HomeMy WebLinkAboutA&M Tree Service Retention Plan_Arborist Report ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
November 29, 2023
Client: Eric Wolfe
Location: 1801 Jones Ave NE
Renton, WA 98056
Parcel # 3344500101
Project Arborist: Anne M Morey
ISA Certified Arborist PN-9302A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Scope of Work:
To inventory and complete a level 1 assessment of the trees on the property to determine current
tree credits and to identify trees for retention and removal. To calculate tree replacement if needed
and provide a tree protection plan for the project to comply with RMC4-4-130H9.
Personal qualifications and levels of assessment:
I have worked in the tree industry for over 20 years and have obtained our ISA Certifications for
Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor. I used my experience in the field and preparing reports for
municipalities throughout King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties to create this report/letter.
There are three (3) levels of tree risk assessment
Level 1: Visual Assessment; distant assessment of 1 or a group of trees to determine any
obvious hazards and determine if other levels of assessment are necessary.
Level 2: Basic Assessment; detailed visual inspection of a tree and its surrounding site using
simple tools to acquire more information about the tree and any potential defects.
Level 3: Advanced Assessment; these assessments are used to provide more detailed I
information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions.
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Site Observations:
This is an established single-family home located in the Kennydale neighborhood of Renton WA. The
lot is a 21840 sqft property with the established dwelling being 1500 sqft originally built in 1953.
The east side of the property where the entrance is located along Jones Ave NE is lined with western
red cedars. The main power/utility lines run right up against the main stems of these trees. The
trees have been poorly pruned and topped on that side over the years for line clearance. There is
some trimming done on the lower part of the canopies for street clearance. The property is mostly
flat with the west side running into a natural buffer that separates the property and I-405.
There is a 650 sqft ADU proposed to be built between the primary home and Jones Ave NE, directly
north of the parking pad. There are a total of 18 trees on the property, 2 of these trees are close to or
within the proposed ADU and are being requested for removal. 8 trees fall within the requirements
of tree protection during construction with overhanging canopies. The remaining 8 trees are not
impacted by the requested ADU. There are no critical areas on or near this property.
The Trees:
There are 18 total trees in this inventory. 8 of these trees have canopies that overhang the proposed
ADU and 2 are too close or within the proposed construction area and requested for removal.
Tree #3090 is a dual stem birch tree that is infected with the Bronze Birch Beetle. There is sap
sucker damage on several of the main stems. This tree sits well within the construction zone of the
proposed ADU, the root system would be severely impacted by the clearing alone. Coupled with the
infestation of the beetle this tree would become a high hazard if retained therefore it is proposed to
remove.
Tree #3094 is a single stem crabapple tree that has been pollarded over the years. There are 3
stems and a center of decay between all of them. Vertical cracks on the main stem as well as along
the 3 leaders. Sap sucker damage in the center of decay area. This tree is in the center of the
proposed ADU and shall be removed.
In compliance with RMC 4-4-130H1a; there is more than 30% retention of significant trees on this
site after removal of the requested trees.
Below is a map and tree table of each tree identified by tree ID numbers through the ArborPro
inventory program. This map corresponds with the tree table below and shows the tree credit
calculations as well.
This is a link to the trees in this report https://app.arborprousa.com/viewer/OIwMft1BOBCTh90R
When you open this link, go to the top right corner and click on the gear icon. There will be a drop-
down menu, slide the “dot size” tear drop all the way to the left, scroll down and select “Tree ID”, slide
the label font size dot all the way to the left and scroll further down to slide the label threshold all the
way to the left and hit SUBMIT. That will expose the Tree ID numbers on the map.
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 3 of 10
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
You can access specific data and pictures of each tree when you point and click on the individual dot.
This corresponds with the map pictured above.
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Tree ID Common Botanical
Tree
Condition
DBH
Range Exact DBH
Height
Range
# of
Trunks Notes
Tree
Credit Impacted
Tree
Protection
3086
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 30+30 60+1
Corner tree directly behind
backyard shed, good
condition starting to thin at
the top over hangs,
blackberries and other
properties.11 No/Retain No
3087
Willow
Species Salix species Good 25-30 20 31-45 3
3 trunk Willow split about 2
feet and then larger stems
splits again at 4 and a 1/2
feet 5 feet overall. Good
condition, some Deadwood.8 No/Retain No
3088 Bitter Cherry
Prunus
emarginata Fair 07-12 4 00-15 8
Grafted tree with.
7 stems, topped, dead center
columns.
Winter review hard to
identify overall health of
canopy.0 No/Retain No
3089
Cucumber
Magnolia
Magnolia
acuminata Fair 13-18 9 16-30 3
Tree splits around 2 and a
1/2 feet lost one stem
decent
compartmentalization,
topped, overall good
condition, power lines
running through it.4 No/Retain No
3090
European
White Birch Betula pendula Fair 25-30 24 60+2
Double trunk typical of
species tree was topped
years ago. Signs of bronz
birch beetle and sap sucker
damage. Nice canopy and
form considering.9 Yes/Remove
3091
Dogwood
Species Cornus species Fair 07-12 6 16-30 4
Main stems look good, tree
protection with hinokis on
either side. Winter
assessment hard to tell
canopy LCR
Kind of suppressed by Birch.4 No/Retain Yes
3092
Hinoki False
Cypress
Chamaecyparis
obtusa Good 04-06 6 00-15 3
Good condition overall
appears to have had the root
collar buried 2 stems coming
out of the ground.4 No/Retain Yes
3093
Hinoki False
Cypress
Chamaecyparis
obtusa Good 04-06 7 00-15 1
On other side of dogwood
next to fence, somewhat
suppressed but overall good
condition.4 No/Retain Yes
3094
Crabapple
Species
Malus
floribunda Fair 07-12 8 00-15 3
Crab apple topped about 3
feet high, a center of decay
from a missing branch with
insect damage. Decay down
through the main column.
Roots are girdled tree is not
in great shape at all. Vertical
cracks on main stem 4 Yes/Remove
3095
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 30+34 60+1
Runs the East property line.
Along the street and power
lines run on East Side of all
of these trees? All trees have
been topped as well overall
good condition.12 No/Retain No
3096
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 25-30 28 60+1
Similar to the other Cedar on
the other side of the
driveway. The arm overhang
the mailbox that connection
is bad. It looks like it starting
to tear from the main stemp.
This should be pruned.10 No/Retain No
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 5 of 10
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
3097
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 13-18 17 60+1
Smaller than the rest.
Overall, OK. Top more on
street side for power line
clearance. This is consistent
with all trees on this line.7 No/Retain No
3099 Western Red CedarThuja plicata Good 30+31 60+1
Past failure in canopy, wood
broken larger stams. This is
one of larger trees in this
line. Branch that is going
into the power lines is
rotting. Quite a bit of decay
consider cutting closer to
main stem.11 No/Retain No
3103 Western Red CedarThuja plicata Good 25-30 29 60+1
Similar to others in this line,
this trees canopy overhangs
the work zone and tree
protection should be
installed prior to
construction. The canopy
can be recuced for clearance
of the ADU, this may actually
help these trees in the long
run.11 No/Retain Yes
3104
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 19-24 21 60+1
Larger arm on yardside looks
to be compromised, prune
out and back. Similar to
others in this line, this trees
canopy overhangs the work
zone and tree protection
should be installed prior to
construction. The canopy
can be recuced for clearance
of the ADU, this may actually
help these trees in the long
run.8 No/Retain Yes
3105
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 25-30 25 60+1
Similar to others in this line,
this trees canopy overhangs
the work zone and tree
protection should be
installed prior to
construction. The canopy
can be recuced for clearance
of the ADU, this may actually
help these trees in the long
run.10 No/Retain Yes
3106
Western Red
Cedar Thuja plicata Good 19-24 21 60+1
Large arm runs right along
the neighbors fence Major
vertical cracks this particular
stem should be removed.
This will help maintain
clearance on anything that
overhangs.8 No/Retain Yes
3107
Leyland
Cypress
Cupressocyparis
leylandii Good 04-06 6 00-15 1 Nice healthy young tree 4 No/Retain No
Total Tree Credit 129
Total Tree Credit Required 15
Total Tree Credits After
Removals 116
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Tree Protection
In compliance with RMC 4-4-130H10; Protection Measures During Construction. Proper tree fencing,
signage, mulch, irrigation and monitoring shall take place. Monitoring shall be done by an ISA
certified arborist who has the ability to trim, root prune and adjust the TPZ (tree protection zone)
during construction.
10. Protection Measures During Construction: Protection measures in this subsection shall apply for all
trees that are to be retained on site and off site. Off-site trees containing drip lines that encroach onto the
site under construction shall be considered protected trees unless the applicant obtains written permission
from the abutting property owner to remove the off-site trees and it is determined that the tree removal on
the abutting property is in compliance with subsection C of this Section, Allowed Tree Removal Activities.
All of the following tree protection measures shall apply:
a. Temporary Tree Protection Fencing: Prior to development activities, the applicant shall erect
and maintain a six-foot (6') high, post-driven, chain-link temporary construction fence around the drip
lines of all retained trees, or if a tree protection tract or easement is provided, along the perimeter of
the tree protection tract or easement. The temporary tree protection fencing shall be installed with
steel posts driven at a depth that will adequately ensure the fence remains in an upright position for
the duration of the development. The temporary tree protection fencing shall not be disturbed,
removed, or relocated until the conclusion of construction activities. Protected trees may be fenced
individually or in groups of trees. Individual trees shall be fenced on four (4) sides. If some tree or
vegetation removal is necessary in order to gain access to retained trees for the purposes of
installing temporary tree protection fencing, the applicant shall submit a phased tree removal plan for
review and approval by the Administrator, prior to all development activities.
b. Tree Protection Signage: Signage shall be placed on the tree protection fencing at intervals of
no more than twenty feet (20') along the entirety of the protective tree fence. The sign(s) shall be
designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with official specifications provided by the
Administrator and shall convey the information deemed necessary by the Administrator.
c. Construction Storage Prohibited: The applicant may not fill, excavate, stack, or store any
equipment, dispose of any materials, supplies or fluids, operate any equipment, or compact the
earth in any way within the area defined by the drip line of any tree to be retained.
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
d. Protection From Grade Changes: If the grade level adjoining to a tree to be retained is to be
raised, the applicant shall construct a dry rock wall or rock well around the tree. The diameter of this
wall or well must be equal to the tree drip line.
e. Impervious Surfaces Prohibited Within the Drip Line: The applicant may not install impervious
surface material within the area defined by the drip line of any tree to be retained, unless otherwise
approved by the City. (Ord. 5958, 12-9-2019)
f. Utilities Prohibited Within the Drip Line: The applicant may not install utilities within the area
defined by the drip line of any tree to be retained, unless otherwise approved by the City.
g. Restrictions on Grading Within the Drip Lines of Retained Trees: The grade level around any
tree to be retained may not be lowered within the greater of the following areas: (i) the area defined
by the drip line of the tree, or (ii) an area around the tree equal to one and one-half feet (1-1/2') in
diameter for each one inch (1") of tree caliper. A larger tree protection zone based on tree size,
species, soil, or other conditions may be required. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012)
h. Vegetation and Undergrowth Protection: With the exception of invasive species removal which
has received prior written approval from the City, removal of the existing vegetation within the drip
line of protected trees is prohibited during development activities. Native understory trees, shrubs,
and other vegetation shall be protected within the designated tree protection area for the duration of
the development activities. All areas within the required fencing shall be covered evenly with a
minimum of three inches (3") of bark mulch prior to installation of the protective fencing, except in
areas where mulch will adversely affect protected ground cover plants. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012)
i. Monitoring Required During Construction: For all protected trees required to be retained in
compliance with a land use decision, the applicant shall retain an ISA certified arborist or ASCA
certified consultant to ensure trees are protected from development activities and/or to prune
branches and roots, fertilize, and water as appropriate for any trees and ground cover that are to be
retained. The ISA certified arborist or ASCA certified consultant shall supervise the installation of
any required tree protection fencing, permanent or temporary.
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
j. Alternative Protection: Alternative safeguards may be used if determined by the Administrator
that such safeguards would provide equal or greater tree protection. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012; Ord.
5841, 6-12-2017)
Thank you for the opportunity to help with your trees, please contact me if you have any further
questions on this letter.
Anne Marie Morey
A & M Tree Service NW, Inc.
Owner
ISA Certified Arborist
#PN-9302A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Office Voice Mail: 425-867-2307
Cell: 425-260-4293
Member of PNW and Western Chapters ISA
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
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19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Assumptions and Limiting Conditions
1) Any legal description provided to the A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. 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, unless otherwise stated.
3) Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as
possible; however, A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of
information.
4) A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of this
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 invalidated 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 A & M
Tree Service NW, Inc.
7) Neither all or any part of the contents of this 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 A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. -- particularly as to value
conclusions, identity of A & M Tree Service NW, Inc., or any reference to any professional society or to any
initialed designation conferred upon A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. as stated in its qualifications.
8) This report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of A & M Tree Service NW, Inc., and the
fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, a stipulated result, the occurrence neither
of a subsequent event, nor upon any finding in to reported.
9) Sketches, diagrams, graphs, and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aids, are not
necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or surveys.
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 no warranty
or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the tree or other plant or property in
question may not arise in the future.
Note: Even healthy trees can fail under normal or storm conditions. The only way to eliminate all risk is to
remove all trees within reach of all targets. Annual monitoring by an ISA Certified Arborist or Certified
Forester will reduce the potential of tree failures. It is impossible to predict with certainty that a tree will
stand or fail, or the timing of the failure. It is considered an ‘Act of God’ when a tree fails, unless it is
directly felled or pushed over by man’s actions.
ISA Certified Consulting Arborists
Page 10 of 10
19712 147th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058 Office: 425-867-2307 Cell: 425-260-4293
Methods
Measuring
We measured the diameter of each tree at 54 inches above grade, diameter at standard height (DSH). If
a tree had multiple stems. We measured each stem individually at standard height and determined a
single‐stem equivalent diameter by using the method outlined in the city of Seattle Director’s Rule 16‐
2008 or the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition Second Printing published by the Council of Tree and
Landscape Appraisers. A tree is regulated based on this single‐stem equivalent diameter value.
Evaluating
We evaluated tree health and structure utilizing visual tree assessment (VTA) methods. The basis behind
VTA is the identification of symptoms, which the tree produces in reaction to a weak spot or area of
mechanical stress. A tree reacts to mechanical and physiological stresses by growing more vigorously to
re‐enforce weak areas, while depriving less stressed parts. An understanding of the uniform stress
allows the arborist to make informed judgments about the condition of a tree.
Rating
When rating tree health, we took into consideration crown indicators such as foliar density, size, color,
stem and shoot extensions. When rating tree structure, we evaluated the tree for form and structural
defects, including past damage and decay. A & M Tree Service NW, Inc. has adapted our ratings based on the
Purdue University Extension formula values for health condition (Purdue University Extension bulletin FNR‐
473‐W ‐ Tree Appraisal). These values are a general representation used to assist arborists in assigning
ratings.
Excellent ‐ Perfect specimen with excellent form and vigor, well‐balanced crown. Normal to
exceeding shoot length on new growth. Leaf size and color normal. Trunk is sound and solid. Root
zone undisturbed. No apparent pest problems. Long safe useful life expectancy for the species.
Good ‐ Imperfect canopy density in few parts of the tree, up to 10% of the canopy. Normal to less
than ¾ typical growth rate of shoots and minor deficiency in typical leaf development. Few pest
issues or damage, and if they exist, they are controllable, or tree is reacting appropriately. Normal
branch and stem development with healthy growth. Safe useful life expectancy typical for the
species.
Fair ‐ Crown decline and dieback up to 30% of the canopy. Leaf color is somewhat
chlorotic/necrotic with smaller leaves and “off” coloration. Shoot extensions indicate some
stunting and stressed growing conditions. Stress cone crop clearly visible. Obvious signs of pest
problems contributing to lesser condition, control might be possible. Some decay areas found in
main stem and branches. Below average safe useful life expectancy
Poor ‐ Lacking full crown, more than 50% decline and dieback, especially affecting larger branches.
Stunting of shoots is obvious with little evidence of growth on smaller stems. Leaf size and color
reveals overall stress in the plant. Insect or disease infestation may be severe and uncontrollable.
Extensive decay or hollows in branches and trunk. Short safe useful life expectancy