An invasive tree species in Toronto that has become increasingly prevalent is causing issues for residents in the area.
Alan Page and his wife have lived near Jones Avenue and Gerrard Street E. in Leslieville for more than 20 years, with a ginkgo tree in their backyard being a longstanding feature of their property. However, the tree has recently begun producing fruit in the autumn that is sticky, smelly, and difficult to clean off, attracting insects like bees and wasps into the house.
Residents, including Page, have expressed concerns about the foul odor emitted by the female ginkgo tree’s fruit, likening it to a mix of dog waste and vomit. Despite the trees being healthy, homeowners have been seeking permission from city councillors to remove them due to the strong smell.
Page applied for a permit to remove the tree earlier this year, but city forestry staff rejected his request. His appeal is scheduled to be heard by the Toronto and East York Community Council, with staff recommending against granting the appeal, citing the tree’s value in providing aesthetic and environmental benefits to the community.
Coun. Josh Matlow has urged the council to find creative solutions to address homeowners’ concerns about the ginkgo trees and their malodorous fruit. The city currently has thousands of ginkgo trees, with the female trees now reaching maturity and producing fruit that is causing issues for residents.
Homeowners must obtain a permit from the city to remove any tree with a diameter exceeding 30 cm, even on private property, under current regulations. Violations of this bylaw can result in fines up to $100,000 as part of efforts to increase the city’s tree canopy coverage to 40% by 2050.
Matlow hopes that the tree removal rules, particularly regarding ginkgo trees, will be relaxed sooner rather than later. Residents like James Chiu, who supports Page’s appeal, have highlighted the challenges posed by the ginkgo fruit, which attracts animals and creates unpleasant odors in the neighborhood.
If granted permission to remove the ginkgo tree, Page has agreed to plant five new trees in its place. Arborist Marc Ambeau advises homeowners to appreciate the benefits of the trees, such as shade and wildlife habitat, despite the inconvenience of dealing with the smelly fruit in the fall.