HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX_05_Arborist Memo LAYTON TREE CONSULTING, LLC
It’s all about trees……
PO BOX 572, SNOHOMISH, WA 98291-0572 * 425-220-5711 * bob@laytontreeconsulting.com
TREES & CONSTRUCTION MEMO
To: Costa Philippides – Encompass Engineering
From: Bob Layton
CC: Huy Nguyen
Date: February 16, 2021
Re: 3804 Meadow Avenue – Tree Retention Issues
Dear Costa,
It is my understanding that the City is requiring justification for the removal of the two
significant trees and to identify why no alternatives are feasible.
As stated in my original report dated February 12th, 2020, “The health and stability of both of
the subject trees will be compromised by new development. Given the location of existing trees
within the site interior, the retention of either tree would dramatically impact the buildable
portion of the proposed lots”.
In addition, Tree #2 will be significantly impacted by the demolition of the existing house and
other improvements that are within a proximity of the tree trunk. The expected soil and root
disturbance is highly likely to trigger decline and compromise longevity of this isolated or open-
grown tree.
Considering long-term tree density and canopy coverage, the replacement of the two subject
trees with new trees would be most beneficial to the vicinity.
February 16, 2021 3804 –Tree Retention Issues
Page 2 LAYTON TREE CONSULTING, LLC
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Sincerely,
Bob Layton
Registered Consulting Arborist #670
ISA Certified Arborist #PN-2714A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
ARBORIST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, knowledge, training and experience to
examine and assess trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and
attempt to reduce the risks associated with living near trees. Clients may choose to accept or
disregard the recommendations of the arborist, or to seek additional advice.
Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to the structural failure of a
tree. Trees are living organisms that grow, respond to their environment, mature, decline and
sometimes 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 and/or safe under all
circumstances, or for a specified period of time. Likewise, remedial treatments, like any
medicine, cannot be guaranteed.
Treatment, pruning and removal of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the
arborist’s services such as property boundaries, property ownership, site lines, disputes
between neighbors, and other issues. Arborists cannot take such considerations into account
unless complete and accurate information is disclosed to the arborist. An arborist should then
be expected to reasonably rely upon the completeness and accuracy of the information
provided.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near trees is to accept some
degree of risk. The only way to eliminate all risk associated with trees is to eliminate all trees.