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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_ArboristReport_250717Eric Ledford Sound Tree Care LLC Jul 1, 2025 | 2 Photos Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assess- ment Cover Page 1 / 11 Rob Lawrence - Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Client: Rob Lawrence Site Address: 12023 Southeast 169th Place, Renton, WA 98058 Inspection Date: [Insert Date] Inspector: Eric Ledford, ISA Certified Arborist PN-9290A, Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, Sound Tree Care LLC Arborist Credentials & Professional Experience Observations and recommendations are based on extensive experience as a professional arborist working across urban forestry, tree risk assessment, site development, and tree health management. Professional Certifications: • ISA Certified Arborist • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) • NUCA Dig Safe Certified With years of field-based experience, I regularly provide: • Tree risk evaluations and hazard mitigation • Tree preservation guidance for residential, commercial, and municipal projects • Compliance support for local tree codes and permitting • Practical solutions for managing trees in built environments This background ensures a balanced approach to tree care, risk management, and regulatory compliance — grounded in industry standards and real-world application. Arboricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) – Standard Guidelines Our field practices and recommendations follow established ISA and ANSI A300 Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure tree health, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Guiding Documents & Protocols: • ANSI A300 (Parts 1–10): Tree care operations (pruning, soil management, support systems, etc.) • ISA Best Management Practices (BMPs) • City/County-specific tree protection ordinances • SDCI Director’s Rules & Exceptional Tree standards (for Seattle-based work) • Species-specific tolerance guidelines (e.g. root disturbance thresholds, fungal susceptibility) Key BMPs Observed: • No trunk or root collar disturbance • All cuts made per ANSI A300 Pruning Standards • Avoidance of critical root zones (CRZ/TPZ) during site access or construction • Soil compaction minimized or mitigated with mulch and/or decompaction strategies • Equipment and materials staged outside of CRZ where feasible • Use of physical root protection (fencing, mulch rings, air excavation) when applicable • Monitoring for pathogen signs (e.g., Phytophthora, Armillaria, decay fungi) Documentation: • Photos, notes, and mapping within CompanyCam support ongoing monitoring and compliance • Tree risk assessments and preservation recommendations prepared to ISA TRAQ standards when applicable Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment 3 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Tree Identification Tree Identification • Species: Pacific Silver Fir (Abies amabilis) • Diameter at Standard Height (DSH): 30 inches • Height: 72 feet • Location: Backyard of subject property • Targets within Dripline: Residential structures, property boundary lines ( ), fencing, backyard use areas Tree Identification 4 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Observations Observations The subject tree displays advanced canopy decline consistent with Swiss Needle Cast (Phaeocrypto- pus gaeumannii) or a similar fungal pathogen known to impact Abies species in the Pacific Northwest. Observed conditions include: • Pronounced thinning of interior foliage • Dead branches throughout the lower and mid-canopy • Retention of only the most recent growth at branch tips • Overall reduced live crown ratio • Necrotic material overhanging areas of regular occupancy, including backyard space adjacent to residential structures This condition reduces photosynthetic capacity, weakens structural integrity, and leads to gradual canopy decline. Mature trees with advanced symptoms often exhibit hazardous deadwood and reduced wind resilience. In many cases, treatment options are impractical for large trees, and removal is recommended when targets are present. Decline of Abies amabilis due to fungal pathogens is well-documented, particularly in urban and residential settings where environmental stressors exacerbate susceptibility. Observations 5 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 1 Project: Rob Lawrence Date: Jun 28, 2025, 9:25 AM Creator: Eric Ledford 2 Project: Rob Lawrence Date: Jun 28, 2025, 9:36 AM Creator: Eric Ledford Observations 6 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Additional Observations – Neighborhood Tree Health Additional Observations – Neighborhood Tree Health During the site visit, a second Silver Fir (Abies amabilis) located a few houses down from the subject property was visually assessed from the street. This neighboring tree displayed similar symptoms of canopy decline, including: • Interior needle loss progressing from the lower crown upward • Significant thinning of the canopy • Retention of only recent growth at branch tips • Visual indicators consistent with Swiss Needle Cast or comparable fungal pathogens affecting fir species The presence of similar decline patterns in nearby trees suggests a broader, site-wide or neighbor- hood-level environmental factor contributing to the stress of mature Silver Firs in this area. This aligns with regional trends where Abies species experience increased susceptibility to fungal pathogens, often exacerbated by urban stressors such as soil compaction, altered drainage, or microclimate effects. Additional Observations – Neighborhood Tree Health 7 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Risk Factors and Summary Risk Factors • Hazardous Deadwood: Large-diameter dead branches present overhead, increasing likelihood of branch failure • Pathogen Progression: Symptoms indicate advanced decline with limited recovery potential • Reduced Structural Stability: Foliage loss and deadwood contribute to increased wind sail imbalance and potential for failure • High-Value Targets: Residential occupancy, backyard use, fencing, and neighboring properties fall within the failure zone The declining condition of the subject Silver Fir, in conjunction with observable decline in neighboring trees, further supports removal as a reasonable course of action. The combination of hazardous deadwood, proximity to targets, pathogen progression, and regional tree health patterns indicates an elevated risk profile for the subject tree. Risk Factors and Summary 8 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Recommendations Tree Removal is Recommended Removal of the subject Silver Fir is the most appropriate mitigation option for the following reasons: • Extensive canopy dieback and hazardous deadwood • Documented presence of pathogen-related decline • Proximity to structures, fences ( ), and areas with regular human occupancy • Limited treatment efficacy for mature Silver Firs in advanced decline • Increased likelihood of progressive structural failure Recommendations 9 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Permit and Replanting Requirements Permit and Replanting Requirements Removal of this tree requires a City of Renton permit. Based on local tree retention standards, replanting may be necessary to maintain compliance with minimum tree density codes. Suggested replanting species include: • Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) • Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) • Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) Species selection should align with site conditions and long-term growth considerations. Permit and Replanting Requirements 10 / 11 Rob Lawrence Arborist Report – Tree Health and Hazard Assessment Jul 1, 2025 Certification Statement Certification: I, Eric B. Ledford, Certify to the best of my knowledge: 1. Statements of fact in this report are true and correct. 2. Analysis, opinions, and conclusions are limited to reported assumptions and conditions. They are my unbiased professional analysis, opinions, and conclusions. 3. I have no interest in the property or trees that are the subject of this report. I have no personal interest or bias regarding the parties involved. 4. My analysis, opinions and conclusions reflect conformity with ANSI A300 BMP and Industry Standards. 5. The report is based on information known at the time of assessment. If more information becomes available, I may have more or different opinions. 6. The report is based on the analysis at the time of the assessment and covers only that time frame. Thank you for contacting Sound Tree Care LLC for your arboricultural needs. Eric B. Ledford, ISA Certified Arborist PN-9290A, Qualified Tree Risk Assessor Certification Statement 11 / 11 Rob Lawrence