The City of Parksville is removing the crowns, or tops, of 11 trees in Community Park this week, in response to an independent arborist report that they are hazardous.
An assessment of the trees was conducted by the International Society of Arboriculture after a Douglas fir was removed due to extensive decay in April.
The report covers the native trees in the area between the Lions Venture Land playground, the chain link fence to the west, the open picnic shelter area and the ball field parking area to the east.
Though tree topping is not recommended, many were topped about 35 years ago which has caused them to decay and die from the top down.
The city is removing the dead and structurally failing portions to save what they can. More work will be done in stages over the next six months.
Trees are rated using the TRACE method (tree risk assessment in urban areas and the urban/rural interface) designed and administered by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and recognized by WorkSafeBC as the standard.
The park has mature species which have been subject to stresses over time like heavy winds, poor pruning and age and soil compaction from vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The affected species are Douglas fir, western red cedar and grand fir.
Aware of the situation for the last 15 years the city has been planting new trees under the old.
For more on tree care check www.treesaregood.com.