A non-native ginkgo tree in Toronto has begun producing sticky, smelly fruit each autumn. The fruit leaves residue that is difficult to remove and attracts flying insects such as bees and wasps. Residents describe the odor as extremely unpleasant, comparing it to dog poop and vomit. Homeowners seek permission to cut down otherwise healthy female ginkgo trees, but city forestry staff often refuse removal requests. One homeowner applied for a permit after years of living with the tree, but staff recommended denying the appeal. City staff cite the tree’s aesthetic, social, and economic value to the property and community. Councillors have asked forestry staff to find creative solutions for homeowners affected by the fruit.
"“You can't get the residue off, it's like glue,” he said, “and it attracts flying insects as well like bees and wasps, which is a concern. The female ginkgo tree's fruit produces such a foul odor described by arborists, city councillors and homeowners who spoke with CBC Toronto as a cross between dog poop and vomit that residents have been asking their councillors for permission to cut them down, even though the trees are otherwise healthy.”"
"“The ginkgo tree at Myrtle Avenue is a valuable part of the urban forest, providing numerous aesthetic, social and economic benefits to the property owner and the local community, and therefore should not be removed,” the city staff's recommendation reads. His appeal is being heard Thursday by the Toronto and East York Community Council but staff are recommending councillors refuse the appeal.”"
"“The ginkgo tree has fruit that smells like one of the worst things you can imagine,” Matlow said. Last week, Coun. Josh Matlow convinced council to ask forestry staff to look for creative ways to help homeowners who are desperate to rid their neighbourhoods of the trees and their noxious fruit, which ripens and falls to the ground every October.”"
Read at www.cbc.ca
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