Image Credit: Sean Rhoads

By Adam Berls

tree damage

Family frustrated with city’s response to fallen tree

Aug 13, 2024 | 4:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A local homeowner is frustrated with the response from the city after a tree in a greenbelt fell onto their home.

Sean Rhoads mother’s home was damaged by a tree back on July 19, causing thousands in damage to the house and to her car. The tree was not on their property and was located on a city greenbelt behind the property. Sean’s mother reported to the city back in September 2023 that the tree looked like it was dying. However, an arborist for the city went to look at the tree and said that the tree was healthy.

When the tree fell, city crews did come and clean it up, but the damage to the house itself is extensive, with estimates going into the thousands.

A statement from the city to CKPG News says that:

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“A Certified Arborist from our parks department went and examined the trees at this time and reported that at that time there were no visible signs that the tree posed an immediate danger. It was green, free of major defects, and showed no sign of disease. When looked at again a year later it was reported there were minimal changes in tree appearance. There was some die back of the lower branches, but this is completely normal for spruce in a forest setting. The City also says that the windstorm on Friday, July 19 that took this tree down was exceptional. The City reported 20-30 trees either blew over completely … with the winds reaching 30 km/hour. We also follow the guidelines set out in our tree protection bylaw. However, The City categorically refutes any claims of mismanaging the issue.”

Sean says he wants the city to just take responsiblity for the damages. The family is now working with their insurance provider to find out how much insurance will cover and will work out where to go forward from here.

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com