An exotic tree species that has become increasingly prevalent in Toronto is causing dissatisfaction among residents. Alan Page and his wife, residents of a Leslieville home for more than two decades, have been dealing with the inconveniences caused by their backyard ginkgo tree. The tree now produces sticky and malodorous fruit each autumn, leading to a persistent issue of tracking the unpleasant residue into their home, attracting flying insects like bees and wasps, as Page explained to CBC Toronto.
Residents, city councillors, and arborists have likened the foul smell emanating from the female ginkgo tree’s fruit to a combination of dog excrement and vomit. This unpleasant odor has prompted residents to seek permission from their councillors to have the trees removed, despite their overall good health. Page sought approval to remove the tree earlier this year, but the city’s forestry staff rejected his request.
An appeal regarding the removal of the ginkgo tree is scheduled to be heard by the Toronto and East York Community Council this Thursday. However, staff members are advising councillors to deny the appeal, emphasizing the tree’s value in enhancing the urban environment and providing various benefits to the property owner and the local community.
Councillor Josh Matlow recently persuaded the council to task forestry staff with finding innovative solutions to assist homeowners struggling with the presence of ginkgo trees and their unpleasant fruit. Matlow highlighted the challenges faced by residents due to the distinctive stench of the ginkgo fruit, which ripens and falls to the ground in October.
According to arborist Marc Ambeau, thousands of ginkgo trees have thrived in Toronto since their introduction from China several decades ago. Homeowners must obtain a permit from the city to remove any tree with a diameter exceeding 30 cm, even on private property, with potential fines of up to $100,000 for violating the bylaw.
The city aims to increase its tree canopy coverage to 40% by 2050, with the current estimate standing at approximately 30%. Matlow hopes for a revision of the tree removal regulations concerning ginkgo trees before the proposed 2027 deadline, acknowledging the urgency expressed by affected homeowners.
Neighbour James Chiu, supporting Page’s appeal, recounted the challenges posed by the ginkgo tree’s fruit, affecting his family and home environment. If approved, Page intends to replace the ginkgo tree with five new trees as recommended by city staff, aiming to alleviate the ongoing inconvenience caused by the current tree.
Arborist Ambeau advises homeowners to appreciate the benefits of ginkgo trees, such as shade and wildlife habitat, while learning to coexist with the occasional downsides, rather than resorting to widespread removal based solely on the unpleasant odor during the fall season.
