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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist Report Kennydale Elementary School_11212024 6412 S. 900 E. STE 200 Murray, UT 94121 Arborist Report Paul Tibbets ISA Board Certified Master Arborist PN 7249BM Renton School District Kennydale Elementary School 1700 NE 28th Street Renton, WA 98056 ArborPLUS Proposal 335670 Background Information On August 27, 2024, A Plus Tree was contacted by Renton School District to inspect and evaluate several Lombardy Poplar trees that divide the space between Kennydale Elementary School parking lot and the 405 Freeway’s off ramp. Assignment A Plus Tree was asked to inspect and evaluate 6 Lombardy Poplar trees with DBHs between 24 – 42 inches. Trees were planted between the school’s parking lot and the 405 freeway off-ramp sound wall. Testing and Analysis This arborist report is based on a Basic Visual Level 1 inspection of the tree and the nearby surrounding. There was no soil, tree, leaf or root sampling taken for testing. Observations The trees are a Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra ‘italica’) species. Each tree has at least 75% foliage dieback and loss. The school’ parking lot is less than 10 feet away from the trees’ trunks. This is a highly trafficked area Monday – Friday, early in the morning and after school hours. Discussion Lombardy Poplars are often planted because they are a fast-growing tree with an upright canopy. The trees are great for creating wind screens and privacy screens. They require very little maintenance. The downside of Lombardy Poplars is that they are short lived trees (50-75 years). The decline for these trees may have been the of the construction of the retaining wall has resulted in massive root damage in the critical root zone. This species has a tendency of root rot and poor adaptation to root damage, tree parts are within striking distance of a frequently occupied parking lot during school hours. The dieback branches become very brittle and will fail, especially during high winds and strong storm conditions. Recommendation The recommendation is that the trees be removed. Disclaimer Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, knowledge, training and experience to examine trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to reduce the risk of living near trees. Clients may choose to accept or disregard the recommendations of the arborist or seek additional advice. Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to the structural failure of a tree. Trees are living organisms that may fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe, or fail for that matter, under all circumstances, or for a given period of time. Likewise, remedial treatments, like any medicine, cannot be guaranteed. Treatments, pruning and removal of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the arborist’s services such as property boundaries, property ownership, sight lines, disputes between neighbors, landlord-tenant matters, etc. Arborists cannot take such issues into account unless complete and accurate information is given to the arborist. The person hiring the arborist accepts full responsibility for authorizing the recommended treatment or remedial measures. Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near a tree is to accept some degree of risk. The only way to eliminate all risks is to eliminate all trees. This consultant does not verify the safety or health of any tree at any time. Construction activities are hazardous to trees and cause many short and long-term injuries, which can cause trees to die or topple. Even when every tree is inspected, inspection involves sampling; therefore, some areas of decay or weakness may be missed. Weather, winds and the magnitude and direction of storms are not predictable, and some failures may still occur despite the best application of high professional standards. I hereby declare that the above observations, discussion and recommendation are true to the best of my knowledge, belief and professional opinion. In addition, A Plus Tree is held harmless of any of these opinions from future tree failures. Supporting Photos and/or Documents Lombardy Poplar Populus nigra ‘italica’ DBH – 24 – 42 plus inches Health Rating – 2 (very poor)