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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist_Report_Echo_Mountain_Complete_290921_v31 ARBORIST REPORT for - Echo Mountain Apartments - Avenue 5 Residential Parcel: 3376750000 2223 Benson Rd S, Renton, WA 98055 Friday, June 18th, 2021 Site plan on final page of report By Izzy Nosan | ISA Certified Arborist WE-11653A | izzy@aplustree.com 3490 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 | (206) 550-6679 | www.aplustree.com 2 Background Information This report was prepared on behalf of Echo Mountain Apartments concerning a tree risk assessment of all trees located in the western greenbelt of the property, located at 2223 Benson Road S, Renton, WA 98055. 11 trees are included on this report. These trees are all located within the western greenbelt of the property and do not include the trees in the interior of the property. The trees included on this report are: 4 red alders 1 paper birch 5 big leaf maples 1 Western cottonwood. The trees are located sporadically throughout the western greenbelt and are of differing states of risk to the community and the westerly neighbors. The tree risk assessment was performed on August 20th, 2020. The tree risk assessment was regarding the present condition, tree integrity, and future expectations of the trees. The trees were assessed with specific focus on the potential risk to the westerly neighbors and the Echo Mountain community. The trees on this report were viewed as being high risk, given nearby targets, site history, species characteristics, and occupancy rates, and have been recommended for either removal or wildlife snag reduction. The tree are within close proximity to critical target areas such as single family home and the Echo Mountain community roads and parking areas. Report continues on following page 3 Assignment (and any limiting factors) The assignment was a visual assessment in regard to health, condition, structural integrity, threat of pest/disease and potential hazards.  This visual assessment was performed solely from ground grade and was completed to provide recommendations for future action.  A Plus was requested to assess all trees within the interior of Echo Mountain community (excluding the greenbelt areas to the east an west) and provide a report regarding recommendations for safety concerns and potential impact to the property, and to distinguish if the trees pose future risks. Echo Mountain management intends to reduce the risk of future tree failures and/or structural damage on site by acquiring arborist services for mitigation of high risk trees. Echo Mountain management intends to plant replacement trees according to the City of Renton regulations for tree retentions standards following mitigatory tree care. The only limiting factor was an excessive amount of blackberry brambles inhibiting complete views of tree bases. Report continues on following page 4 Observations At the time of the assessment, the following was observed: (Please refer to the associated photos in the Attachments at the end of report.) 1)1 10” DBH red alder, Alnus rubra •Approximate height: 60 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1000805758 a.This tree is dead. b.Several apartment homes and a walking path are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole tree failure from the roots, future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment or pedestrian, moderate to severe consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be reduced to a 15 foot tall widlife snag. 2)1 8” DBH paper birch, Betula papyrifera •Approximate height: 25 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103889 a.This tree is dead. b.A main community road for Echo Mountain is within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact a vehicle on the road or a pedestrian, moderate consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be removed. 3)1 multi-stemmed (each leader approximately 18” DBH), big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum •Approximate height: 70 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103890 a.This codominant tree has extensive amounts of decay in all leaders. b.The tree has very poor structure with significant amounts of included bark between leaders. c.A decay-caused cavity exists between all leaders. d.There is extreme weight in the top of the tree. e.Several parking areas and a main community road are within the drip line of the tree. f.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact a vehicle or driver, moderate to severe consequences would be expected. g.This tree should be reduced to a 15 foot tall wildlife snag. Report continues on following page 5 4)1 14” DBH Western cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa •Approximate height: 65 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103892 a.This tree has sparse foliage, poor structure, and is growing at a lean over the nearby home. Given site history and species characteristics, it is expected to fail and contact the home. b.A single-family home is within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer trunk failure or individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact the home, signifiant consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be reduced to a 15 foot wildlife snag. 5)1 10” DBH big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103893 a.This tree is growing at a significant lean over the fence into the neighboring home’s property. The tree is expected to fail and contact the neighboring property. b.A recreational backyard space is within the drip line of the tree, and the home is within 1 X Height of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer either whole tree failure or a trunk failure in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact the back yard or home, mild to moderate consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be removed. 6)1 multi-stemmed, approximately 30” DBH, big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum •Approximate height: 75 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103894 a.This codominant tree has extensive amounts of decay in all leaders and is dying from the top, down. b.The tree has very poor structure with significant amounts of included bark between leaders. c.Several decay-caused cavity exists on the trunks. d.There is extreme weight in the top of the tree e.Several parking areas and a main community road are within 1 X Height of the tree. f.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer either trunk failures and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact a vehicle or driver, Significant to severe consequences would be expected. g.This tree should be reduced to a 15 foot tall wildlife snag. Report continues on following page 6 7)1 multi-stemmed, approximately 30” DBH, big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum •Approximate height: 60 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103896 a.This codominant tree has extensive amounts of decay in all leaders. b.The tree has very poor structure with significant amounts of included bark between leaders. c.Decay-caused cavities exist in several spaces on the tree, along with sunken in portions of stem. d.There is extreme weight in the top of the tree. e.There is a history of large diameter failures on this tree. f.A neighboring single family home is within 1XHeight of the tree. g.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer trunk failures or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact the neighboring home or resident, significant to severe consequences would be expected. h.This tree should be reduced to a 15 foot tall wildlife snag. 8)1 approximately 30” DBH, big leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum •Approximate height: 60 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103897 a.This tree has extensive amounts of decay in all leaders. b.The tree has very poor structure. c.Very large decay-caused cavities exist on the trunk. d.There is extreme weight in the top of the tree. e.There is a site history of large diameter maple failures. f.A neighboring single family home is within 1XHeight of the tree. g.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer trunk failures or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact the neighboring home or resident, significant to severe consequences would be expected. h.This tree should be reduced to a 15 foot tall wildlife snag. 9)1 8” DBH red alder, Alnus rubra •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103899 a.This tree is dead. b.Several apartment homes and a walking path are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole tree failure from the roots, future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment or pedestrian, moderate to severe consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be removed. Report continues on following page 7 10)1 7” DBH red alder, Alnus rubra •Approximate height: 30 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103900 a.This tree is dead. b.Several apartment homes and a walking path are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole tree failure from the roots, future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, moderate to significant consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be removed. 11)1 9” DBH red alder, Alnus rubra •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001103901 a.This tree is dead. b.Several apartment homes are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole tree failure from the roots, future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, moderate to significant consequences would be expected. d.This tree should be removed. Report continues on following page 8 Testing / Analysis No soil assessment or advanced testing procedures were conducted. Discussion The trees included on this report are all expected to suffer failures if retained, dependent on their individual defects and conditions. They ultimately pose a risk to the residential setting in which they are located due to multiple high-risk target areas. Upon visual inspection of the trees discussed in this report, several structural defects and conditions that increase the likelihood of failure and reduce the trees’ structural integrity were observed. The trees were viewed as high risk and likely to fail under normal conditions or a heavy loading event. Given the associated targets, occupancy rates, and severe consequences upon failure, the trees presented on this report were ranked as being high-risk to the Echo Mountain apartment community and their westerly single-family home neighbors. Given the poor conditions and high-risk of the trees, they have exhausted their usefulness as landscape trees and have become liabilities; expected to fail towards critical target areas with occasional to constant occupancy. Future failures are expected to occur in a heavy-loading event, or under normal conditions, if these trees are retained as-is. Given that the associated targets are either within the drip line or 1 X Height of the trees, they are expected to cause future property or personal damage if retained. Echo Mountain management intends to plant replacement trees according to the City of Renton’s standard, following mitigatory tree care. Report continues on following page 9 Recommendations Following the site visit to Echo Mountain apartments, and the assessment of the trees included on this report, the following is recommended: Where possible, reduction to wildlife snags of approximately 15-20 feet will be completed instead of complete removal in order to retain the natural benefit of standing decaying wood for cavity-dwelling species of wildlife. Complete removal will only be performed in instances where trees are unsafe or unable to be climbed. All debris is being recommended to be retained within the greenbelt area in order to replicate the natural decomposition processes of the surrounding environment. •Replacement trees should be replanted in site and climate appropriate spaces with adequate access to critical resources, and in accordance to the City of Renton’s tree code regulations. •Acceptable species would be: Douglas-fir, Western redcedar, Western hemlock, big leaf maple, Western white pine, Lodgepole pine. Alternative mitigation options were considered, but reduction to wildlife snags and removal was deemed the preferred recommendation out of practicality and to minimize residual risk. Photos On Following Pages 10 Attachments: Photo 1a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1000805758 Dead red alder. Report continues on following page 11 Photo 2a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103889 Dead paper birch.Report continues on following page 12 Photo 3a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103890 Big leaf maple with extreme decay, poor structure, and cavities.Report continues on following page 13 Photo 3b: Report continues on following page 14 Photo 3c: Report continues on following page 15 Photo 3d: Report continues on following page 16 Photo 3e: Report continues on following page 17 Photo 4a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103892 Leaning, poorly structured cottonwood leaning over home. Report continues on following page 18 Photo 5a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103893 Big leaf maple leaning heavily over neighbors property. Report continues on following page 19 Photo 5b: Report continues on following page 20 Photo 6a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103894 Big leaf maple with extreme decay, poor structure, and cavities. Report continues on following page 21 Photo 6b: Report continues on following page 22 Photo 6c: Report continues on following page 23 Photo 7a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103896 Big leaf maple with extreme decay, poor structure, and cavities. Report continues on following page 24 Photo 7b: Report continues on following page 25 Photo 7c: Report continues on following page 26 Photo 8a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103897 Big leaf maple with extreme decay, poor structure, and cavities. Report continues on following page 27 Photo 8b: Report continues on following page 28 Photo 8c: Report continues on following page 29 Photo 9a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103899 Dead red alder. Report continues on following page 30 Photo 10a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103900 Dead red alder. Report continues on following page 31 Photo 11a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001103901 Dead red alder. Report continues on following page 1 ARBORIST REPORT for - Echo Mountain Apartments - Avenue 5 Residential Parcel: 3376750000 2223 Benson Rd S, Renton, WA 98055 Friday, June 18th, 2021 Site plan on final page of report By Izzy Nosan | ISA Certified Arborist WE-11653A | izzy@aplustree.com 3490 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 | (206) 550-6679 | www.aplustree.com 2 Background Information This report was prepared on behalf of Echo Mountain Apartments concerning a tree risk assessment of all trees in the interior of the property, located at 2223 Benson Road S, Renton, WA 98055. 9 trees are included on this report. These trees are all located within the interior of the property and do not include the trees in the greenbelt areas to the east and west of the property (also owned by the property). The trees included on this report are: 2 Austrian pines 1 Western cottonwood 4 paper birches 1 red alder 1 purple leaf plum The trees are located sporadically around the community and are of differing states of risk to the community. The tree risk assessment was performed on May 17th, 2021. The tree risk assessment was regarding the present condition, tree integrity, and future expectations of the trees. The trees were assessed with specific focus on the potential risk to the property, residents, and visitors. The trees on this report were viewed as being high risk, given nearby targets, site history, species characteristics, and occupancy rates, and have been recommended for removal. The tree are within close proximity to critical target areas such as apartment homes, community roads, parking areas, and recreational space. Assignment (and any limiting factors) The assignment was a visual assessment in regard to health, condition, structural integrity, threat of pest/disease and potential hazards.  This visual assessment was performed solely from ground grade and was completed to provide recommendations for future action.  A Plus was requested to assess all trees within the interior of Echo Mountain community (excluding the greenbelt areas to the east an west) and provide a report regarding recommendations for safety concerns and potential impact to the property, and to distinguish if the trees pose future risks. Echo Mountain management intends to reduce the risk of future tree failures and/or structural damage on site by acquiring arborist services for mitigation of high risk trees. Echo Mountain management intends to plant replacement trees according to the City of Renton regulations for tree retentions standards following mitigatory tree care. No limiting factors were encountered during this assessment. Report continues on following page 3 Observations At the time of the assessment, the following was observed: (Please refer to the associated photos in the Attachments at the end of report.) 1)1 14” DBH Austrian pine, Pinus nigra •Approximate height: 70 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1000805738 a.This tree is dead. b.A pet area and several apartment homes are within the drip line of the tree, and a community road and parking spaces are within 1 X Height of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole tree failure from the roots, future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, pedestrian or other vehicles, moderate to severe consequences would be expected. 2)1 18” DBH Western cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa •Approximate height: 75 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001333586 a.This tree is leaning heavily over critical target areas and expected to fail. b.Several apartment homes and parking spaces and a recreational grassy area are within the drip line of the tree, and a community road and parking spaces are within 1.5 X Height of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to either suffer whole tree failure from the roots, future trunk failure, and/or other individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, pedestrian or other vehicles, moderate to severe consequences would be expected. 3)1 10.5” DBH paper birch, Betula papyrifera •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 965500 a.This tree is mostly dead. b.Several apartment homes are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment or pedestrian, mild to signifiant consequences would be expected. Report continues on following page 4 4)1 8.5” DBH paper birch, Betula papyrifera •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 966223 a.This tree is mostly dead. b.Several apartment homes, the community road, and a walking area are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment or pedestrian, mild to signifiant consequences would be expected. 5)1 7” DBH paper birch, Betula papyrifera •Approximate height: 25 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001025966 a.This tree is mostly dead. b.A recreational area is within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact a pedestrian, mild to moderate consequences would be expected. 6)1 12.5” DBH paper birch, Betula papyrifera •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001025972 a.This tree is mostly dead. b.Several apartment homes, a sidewalk, and parking areas are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, vehicle or pedestrian, mild to signifiant consequences would be expected. Report continues on following page 5 7)1 10” DBH red alder, Alnus rubra •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 1001333707 a.This tree is dead. b.Several apartment homes are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer either whole tree failure from the roots, trunk failure, or individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, mild to signifiant consequences would be expected. 8)1 13” DBH Austrian pine, Pinus nigra •Approximate height: 40 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 967518 a.This tree is dead. b.A walking area and several apartment homes are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer either whole tree failure from the roots, trunk failure, or individual large tree part failures in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment or pedestrian, mild to signifiant consequences would be expected. 9)1 8” DBH purple leaf plum, Prunus cerasifera •Approximate height: 35 feet •A Plus Tree ID# 968415 a.This tree has significant trunk decay. b.Several apartment homes, a sidewalk, and community road are within the drip line of the tree. c.If retained, the tree is expected to suffer trunk failure in a heavy loading event or under normal circumstances. Large-diameter pieces are found within the canopy. If any of these tree parts were to fail and contact an apartment, vehicle or pedestrian, mild to signifiant consequences would be expected. Report continues on following page 6 Testing / Analysis No soil assessment or advanced testing procedures were conducted. Discussion The trees included on this report are all expected to suffer failures if retained, dependent on their individual defects and conditions. They ultimately pose a risk to the residential setting in which they are located due to multiple high-risk target areas. Upon visual inspection of the trees discussed in this report, several structural defects and conditions that increase the likelihood of failure and reduce the trees’ structural integrity were observed. The trees were viewed as high risk and likely to fail under normal conditions or a heavy loading event. Given the associated targets, occupancy rates, and severe consequences upon failure, the trees presented on this report were ranked as being high-risk to the Echo Mountain apartment community and visitors. Given the poor conditions and high-risk of the trees, they have exhausted their usefulness as landscape trees and have become liabilities; expected to fail towards critical target areas with occasional to constant occupancy. Future failures are expected to occur in a heavy-loading event, or under normal conditions, if these trees are retained as-is. Given that the associated targets are either within the drip line or 1 X Height of the trees, they are expected to cause future property or personal damage if retained. Echo Mountain management intends to plant replacement trees according to the City of Renton’s standard, following mitigatory tree care. Recommendations Following the site visit to Echo Mountain apartments, and the assessment of the trees included on this report, the following is recommended: All trees on this report are recommended to be removed to the ground and stump ground. •Replacement trees should be replanted in site and climate appropriate spaces with adequate access to critical resources, and in accordance to the City of Renton’s tree code regulations. •Acceptable species would be: columnar zelkova, Ginko biloba, river birch, Alaskan cedar, Pacific dogwood, Pacific crabapple. Alternative mitigation options were considered, but removal was deemed the preferred recommendation out of practicality and to minimize residual risk. Photos On Following Pages 7 Attachments: Photo 1a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1000805738 Dead Austrian pine Report continues on following page 8 Photo 2a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001333586 Western cottonwood with significant lean over building and parking area. Expected trunk failure. Report continues on following page 9 Photo 3a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 965500 Mostly dead birch. Report continues on following page 10 Photo 3b: 11 Photo 4a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 966223 Mostly dead birch. 12 Photo 5a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001025966 Mostly dead birch.Report continues on following page 13 Photo 6a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001025972 Mostly dead birch. Report continues on following page 14 Photo 7a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001333707 Dead alder. Report continues on following page 15 Photo 8a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 1001333707 Dead Austrian pine Report continues on following page 16 Photo 9a: ArborPlus inventory data: Tree ID: 968415 Purple leaf plum with severe trunk decay Report continues on following page 17 Photo 9b: Report continues on following page