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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist Report_Vaughn SP_210331.pdfFORESTRY AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS WFCI 3601943-1 723 FAX 3601943-4 1 28 1919 Yelm Hwy SE, Suite C Olympia, WA 98501 URBANIRURAL FORESTRY TREE APPRAISAL HAZARD TREE ANALYSIS RIGHT-OF-WAYS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CONTRACT FORESTERS Member of International Society of Arboriculture and Society of American Foresters - Tree Protection Plan - VAUGHN PLAT 1400 Aberdeen Ave. NE Renton WA 98056 Prepared for: Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. Prepared by: Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Date of Report: March 19, 2021 Introduction The project proponent is planning to construct a residential subdivision on 1.68 acres at 1400 Aberdeen Ave. NE in Renton. The proponent has retained WFCI to: • Evaluate and inventory all trees on the site pursuant to the requirements of the City of Renton Tree Protection Ordinance. • Make recommendations for retention of significant trees, along with required protection and cultural measures. Observations Methodology WFCI has evaluated trees 6 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and larger in the proposed project area, and assessed their potential to be incorporated into the new project. All onsite trees are marked with a number at the base corresponding to the table in Attachment 3. The tree evaluation phase used methodology developed by Nelda Matheny and Dr. James Clark in their 1998 publication Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees during Land Development. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 2 Site Description The site is a mostly flat, residential property in a suburban region of Renton. There is one house on the site and an equipment shed/shop. The majority of the open area on the parcel is pasture for goats and burros, and a small finished lawn area around the home. A strip of land is fenced out of this parcel on the east side of the parcel. The trees in this strip are considered to be off- site. The property is bordered to the west by Aberdeen Ave. NE and by smaller residential lots with homes to the north, east, and south. The parcel slopes gently to the south and has a southerly aspect. Access is through a gate on the south property line and through a gate along Aberdeen Ave. NE. Soil Depth and Productivity According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service web soil survey the only soil type is the Indianola loamy sand. This is a very deep, somewhat excessively drained soil found on terraces, eskers, and kames. It formed in sandy glacial drift. Permeability is rapid and the effective rooting depth for trees is greater than 60”. The potential for windthrow is slight under normal conditions. Seedling mortality concerns are moderate due to the rapid infiltration rates and lower moisture holding capacity of this loamy sand soil. Irrigation is required to establish trees and other plants. This is a productive soil for native trees. Figure 1. Soil survey of the Vaughn Plat – all soil is typed as the Indianola loamy fine sand. Existing On-site Tree Conditions There are a total of 14 significant trees in the project area. Tree species include Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta), apple (Malus spp.), Austrian Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 3 pine (Pinus nigra), Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), flowering cherry (Prunus serrulata) and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). Tree condition ranges from ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Fair,’ with all but tree # 13 being ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Poor’. Tree size ranges from 6 to 30 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). Table 1: Summary of Trees in Project Area Species DBH Range (in) Total # of Trees # of Trees in Poor to Very Poor Health # of Healthy Trees Douglas-fir 23-30 5 5 0 Cherry 9 1 1 0 Austrian pine 17-20 2 2 0 Flowering dogwood 8 1 0 1 Apple 20 1 1 0 Kousa dogwood 6 1 1 0 Flowering plum 10 1 1 0 Shore pine 8-20 2 2 0 Sum 8-30 14 13 1 The trees on this site have suffered from lack of protection and topping going back many years. All of the Douglas-firs were topped and have grown new, multiple tops. Some have recently failed. The shore pines are in severe decline, the apples seem to be a favorite of the goats and have had bark chewed off, and the flowering plum and cherry are overmature with no sign of any cultural care. In short, the existing trees, except for the flowering dogwood are in ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’ condition. The understory vegetation is predominantly grass pasture and lawn Photo A. View of project area looking south from home. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 4 Photo B. View of tree #3 – shows multiple tops from old tree topping. Off-Site Impacts Twenty-two off-site trees occur in a strip along the east edge of the parcel, and south of the fence on the southeast corner of the project. These trees were all evaluated as part of our study. Only 1 tree identified as letter K (a 24 inch DBH Crimson king maple) requires any special consideration in design and construction of this project. This tree will require a 10 ft. radius root protection zone to the west of its stem, and likely will require sidepruning to create space to construct the new home. Currently the stem of the tree appears to be 15 ft. east of the building envelope of Lot 4 and 10 ft. east of the chain-link fence. All distances from the chain-link fence and necessary root protection zone radius’s are listed tree by tree in Attachment #3. Driplines are not provided since many trees have surrounding tree competition, are tightly spaced, and crowns are not symmetric. Six feet of root protection zone is adequate for all off-site trees, except letter K the crimson king maple, and letter D and F a 20 inch and 16 inch DBH Douglas-fir respectively. D and F are Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 5 multiple stemmed trees and should be considered for removal with owner’s permission. It also is a fill area which will have little impact on thee 2 trees. Photo C. View of off-site tree K, a 24 inch DBH crimson kink maple. Trees D and F are Douglas-firs – these trees likely will see some fill soils and should not be adversely impacted. These 2 trees are multi-stemmed and have a ‘Moderate’ risk of stem failure. The landowner should be approached and removal of these 2 trees requested. Discussion Potential for Tree Retention There is no potential for tree retention on this site. Only 1 tree is in ‘Fair’ condition, and it is a small flowering dogwood that is under the footprint of improvements on Lot 1. The rest (13 trees) are previously topped, structurally defective, in severe decline, diseased and not suitable for retention. Topping and goat damage (chewing bark off lower stems of trees) are the primary causal agents of the very poor condition of these trees. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 6 Photo D. View of trees #1 and 2. Shows multiple tops with at least one failed top. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 7 Photo E. View of trees #4 and 5, two shore pine in severe decline. Tree Density Calculations Title 4-4-130 of the Renton Municipal Code calls for 30% of all healthy significant trees in buildable areas to be retained on the project, or where the required number cannot be retained, replacement trees are to be planted. The following is a summary of the required tree retention: Total Number of Significant Size Trees on Site 14 trees Trees Excluded from Retention Calculation: Trees that are Dead, Diseased, or Dangerous <10 trees> Trees in Proposed Public Streets < 3 dying/Hazard trees > Number of Healthy, Significant Trees in Buildable Area: 1 trees Required Tree Retention: 30% of healthy significant trees in buildable area: 0.3 trees Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 8 There is 1 healthy tree within the buildable area of the project. It is an 8 inch DBH flowering cherry. Technically, it is also diseased – infected with anthracnose, a foliage disease – but they all have this disease. This tree is near the proposed new sidewalk location on lot 1 and within the utility strip. It cannot be saved. If we consider tree #13, the flowering dogwood healthy and require replacement trees, then 12 caliper-inches of replacement trees must be replanted for each tree removed in excess of this minimum requirement. All deciduous replacement trees shall be 2 in. caliper and conifers shall be at least 6 ft. tall at the time of planting. A total of 2 two inch caliper trees ( 0.3 ∗122 ) will be required to replace the 1-tree shortfall outlined in this plan. We recommend planting at least 2 Kousa dogwoods (Cornus chinensis) instead of flowering dogwood since they are resistant to the anthracnose disease, and the use of incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), and Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) in the landscape/tree replacement plan being prepared by others. These trees would be planted along back lot lines. Recommendations Tree Protection Measures Trees to be saved along the east parcel boundary will require limited root protection. I have illustrated the protection fence locations approximately on Attachment #2 and listed the radius from select trees to place the fence in Attachment #3. The tree protection fence must be temporary chain-link fence (Attachment 7) located at the edge of the root protection zone (RPZ) as described by WFCI in Attachment #3. Tree protection fences should be placed around the edge of the root protection zone (RPZ). The fence should be erected prior to the start of site clearing. The fences should be maintained until the start of the landscape installation. Minor fill can occur in the root protection zone, outside of the existing chain-link fence. Placement of up to 4 inches of a light textured soil (e.g. loam, sandy loam) can occur up to this existing chain-link fence. There should be no equipment activity (including rototilling) within the root protection zone. No irrigation lines, trenches, or other utilities should be installed within the RPZ. Our recommendations have taken into consideration and will impact no more than 20% of a saved tree’s root system. If roots are encountered outside the RPZ during construction, they should be cut cleanly with a saw and covered immediately with moist soil. Noxious vegetation within the root protection zone should be removed by hand if it occurs. If a proposed save tree must be impacted by grading or fills more than allowed for by WFCI in the tree list, then the tree should be re- evaluated by WFCI to determine if the tree can be saved with mitigating measures, or if the tree should be removed. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 9 Pruning Select trees along the east property line may need sidepruning to provide clearances for the new homes. These trees should be sidepruned to provide at least 10 feet of building clearance and 15 feet over streets. Side pruning can only be done up to the property line. Pruning beyond the property line requires permission from the tree owner. All pruning should be done according to the ANSI A300 standards for proper pruning, and be completed by an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®, or be supervised by a Certified Arborist®. Off-Site Hazard Trees I have noted that off-site trees lettered D and F are multiple stemmed Douglas-firs that have elevated risk (Moderate for stem failure). I suggest that the tree owner be contacted to discuss removal of these 2 trees. Conclusions and Timeline for Activity 1. No significant trees are proposed to be retained on the site due to since 13 of the 14 trees are diseased, dying, structurally defective and/or hazardous. 2. The final, approved tree protection plan map should be included in the construction drawings for bid and construction of the project and should be labeled as such. 3. Complete all necessary pruning on save trees or stand edges to provide the recommended clearances. Do not rely on the framers to do sidepruning for branches that interfere with home construction. Do this necessary pruning at the time of site clearing utilizing a Certified Arborist. 4. Install tree protection fences along the 'limits of construction' as described in the tree list, Attachment 3, and illustrated approximately in Attachment #2. 5. Contact WFCI to attend pre-job conference and discuss tree protection issues with contractors. WFCI can verify all trees to be saved and/or removed are adequately marked. 6. Complete logging. Complete necessary hazard tree removals and invasive plant removals from the tree protection areas. No equipment should enter the tree protection areas during logging. 7. Maintain the tree protection fences throughout construction. 8. Complete grading and construction of the project. 9. Contact WFCI to inspect the tree protection areas after grading. Summary The City of Renton Municipal Code calls for 30% of the significant trees be retained in the buildable area of the site. Since 13 of the 14 on-site significant trees are diseased, dying, structurally defective and therefore hazardous they need to be removed. The only reasonably healthy tree is situated in the utility strip, next to a sidewalk and cannot be retained. Therefore, no trees are planned to be saved. This 1 healthy tree should be replaced with 2 two inch caliper Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 10 replacement trees. Twenty-two off-site trees will be saved, most of which formerly were part of this parcel, but lost due to a boundary line adjustment. Please give us a call if you have further questions. Respectfully submitted, Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Galen M. Wright, ACF, ASCA ISA Bd. Certified Master Arborist PN-129BU Certified Forester No. 44 ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 11 Attachment 1. Aerial Photo of Vaughn Plat at 1400 Aberdeen Ave. NE (2019 King County iMap) Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 12 Attachment 2. Vaughn Site Plan/Tree Map North Half South Half Tree to be Removed 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 M L I J H G – 11 Trees F E D B A C K X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Tree Protection Fence Chain-Link Fence North Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 13 Attachment 3. List of Trees at Vaughn Plat – Tree numbers/letters correspond to Attachment #2 maps. (2 pages attached) Vaughn Plat Tree List On and Off-Site Trees March 19, 2021 Prepared by: Washington Forestry Consultants, INc.1 Location Tree #Species DBH (in)Condition Risk Rating Off-Site Estimated Distance from Fence (ft) Proposed Project Plan - Save or Remove On-Site Root Protection Zone Radius toward Construction (ft) Drip-Line* (ft)Comments On-Site 1 Douglas-fir 23.8 Very poor; Previously topped; New unstable tops with decay at old cut;Extreme - top failure Remove 16 Hazard tree On-Site 2 Douglas-fir 28.0 Very poor; Previously topped; New unstable tops with decay at old cut;Extreme - top failure Remove 18 Hazard tree On-Site 3 Douglas-fir 28.0 Very poor; Previously topped; Tops have already failed; Decay in stem severe; Low - tops have already failed Remove 18 Not a quality tree On-Site 4 Shore pine 8.0 Poor; Decline;Low - small tree size Remove 5 Not a long-term tree; On-Site 5 Shore pine 20.0 Poor; Decline; Multiple tops;Moderate - top failure Remove 10 Not a long-term tree; On-Site 6 Apple 20.0 Very poor; Barked by goats;Low - small tree Remove 8 Not a long-term tree; On-Site 7 Austrian pine 20.2 Poor; Foliage green only on 1-side; In decline;Moderate - stem failure Remove 14 Not a long-term tree; On-Site 8 Douglas-fir 30.5 Poor; Topped previously; Multiple tops with decay at old cut; High - top failure Remove 18 Hazard tree On-Site 9 Douglas-fir 30.0 Very poor; Topped previously with multiple tops and severe decay at old cut;Extreme - top failure Remove 19 Hazard tree On-Site 10 Austrian pine 17.0 Poor; Forks at 6 ft.; Green only on 1-side; Overmature and in decline;Moderate - top failure Remove 20 Not a long-term tree; On-Site 11 Kousa dogwood 5,5,4 Poor; Canker and decay in stem;Low - small tree Remove 5 Not a quality tree On-Site 12 Flowering cherry 8,6 Very poor; Canker and stem decay;Low - small tree Remove 6 Not a quality tree On-Site 13 Flowering dogwood 8.0 Fair; Open grown;Low - small tree Remove 8 Healthy tree On-Site 14 Flowering plum 10.0 Very poor; Overmature with old top breakage, resprouting; Moderate - upper stem failure;Remove 6 Way past its useful life; Off-Site A Red maple 9.0 Good; Low - small tree 1 Save 2 3 Off-Site B Oriental pear 2.0 Poor;Low - small tree 2 Save 0 1 Not a healthy tree; Off-Site C Japanese maple 11,6,6 Fair;Low - small tree 8 Save 0 12 Off-Site D Douglas-fir 20.0 Poor; Multi-stem tree;Moderate - stem failure 3 Save 10 14 Off-Site E Flowering cherry 12.0 Poor;Low 12 Save 0 10 Off-Site F Douglas-fir 16.0 Poor; Multi-stem tree;Moderate - stem failure 10 Save 8 15 Defective stem; Off-Site G Leyland cypress 6 to 9 11 trees; Fair; Planted in closely spaced row;Low 2 Save 2 4 Off-Site H European white birch 14,16 Poor; Overmature; 2 stems; Dead tops; 2 stems;High - top failure 5 Save 0 12 Very short-term tree; Off-Site I Leyland cypress 6.0 Good; Low 2 Save 2 5 Off-Site J Mt. Ash 6.0 Fair;Low 2 Save 0 3 Low quality tree; Vaughn Plat Tree List On and Off-Site Trees March 19, 2021 Prepared by: Washington Forestry Consultants, INc.2 Location Tree #Species DBH (in)Condition Risk Rating Off-Site Estimated Distance from Fence (ft) Proposed Project Plan - Save or Remove On-Site Root Protection Zone Radius toward Construction (ft) Drip-Line* (ft)Comments Off-Site K Crimson King Norway maple 24.0 Good; Low - branch failure;8 Save 10 18 Quality tree; Off-Site L Holly 10,10 Fair; Foliage disease;Low 4 Save 0 4 Invasive species; Off-Site M Vine maple 4 to 8 Good; Many stems;Low 8 Save 0 6 Not impacted; *Drip-line not used by WFCI; We use RPZ=Root protection zone radius prescribed in field; Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 14 Attachment 4. . Individual Tree Rating Key for Tree Condition RATING SYMBOL DEFINITION Very Good VG • Balanced crown that is characteristic of the species • Normal lateral and terminal branch growth rates for the species and soil type • Stem sound, normal bark vigor • No root problems • No insect or disease problems • Long-term, attractive tree Good G • Crown lacking symmetry but nearly balanced • Normal lateral and terminal branch growth rates for the species and soil type • Minor twig dieback O.K. • Stem sound, normal bark vigor • No root problems • No or minor insect or disease problems – insignificant • Long-term tree Fair F • Crown lacking symmetry due to branch loss • Slow lateral and terminal branch growth rates for the species and soil type • Minor and major twig dieback – starting to decline • Stem partly unsound, slow diameter growth and low bark vigor • Minor root problems • Minor insect or disease problems • Short-term tree 10-30 years RATING SYMBOL DEFINITION Poor P • Major branch loss – unsymmetrical crown • Greatly reduced growth • Several structurally import dead or branch scaffold branches • Stem has bark loss and significant decay with poor bark vigor • Root damage • Insect or disease problems – remedy required • Short-term tree 1-10 years Very Poor VP • Lacking adequate live crown for survival and growth • Severe decline • Minor and major twig dieback • Stem unsound, bark sloughing, previous stem or large branch failures, very poor bark vigor • Severe root problems or disease • No or minor insect or disease problems • Mortality expected within the next few years Dead DEAD • Dead Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 15 Cultural Care Needs: ABBRV. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION CC Crown Cleaning Pruning of dead, dying, diseased, damaged, or defective branches over 1/2 inch in diameter –includes removal of dead tops CT Crown Thinning Pruning of branches described in crown cleaning, plus thinning of up to 20% of the live branches over ½ inch diameter. Branch should be 1/3 to ½ the diameter of the lateral branch. Thinning should be well distributed throughout crown of tree, and should release healthy, long-term branches. RC Crown Reduction Reduction of the crown of a tree by pruning to lateral branches. Generally used to remove declining branches or to lighten end weight on long branches. CR Crown Raising Pruning of lower branches to remove deadwood or to provide ground or building clearances. RMV Remove Remove tree due to decline or hazardous conditions that cannot be mitigated by pruning. RS Remove Sprouts Remove basal sprouts from stem of tree. Rep Replace Tree is small – is in decline or dead. Replace with suitable tree species. HT Hazard Tree Tree is hazardous and cannot be mitigated by pruning. Recommendation is to remove tree. None No Work No work necessary at this time. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 16 Attachment 5. Description of Tree Evaluation Methodology The evaluation of the tree condition on this site included the visual assessment of: 1. Live-crown ratio, 2. Lateral and terminal branch growth rates, 3. Presence of dieback in minor and major scaffold branches and twigs, 4. Foliage color, 5. Stem soundness and other structural defects, 6. Visual root collar examination, 7. Presence of insect or disease problems. 8. Windfirmness if tree removal will expose this tree to failure. In cases where signs of internal defect or disease were suspected, a core sample was taken to look for stain, decay, and diameter growth rates. Also, root collars were exposed to look for the presence of root disease. In all cases, the overall appearance of the tree was considered relative to its ability to add value to either an individual lot or the entire subdivision. Also, the scale of the tree and its proximity to both proposed and existing houses was considered. Lastly, the potential for incorporation into the project design is evaluated, as well as potential site plan modifications that may allow otherwise removed tree(s) to be both saved and protected in the development. Trees that are preserved in a development must be carefully selected to make sure that they can survive construction impacts, adapt to a new environment, and perform well in the landscape. Healthy, vigorous trees are better able to tolerate impacts such as root injury, changes in soils moisture regimes, and soil compaction than are low vigor trees. Structural characteristics are also important in assessing suitability. Trees with significant decay and other structural defects that cannot be treated are likely to fail. Such trees should not be preserved in areas where damage to people or property could occur. Trees that have developed in a forest stand are adapted to the close, dense conditions found in such stands. When surrounding trees are removed during clearing and grading, the remaining trees are exposed to extremes in wind, temperature, solar radiation, which causes sunscald, and other influences. Young, vigorous trees with well-developed crowns are best able to adapt to these changing site conditions. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 17 Attachment 6. Glossary of Forestry and Arboricultural Terminology DBH: Diameter at Breast Height (measured 4.5 ft. above the ground line on the high side of the tree). Live Crown Ratio: Ratio of live foliage on the stem of the tree. Example: A 100’ tall tree with 40 feet of live crown would have a 40% live crown ratio. Conifers with less than 30% live crown ratio are generally not considered to be long-term trees in forestry. Crown: Portion of a trees stem covered by live foliage. Crown Position: Position of the crown with respect to other trees in the stand. Dominant Crown Position: Receives light from above and from the sides. Codominant Crown Position: Receives light from above and some from the sides. Intermediate Crown Position: Receives little light from above and none from the sides. Trees tend to be slender with poor live crown ratios. Suppressed Crown Position: Receives no light from above and none from the sides. Trees tend to be slender with poor live crown ratios. Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 18 Attachment 7. Tree Protection Fence Detail 6 ft. Temporary Chain Link Fence NO TRESPASSING - Protected Trees Vaughn Plat – Tree Protection Plan Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Page 19 Attachment 8. Assumptions and Limiting Conditions 1) Any legal description provided to the Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. is assumed to be correct. Any titles and ownership's 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, Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of information. 4) Washington Forestry Consultants, 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 Washington Forestry Consultants, 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 Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. -- particularly as to value conclusions, identity of Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc., or any reference to any professional society or to any initialed designation conferred upon Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. as stated in its qualifications. 8) This report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of Washington Forestry Consultants, 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 inspections 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.