Storm event causes damage to notable willow tree in Bayfield
Update: May 22, 2025
Council received a report prepared by a certified third-party arborist at Monday night's council meeting. The report detailed the condition of the willow tree located in front of the Little Inn on Bayfield’s Main Street which was damaged in last week's storm.
After consideration of the report and review of the available options, Council directed staff to move forward with the option recommended by CLC Tree Services to remove limbs and pollard the tree.
Pollarding is a pruning technique that involves careful removal of the tree’s upper branches to promote new growth while reducing weight and stress on the limbs. The intention is to preserve the tree in a safe and manageable form. As part of ongoing maintenance, annual trimming will be completed to guide healthy regrowth and ensure continued public safety.
A contracted tree service will be on site Monday, May 26th to trim the remaining limbs and complete the pollarding operation. Temporary single lane road closures will be in place along the north bound lane of Bayfield Main Street North and the east bound lane of Catherine Street to facilitate the work.
We appreciate the community’s continued interest in and care for this well-known and much-loved feature of the Bayfield heritage streetscape.
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Update: May 16, 2025 at 3 p.m.
A contracted tree service is currently on site addressing immediate safety concerns related to the willow tree in front of the Little Inn on Bayfield Main Street. In addition, a third-party certified arborist has been engaged to assess the overall condition of the tree.
By the end of the day, the site will be secured and left in a safe condition for the weekend. Following the weekend, the arborist’s findings and other relevant information will be reviewed to help determine appropriate next steps.
The Municipality has been in communication with The Little Inn and continues to coordinate closely with them throughout today’s operations.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Original post: May 16, 2025 11:20 a.m.
The storm event that passed through the area last night brought high winds that caused damage to the large willow tree located at the corner of Bayfield Main Street North and Catherine Street in front of the Little Inn.
Municipal crews and contractors are currently on site working to safely remove downed limbs and address immediate hazards. Public safety remains the top priority during this response.
The willow tree is a well-known and much-loved feature of the heritage streetscape. As the situation evolves, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Municipality appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as this work is carried out with care and consideration.
For further information, please contact Dave Kester, Manager of Public Works.