"Yesterday I met with the arboreal inspector who condemned my trees along with his supervisor. "
He won't keep that job long if he keeps condemning her supervisor.
Sorry, could not resist.
"One of the trees was ordered removed due to the result of a "mallet test". Yesterday an increment borer was used to test this same tree. If I remember correctly 4 samples were taken. Only 1 of the 4 contained less live wood than required by the city so that tree can stay. It was also estimated the tree has 8 to 10 good years left. Quite a change from being "dead, dying, dangerous or damaged" as stated on the removal notice."
A reasonable change based on more data gathered.
"The other 2 trees have to be inspected with an aerial lift.
I was also told that it's possible the remaining trees might be allowed to be pruned in such a way that they can stay also. I'm curious as to why this was not presented as a a possibility in the first place rather than simply sending me an order to remove. How many people recieve these notices and take trees down without bothering to question the city's decision?'
Far too many people act like sheep. City has jillions of trees to manage, and the easiest way to do that is to kill them unless there's a squeaky wheel like you. Good on you to speak up for the flickers and the other assets the trees hold.
Good on the city to folow up with closer inspections and to look at pruning to manage risk.