Old Nelson maple set to be chopped

Nelson Hydro is going to remove a Norway maple tree on Chatham Street.

image credit: Tamara Hynd

The life of an old maple tree is about to end but its wood may find a new life at the hands of an artisan.

The tree, which was scheduled to be removed this week from 230 Chatham Street, straddles land owned by the City of Nelson and the private property of Francise Collier.

Parks supervisor Karen MacDonald said an arborist assessed the tree as high risk as there are large dead limbs above a primary powerline, sidewalk and road.

MacDonald contacted Doug Pickard of Nelson Hydro to request that the tree be cut in larger portions.

Im very happy to hear that Karen MacDonald is trying to get the wood into the hands of an artisan rather than into a wood pile, said Collier.

The City of Nelson does have a tree management plan. MacDonald said the main reason for removal typically is interference with power lines, rot or when part of the tree dies.

What happens to all the debris? Trees six inches in diameter or smaller are chipped. Surplus chips the city does not need are given to the community.

Trees greater than six inches in diameter are given to woodworkers or cut into firewood and left on boulevards for the neighbourhood.

Excerpt from:
Old Nelson maple set to be chopped