Heritage tree report goes before council Monday

A report on saving heritage trees goes to Windsor city council Monday night.

Administration says the city has a number of options it can use to protect mature trees, including the municipal, Ontario heritage, conservation land and planning acts.

As well, it always has the option of buying properties for their preservation.

Last week, a dispute erupted over a tree on property in the 4000 block of Roseland Drive West in south Windsor. A worker hired by the land owner to cut down a tree had his foot run over. A 65-year-old man was been charged.

Bill Roesel, the city's manager of forestry and horticulture, describes the sycamore tree on the property as "significant" and worth of preservation. He gives a number of reasons why it should be, including its age of 100 years old, being a native species and in excellent health.

He says the owners and their lawyer are working with the city on ways to ensure the preservation of the tree while still permitting development.