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Landale based his claim on measuring each tree’s diameter, estimating the bark’s thickness, and using an algorithm he found online.

To determine the age of the trees, Dawson + Sawyer hired Arbortech, which specializes in arboriculture and urban forestry. Arbortech measured the age of one of the biggest trees and found it was about 63 years old.

Abortech used a Resistograph, a machine that drills a long, thin needle into a tree. Since the tree radius was 53.5 cm and the drilling depth of the Resistograph 48 cm, Abortech had to extrapolate the growth rings within the centre of the trunk.

“We estimate the age of the subject tree to be approximately 63 years old based on scientific Resistograph testing and analysis which enabled us to count and accurately estimate the growth rings,” Nick McMahon, senior project arborist, said in a report.

“Since this is one of the largest trees in the grove, we also conclude that the other mature conifers in this grove and on this site are of the same age class.”

Western red cedar can live up to 1,000 years, but the trees likely grew on the site after the initial clear cutting at the turn of the 20th century, the report said.

Surrey’s tree bylaw deals with safety and meeting a minimum size defined as a diameter of 30 cm (11.8 inches) at 1.4 m above ground (4.6 feet). It doesn’t take into account a tree’s age.

Landale wants to change that.

He said he’s in the process of writing a proposal to present to council to amend the Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw which regulates and prohibits the cutting, removal and damage of trees.

He said the experience hasn’t set him back at all.

“In fact, it rejuvenates me and educates me — and that’s a good thing,” he said.

“I’m more motivated to say: change the bylaw to determine the age of a tree.”

According to Surrey’s planning and development report, the developer wants to build 110 apartments in a six-storey building facing King George and more than 20 other buildings with 218 town homes elsewhere on the 3.8 ha (9.5-acre) site.

kevingriffin@postmedia.com