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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.