserves about 10% for storm-related work, leaving approximately $30,000 for routine trimming and removals in the current year.
Lee said visual inspections identify many hazards but that Milton lacks specialized coring equipment needed for in‑depth decay testing; the city would subcontract specialized testing if a core study were required. Staff said funds are available in the current budget for the removals and that the city will send letters to property owners whose trees have been flagged and encourage homeowners to check insurance for removal funding.
Council members thanked Lee for the inventory and emphasized public communication and business-as-usual budget oversight. Staff said no council vote was required to proceed with removals on city property because funds are budgeted; the city will notify homeowners about private-property trees and provide guidance on options including insurance and arborist referrals.
Next steps: staff will proceed with prioritized removals on city property using the contractor estimate and will mail notification letters to affected private-property owners; staff will coordinate PIO messages explaining the program and process.
