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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Farmer_RVMP_230918_FinDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT J_Farmer_RVMP_230918_Fin PLANNING DIVISION ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT EVALUATION FORM & DECISION DATE OF DECISION: September 26, 2023 PROJECT NUMBER: LUA23-000325, RVMP PROJECT NAME: J_Farmer RVMP PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Assistant Planner APPLICANT: John Farmer 5301 NE 17th Pl Renton WA OWNER: Windstone Homeowners Association PO Box 2512 Renton WA CONTACT: Stephanie Farmer 5301 NE 17th PL Renton WA PROJECT LOCATION: Tract F (Parcel 8029770520) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP) to allow the removal of one (1) tree. This tree is a Red Emperor Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) located on Tract F within the Windstone subdivision (APN 8029770520). The subject site is identified in the plat as a private recreation area tract for the Windstone Homeowners Association (HOA) which is approximately .44 acres according to King County Records. An arborist report prepared by Katie Hogan was submitted with the project application (Attachment 1) that describes the risk posed to residents using the path or park bench within the tract or using the sidewalk to the north. The subject tree is in a state of decline with multiple severe defects. The easternmost trunk which measured approximately 10 inches diameter failed in a past ice storm and left a large wound at the point of failure. Visible areas of decayed wood are also visible along several branches and minimal new response growth was present, indicating the wood is likely in a progressive state of decay. There was brittle cinder fungus (Kretzschmaria deusta) observed on both north and south sides of the trunk. Brittle cinder fungus is a root and trunk rot that predominantly decays the cellulose in trees, leaving behind the more brittle lignin wood and increasing the chance of failure or breakage. According to Hogan, the likelihood of these remaining trunks failing is high. There was a large quantity of rhizomorphs from the root decay fungus Armillaria was present one (1) ft from the base of the subject tree. The arborist recommended removing the tree and grinding the stump down as much as possible to remove potentially infected tree parts. CRITICAL AREA: None EXPIRATION DATE: One (1) year from issuance DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit J_Farmer RVMP LUA23-000325, RVMP Permit Date: September 26, 2023 Page 2 of 4 J_Farmer_RVMP_230918_Fin GENERAL REVIEW CRITERIA 4-9-195D4: YES 1. The lot shall comply with minimum tree density requirements pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations. Staff Comments: The subject lot is approximately 0.44 acres in area therefore, this would require the applicant to have 13 retention credits (30 tree credits per acre x .44 acres = 13.2). The arborist report included an inventory of 14 trees that would remain following removal of the Japanese Maple. Those trees are 12 Western Red Cedars ranging between 11 and 18 caliper inches, one (1) Giant Sequoia 50 caliper inches, and one (1) Japanese Stewartia six (6) caliper inches. Therefore, the removal of the subject tree would not bring the site below the required 13 tree credits. N/A 2. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with restrictions for critical areas, pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations, and RMC 4-3- 050, Critical Areas Regulations. Staff Comments: Not applicable. The subject lot is not mapped with applicable critical areas. N/A 3. Removal of a landmark tree shall meet the review criteria for removal off landmark tree, pursuant to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations. Staff Comments: Not applicable. The arborist report has identified the subject tree as containing approximately 21 caliper inches, which is less than the 24-inch caliper inches that would designate a Japanese Maple as Landmark. YES 4. Street frontage and parking lot trees and landscaping shall be preserved unless otherwise approved by the Administrator. Staff Comments: According to the applicant’s arborist report, the subject tree proposed for removal is located within private recreation tract. The tract does not contain parking lot trees. The tree is located within the NE 17th St frontage landscaping area. Due to the condition of the tree, staff is recommending removal and replacement based on analysis in item #5 below. N/A 5. The land clearing and tree removal shall not remove any landscaping or protected trees required as part of a land development permit. Staff Comments: As provided previously, Tract F is a designated recreation tract and was landscaped with trees, shrubs, and groundcover to meet intent and purpose of the tract when the subdivision was developed. The arborist report identified portions of the tree that are entirely dead and other that are in varying states of decay. Further, the presence of brittle cinder fungus was on the trunk at the soil level and a large quantity of rhizomorphs from Armillaria fungus was found approximately one (1) foot from the base of the tree. Based on these factors, staff finds it appropriate to remove the tree. However, as the tree was within a landscaped recreation tract, it should be replaced as it was a protected tree. Therefore, staff recommends as a condition of approval, the applicant replant a new tree within six (6) months following removal of the Japanese Maple. The applicant shall provide photographic evidence of the tree planting via email to the Current Planning Project Manager within the six (6) month-time period. YES 6. The land clearing and tree removal shall maintain visual screening and buffering between land uses of differing intensity, consistent with applicable landscaping and setback DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit J_Farmer RVMP LUA23-000325, RVMP Permit Date: September 26, 2023 Page 3 of 4 J_Farmer_RVMP_230918_Fin provisions. Staff Comments: The property is located within the R-4 zone. The northern property line abuts NE 17th St, a minor arterial. The surrounding parcels along the property lines are within the R-4 zone. Following removal of the subject tree, a row of large species evergreen trees would remain along the southern property line. Removal of the tree would not remove required visual screening and buffering between land uses of differing intensity. YES 7. The land clearing and tree removal shall not create or contribute to a hazardous condition, such as increased potential for blowdown, pest infestation, disease, or other problems that may result from selectively removing trees and other vegetation from a lot. Staff Comments: Provided documentation did not indicate that the removal of the tree would create or contribute to a hazardous condition, but instead indicated that it is a net benefit that the tree has been removed. N/A 8. The land clearing and tree removal shall be consistent with the requirement of the Shoreline Master Program, pursuant to RMC 4-3-090F1, Vegetation Conservation and RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations. Staff Comments: Not Applicable, The property is not located within shoreline jurisdiction. DECISION: The J_Farmer RVMP, LUA23-000325, RVMP is Approved with Conditions* and subject to the following conditions: *CONDITION OF APPROVAL: 1. The applicant shall replant a new tree within six (6) months following removal of the Japanese Maple. The applicant shall provide photographic evidence of the tree planting via email to the Current Planning Project Manager within the six (6) month-time period. SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION: ________________________________________ ____________________________________ Matthew Herrera, Acting Planning Director Date RECONSIDERATION: Within 14 days of the decision date, any party may request that the decision be reopened by the approval body. The approval body may modify his decision if material evidence not readily discoverable prior the original decision is found or if he finds there was misrepresentation of fact. After review of the reconsideration request, if the approval body finds sufficient evidence to amend the original decision, there will be no further extension of the appeal period. Any person wishing to take further action must file a formal appeal within the 14-day appeal time frame. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC 9/26/2023 | 3:37 PM PDT City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Routine Vegetation Management Permit J_Farmer RVMP LUA23-000325, RVMP Permit Date: September 26, 2023 Page 4 of 4 J_Farmer_RVMP_230918_Fin APPEALS: Appeals of permit issuance must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on October 10, 2023. An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4 -8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. EXPIRATION: The Routine Vegetation Management Permit shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. An extension may be granted by the Planning Division for a period of one year upon application by the property owner or manager. Application for such an extension must be made at least 30 days in advance of the expiration of the original permit and shall include a statement of justification for the extension. Attachment: Attachment 1: TR_Arborist_Report_230522 cc: None DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC CASCARA TREE CONSULTING ARBORIST REPORT 1 | Page TO: Windstone HOA REFERENCE: Japanese Maple Assessment SITE ADDRESS: Parcel #: 8029770520 DATE: 5/22/2023 PREPARED BY: Katie Hogan, ISA Certified Arborist PN-8078A ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Scope of Work This memo documents the May 10, 2023 assessment of one Red Emperor Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) located on a vacant parcel within the Windstone HOA in Renton, Washington (Photo 1). The parcel is currently a small park used by HOA residents. The tree was last assessed in 2019 by Creative Landscape Solutions. This memo includes an updated health and structural assessment of the tree and recommendations for management. Observations & Discussion The Japanese maple tree is in a state of decline with multiple severe defects. The canopy in the northeast quadrant of the tree is nearly dead with several branches and large scaffolds that are entirely dead. The easternmost trunk which measured approximately 10 inches diameter failed in a past ice storm and left a large wound at the point of failure (Photo 2). There are three additional trunks remaining measuring between 10 to 14 inches diameter which are all connected at the base of the tree (Photos 3, 4). The attachment points of these trunks include substantial included bark that is weakly attached with minimal holding wood. Visible areas of decayed wood are also visible along several branches and minimal new response growth was present, indicating the wood is likely in a progressive state of decay (Photos 5, 6). I observed brittle cinder fungus (Kretzschmaria deusta) on both the north and south sides of the trunk at the soil level (Photos 7, 8). This fungus was active as observed by the new fungus emerging. Brittle cinder fungus is a root and trunk rot that predominantly decays the cellulose in trees, leaving behind the more brittle lignin wood DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 | Page and increasing the chance of failure or breakage.1 Due to this, the likelihood of these remaining trunks failing is high. I dug a hole approximately 1 foot from the base of the tree and identified a large quantity of rhizomorphs from the root decay fungus Armillaria spp. (Photos 9, 10). This fungus was also evident closer to the base of the trunk. Armillaria is a common fungus globally and throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a soil-borne pathogen that spreads from root-to-root contact. This fungus infects live wood, typically beginning with tree roots, and can lead to decayed and weakened wood.2 The south and west portions of the tree canopy still have some healthy foliage with two sections that are notably dying back. The overall leaf size appears to be smaller than normal for this species. Based on the foliar dieback observed in other sections of the tree, it is likely this section of the canopy will begin to decline over time. Conclusions & Recommendations Overall, this tree has a low life expectancy of 5 to 10 years maximum and planning for removal and replacement should begin. Attached to this report is the required documentation to submit a permit to the City of Renton including a Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form and Tree Inventory & Site Map of additional trees on the parcel. I recommend removing the tree and grinding the stump down as much as possible to remove potentially infected tree parts. Both above-mentioned fungi can remain persistent in the soil, however, with proper planting and maintenance the likelihood of infecting new plants is relatively low. I recommend replanting with at least two new Japanese maple trees, depending on space available, to honor and commemorate this tree if desired. The new trees should be spaced at least 10 to 15 feet apart to allow for the canopy to spread as the trees mature. See more information on proper tree planting in this article by Trees Are Good. To prepare the soil for the future trees and reduce the likelihood of fungal spread, I recommend adding a 3-inch layer of coarse wood chip mulch throughout the future planting area. This mulch could be added during the summer in preparation for the new tree planting in the fall. Woodchip mulch helps to add nutrients to the soil as it slowly decomposes, improves water infiltration, and moderates soil temperatures throughout the year.3 After the tree trees are installed, regular maintenance will be required to ensure establishment and long-term survival. New trees should be watered for a minimum of three years after installation. During particularly warm years and periods of prolonged dryness supplemental watering should be applied. The preferred method of watering trees is drip irrigation systems which allow for long and deep watering. Sprinkler systems are less effective as the water typically evaporates from the soil surface before infiltrating down into the root system. For more information on recommended watering review the Pacific Northwest ISA webpage. 1 Brazee, N.J. (2019) ‘Root and Butt Rot caused by Kretzschmaria deusta’, Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, November. Available at: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact- sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-kretzschmaria-deusta. 2 Brazee, N.J. (2017) ‘Armillaria Root and Butt Rot’, Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, December. Available at: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/armillaria-root-butt- rot. 3 Chalker-Scott, L. (2007) Wood chip mulch: Landscape Boon or Bane? Available at: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/wood-chips.pdf. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 | Page This tree is estimated to be between 40 to 50 years old, however, you could determine the exact age of the tree when it is cut down and preserve some of the wood for a plaque or sign. Recommendations 1) Submit permit to City of Renton to obtain permission to remove the Japanese Maple tree. 2) Remove tree and have contractor grind down the stump as much as possible. 3) Prepare soil for future planting by gently raking the existing topsoil and placing a 3-inch layer of coarse woodchip mulch within the planting area. 4) Replant with two new Japanese Maple trees in the Fall of 2023 (typically October). 5) Follow maintenance recommendations for ensuring establishment and survival of new trees. Attachments 1) Photographs 2) Glossary 3) References 4) Inspection Methods 5) Appendix A – Assumptions & Limiting Conditions 6) Appendix B – Certification of Performance 7) Site Map 8) Tree Inventory Table 9) Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 4 | Page PHOTOGRAPHS Photo 1. Looking north toward subject Japanese Maple tree DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 5 | Page Photo 2. Location of past trunk failure with notable included bark and armillaria rhizomorphs DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 6 | Page Photo 3. Structure of remaining trunks with included bark and minimal holding wood DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 7 | Page Photo 4. Area of included bark between dominant trunks that has a higher likelihood of failure DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 8 | Page Photo 5. Typical branch and trunk decay with minimal response growth DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 9 | Page Photo 6. Saprophytic mushrooms emerging from dead sections on trunks DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 10 | Page Photos 7 & 8. Fresh growth of brittle cinder Fungus emerging from north side of trunk (left). Older brittle cinder fungus present for identification purposes (right) Photos 9 & 10. Armillaria rhizomorphs present on south side of trunk. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 11 | Page Photos 11 & 12. Potential targets in the event of failure. Path with park users (left) and residents using park bench (right) DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 12 | Page Photo 13. Potential targets to north. Residents using sidewalk and driving or parked vehicles along high use road. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 13 | Page GLOSSARY ANSI A300: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for tree care Chlorotic: discoloration caused by lack of chlorophyll in the foliage Codominant Stems: two or more stems (or leaders) of relatively similar size that emerge from the same location on the main trunk (Gilman, 2002) Conifer: a tree that bears cones and has evergreen needles or scales Crown: the above ground portion of the tree comprised of branches and their foliage Crown raise pruning: a pruning technique where the lower branches are removed, thus raising the overall height of the crown from the ground DBH or DSH: diameter at breast or standard height; the diameter of the trunk measured 54 inches (4.5 feet) above grade Deciduous: tree or other plant that loses its leaves annually and remains leafless generally during the cold season Epicormic: arising from latent or adventitious buds Evergreen: tree or plant that keeps its needles or leaves year-round; this means for more than one growing season Increment: the amount of new wood fiber added to a tree in a given period, normally one year. ISA: International Society of Arboriculture Landscape function: the environmental, aesthetic, or architectural functions that a plant can have Lateral: secondary or subordinate branch Limits of disturbance: The boundary of minimum protection around a tree, the area that cannot be encroached upon without possible permanent damage to the tree. It is a distance determined by a qualified professional and is based on the age of the tree, its health, the tree species tolerance to disruption and the type of disturbance. It also considers soil and environmental condition and previous impacts. It is unique to each tree in its location. Limited visual assessment: a visual assessment from a specified perspective such as foot, vehicle, or aerial (airborne) patrol of an individual tree or a population of trees near specified targets to identify specified conditions or obvious defects (ISA 2013) Live crown ratio: the percentage of living tissue in the canopy versus the tree’s height. It is a good indicator of overall tree health and the trees growing conditions. Trees with less than a 30% crown ratio often lack the necessary quantity of photosynthetic material to sustain the roots; consequently, the tree may exhibit low vigor and poor health Monitoring: keeping a close watch; performing regular checks or inspections Owner/manager: the person or entity responsible for tree management or the controlling authority that regulates tree management Pathogen: causal agent of disease Phototropic growth: growth toward light source or stimulant ROW: right-of-way; generally referring to a tree that is located offsite on a city easement Reaction wood: specialized secondary xylem which develops in response to a lean or similar mechanical stress, it serves to help restore the stem to a vertical position Self-corrected lean: a tree whose trunk is at an angle to the grade but whose trunk and canopy changes to become upright/vertical Significant tree: a tree measuring a specific diameter determined by the municipality the tree grows in. Some municipalities deem that only healthy trees can be significant, other municipalities consider both healthy and unhealthy trees of a determined diameter to be significant Snag: a tree left partially standing for the primary purpose of providing habitat for wildlife Soil structure: the size of particles and their arrangement; considers the soil, water, and air space DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 14 | Page Sounding: process of striking a tree with a mallet or other appropriate tool and listening for tones that indicate dead bark, a thin layer of wood outside a cavity, or cracks in wood Structural defects: flaws, decay, or other faults in the trunk, branches, or root collar of a tree, which may lead to failure; may be genetic, or environmental Tree credit: a number assigned to a tree by a municipality that may be equal to the diameter of the tree or a numerical count of the tree, or related to diameter by a factor conveyed in a table of the municipal code Trunk area: the cross-sectional area of the trunk based upon measurement at 54 inches (4.5 ft.) above grade Visual Tree Assessment (VTA): method of evaluating structural defects and stability in trees by noting the pattern of growth. Developed by Claus Mattheck (Harris, et al 1999) detailed visual inspection of a tree and surrounding site that may include the use of simple tools. It requires that a tree risk assessor walk completely around the tree trunk looking at the site, aboveground roots, trunk, and branches (ISA 2013) DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 15 | Page REFERENCES Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation, and Uses. Champaign: Stipes Publishing Company, 1990. Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. Assessing Trees in Urban Areas and the Urban-Rural Interface. US Release 1.0. Silverton: Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA, 2006. Dunster, J. A. 2003. Preliminary Species Profiles for Tree Failure Assessment. Bowen Island: Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. Dunster, Julian A., E. Thomas Smiley, Nelda Matheny and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment Manual. Champaign, Illinois: International Society of Arboriculture, 2013. Harris, Richard W, James Clark, and Nelda Matheny. Arboriculture, Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2004. Lilly, Sharon. Arborists’ Certification Study Guide. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 2001. Matheny, Nelda and Clark, James R. A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas. Second Edition. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 1994. Matheny, Nelda and Clark, James R. Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees During Land Development. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 1998. Mattheck, Claus and Breloer, Helge. The Body Language of Trees: A Handbook for Failure Analysis. London: HMSO, 1994 Schwarze, Francis W.M.R. Diagnosis and Prognosis of the Development of Wood Decay in Urban Trees. Australia: ENSPEC Pty Ltd. 2008 Sinclair, Wayne A., Lyon, Howard H., and Johnson, Warren T. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1987. Smiley, E. Thomas, Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices, ANSI A300 Part 9: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management—Standard Practices (Tree Risk Assessment: Tree Structure Assessment). The International Society of Arboriculture Press. Champaign. IL. 2011. Thies, Walter G. and Sturrock, Rona N. Laminated root rot in Western North American. United States Department of Agriculture. Pacific Northwest. Resource Bulletin PNW-GTR-349. April 1995. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 16 | Page INSPECTION METHODS I performed a Level 2 Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) for each tree. I visually inspected the tree from the ground, walking around the tree to inspect for any basal defects. I then positioned myself further from the tree, looking up into the crown and branches for any notable defects and symptoms of canopy decline. Using the VTA method, I rated the health and structural condition of each tree. This inspection method is an international industry standard for assessing trees from the ground level and identifies external signs of decay, physical damage, growth related defects, and abnormal or declining foliage. Tree health and structure are each assigned their own condition rating. The following ratings are used: Poor: Lacking a full crown, with more than 50% decline and dieback that especially affects larger branches. Low life expectancy for the species. Fair: Crown decline and dieback up to 30% of the canopy. Below-average life expectancy for the species. Good: Imperfect canopy density in 10% or less of the tree. Typical life expectancy for the species. Excellent: Perfect specimen with excellent form and vigor, along with a well-balanced crown. Exceptional life expectancy for the species. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 17 | Page APPENDIX A - ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITING CONDITIONS 1) Any legal description provided to the consultant/appraiser is assumed to be correct. Any titles and ownerships to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. No responsibility is assumed for matters legal in character. Any and all property is appraised or evaluated as though free and clear, under responsible ownership and competent management. 2) It is assumed that any property is not in violation of any applicable codes, ordinances, statutes or other governmental regulations. 3) The assessment in this report is based on information and data from sources believed to be reliable, correct, and accurately reported. No responsibility is assumed for false or misleading information provided by others. 4) The consultant/appraiser shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of the report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made including payment of an additional fee for such services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement. 5) Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. 6) Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by any other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of the consultant/appraiser. 7) Neither all nor any part of the contents of the report, nor copy thereof, shall be conveyed by anyone, including the client to the public through advertising, public relations, news, sales or other media, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of the consultant/appraiser – particularly as to value conclusions, identity of the consultant/appraiser, or any reference to any professional society or instate or to any initialed designation conferred upon the consultant/appraiser as stated in her qualification. 8) The report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of the consultant/appraiser, and the consultant’s/appraiser’s fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, a stipulated result, the occurrence of subsequent event, nor upon any finding to be reported. 9) Sketches, diagrams, graphs, and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aid, are not necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or survey. 10) Unless expressed otherwise: 1) information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection; and 2) the inspection is limited to visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, probing or coring. There is not warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the plants or property in question may not arise in the future. DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Arborist Report: Windstone HOA Maple Tree ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 18 | Page APPENDIX B - CERTIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE I, Katie Hogan, certify that: • I have personally inspected the trees on the property referenced in this report and the statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct. • I have no present or prospective interest in the property that is the subject of this report, and I have no personal interest with respect to the parties involved. • The reported analysis, opinions, and conclusions are my personal, unbiased professional analysis, opinions, and conclusions. • My analysis, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared according to commonly accepted arboricultural best practices. • No individuals or organizations have provided significant assistance with the preparation of this report, except those named in the report. • My compensation for completing this assignment is not contingent upon the development or reporting of a predetermined outcome or direction that favors the cause of the client, the results of the assessment, or the occurrence of any subsequent events. Signed: Cascara Tree Consulting, LLC DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC Client: Windstone HOASite Address: Parcel #: 80297705205/22/2023Page 1 of 1Tree Inventory TablePrepared By: Cascara Tree ConsultingTree No. Scientific Name Common Name Adjusted DBH (inches)Health Structural Proposed Action Notes/DefectsAAcer palmatumJapanese Maple 20.9 Poor PoorRemoveSee Arborist Memo1Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 15.0 Good Good Retain2Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain3Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 11.0 Good Good Retain4Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 12.0 Good Good Retain5Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain6Sequoiadendron giganteumGiant Sequoia 50.0 Good Good Retain7Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain8Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 16.0 Good Good Retain9Stewartia pseudocamelliaJapanese stewartia 6.0 Good Good Retain10Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 13.0 Good Good Retain11Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain12Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 18.0 Good Good Retain13Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 15.0 Good Good Retain14Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 17.0 Good Good RetainCascara Tree ConsultingDocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC DocuSign Envelope ID: 982FB494-98BA-4B7C-ADBB-9EA9258BABAC