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Arborist rates Queen Street oak ‘moderate’ risk; council asked for fence and mitigation options
Summary
An ISA‑certified arborist presented a level‑2 risk assessment for the Queen Street oak, describing trunk/root decay and recommending mitigation such as dead‑limb removal, annual crown cleaning, a split‑rail fence, and watering/fertilization; the council asked for budgeted options.
An independent arborist delivered a level‑2 tree risk assessment for an aging oak behind the bank building on Queen Street. The assessment found evidence of trunk decay and possible root issues (including armillaria fungi) and classified the tree's risk as moderate — a risk that can be lowered to low with targeted mitigation such as removing dead limbs, cabling, fertilization, and reducing targets beneath the canopy by installing a perimeter fence.
The arborist summarized the findings: "The final assessment of the Queen Street Oak tree came up as a moderate, tree risk assessment." Council members asked for a range of mitigation options and costs (fencing types, canopy maintenance and possible pavement removal under the drip line), and directed staff to return with budget estimates and recommended next steps that would prioritize public safety while trying to preserve the tree.
