HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX1_TR_ArboristReport_220622_v11
Frank Rasmussen Level 1 Tree Assessment
Prepared For: Frank Rasmussen
1009 N 41st Pl Renton, WA 98056
Prepared By: Ryan M. Seeley
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: May 10, 2022
Contents: Introduction
Summary
Findings and Recommendations
Introduction
As requested by Frank Rasmussen, I visited the property of 1009 N 41st Pl Renton, WA
98056 on May 10, 2022, to report the measurements, health, and condition of a Red Sunset
Maple, Acer rubrum, on his property that he wishes to remove.
Summary
I provided an assessment of the Red Sunset Maple, Acer rubrum, located on the property
that was installed too close to the electrical box and has begun to lift the walkway as well as the
sidewalk in front of Mr. Rasmussen’s house. Mr. Rasmussen wishes to remove the tree to
prevent further damage to the sidewalk and walkway.
Findings and Recommendations
There was 1 tree in question on the property of 1009 N 41st Pl Renton, WA 98056. The
Red Sunset Maple, Acer rubrum, referred to in this report is at the time causing minor damage to
the concrete in front of the property but will continue to worsen in the coming years.
In my professional opinion the Red Sunset Maple, Acer rubrum, should be removed before it
continues to cause further damage or disruptions to utilities.
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Figure 1. Location of the tree referred to in this report.
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Figure 2. The Red Sunset Maple, Acer rubrum, Referred to in this report.
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Figure 3. The root system is beginning to life the walkway for Mr. Rasmussen and his wife
which has become a tripping hazard for them.
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Figure 4. The Red Sunset Maple, Acer rubrum, was also planted too close to underground
utilities such as electric and communication lines as well as water and irrigation. This poor
placement will inevitably interfere with the utilities.
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Figure 5. The Red Sunset Maple, Acer rubrum, is planted within 2 feet of the electrical box
which clearly states from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to have a minimum clearance of 12ft from
the front and 3ft from the sides of the box.
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Glossary
Arborist: A person possessing the technical competence through experience and related
training to provide for or supervise the management of trees or other woody plants in a landscape
setting.
Basic Level 2 Risk Assessment: A detailed visual inspection of a tree and its
surrounding site and a synthesis of the information collected.
Canopy/crown: Upper part of a tree bearing foliage, limbs, and branches, measured from
the lowest branch including all branches and foliage.
Co-dominant Stem: A structurally unstable branch union often associated with a high
risk of failure. A term used to describe two or more main stems (or "leaders") that are about the
same diameter and emerge from the same location on the main trunk.
Crown Cleaning: In pruning, the selective removal of dead, dying, diseased and broken
branches from the tree crown.
Diameter at Breast Height: A standard measurement of a tree most often taken at 4.5
feet from the base of the tree; however, this can vary depending if the tree has multiple trunks or
is growing on a slope.
Hazard Tree: A tree that meets all the following criteria:
a. Has a combination of structural defects and/or disease which makes it subject to a high
probability of failure;
b. Is in proximity to moderate to high frequency targets (persons or property that can be
damaged by tree failure); and
c. The hazard condition of the tree cannot be lessened with reasonable and proper
arboricultural practices nor can the target be removed.
Live Crown Ratio: The ratio of the size of a tree's live crown to its total height. Used in
estimating a tree’s health and its level of competition with neighboring trees.
Mechanical Damage: Trees are often wounded by careless use of yard equipment like
mowers, weed whackers, and other trimming equipment. These injuries cut through important
vascular tissue just inside the bark that can lead to decay and ultimately death of the tree. A ring
of natural mulch or arborist wood chips around the tree eliminates the need to trim or mow close
to the tree's base. Extreme care should be taken when digging up or tilling the soil under a tree.
Many large and small roots will be cut by such digging, especially if it occurs close to the trunk.
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Monitor: It is important to monitor mature trees on a regular schedule, at least once a year.
Monitoring would include a Visual Tree Assessment to look for changes in habit and structure,
and to document signs of weakness or decline in health and integrity of the trees.
Options for Mitigation of Risk Trees:
• Remove the risk altogether, if possible, by cutting off one or more branches, removing
dead wood, or possibly removing the entire tree. Extreme risk situations should be closed
off until the risk is abated.
• Modify the risk of failure probability. In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the
probability of failure by adding mechanical support in the form of cables braces or props.
• Modify the risk rating by moving the target. Risk ratings can sometimes be lowered by
moving the target so that there is a much lower probability of the defective part striking
anything. Moving the target should generally be seen as an interim measure.
• Retain and monitor. This approach is used where some defects have been noted but they
are not yet serious and the present risk level is only moderate.
• Convert those trees slated for removal into Wildlife Habitat Snags. Reduce the overall
height of the tree using natural fracture pruning techniques to heights relative to the
targets.
Pruning: Selective removal of woody plant parts of any size, using saws, pruners,
clippers, or other pruning tools. The reason for tree pruning may include, but is not limited to,
reducing risk, managing tree health and structure and/or improving aesthetics or achieving other
specific objectives. Pruning objectives should include pruning out all dead, diseased, weak
and/or broken branches in all tree canopies, and crown cleaning.
Snag or Habitat Snag: A standing, dead or dying tree, often missing a top or most of the
smaller branches important for wildlife in both natural and landscaped settings, occurring as a
result of disease, lightning, fire, animal damage, too much shade, drought, root competition, or
old age. May also be a component in slope stability and ongoing vegetation management
practices.
Threshold for Risk: Each individual is entitled to and can determine his or the own
threshold for risk. Threshold for risk is subjective, and can be influenced by a person’s view,
taste or opinion.
Topping: Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or to lateral
branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping include
“heading,” “tipping,” “hat-racking,” and “rounding over.” Topping is not a viable method of
height reduction and does not reduce future risk. In fact, topping will increase risk in the long
term. Topping is not considered an acceptable arboriculture practice.
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Urban Forestry: Management of naturally occurring and planted trees in urban areas.
Vigor: Overall health; the capacity to grow and resist physiological stress.
• Good: Shoot growth, leaf size and leaf color are typical of the tree age and species.
• Fair: Shoot growth, leaf size, and leaf color are below average for the tree age and
species. Some deadwood is evident in the crown. Treatment may be required to foster
improved future growth.
• Poor: Shoot growth, leaf size, and leaf color are highly stunted, and there is a significant
amount of dead twigs and branches in the crown.
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Waiver of Liability
There are many conditions affecting a tree’s health and stability which may be present but
cannot be ascertained such as root rot, previous or unexposed construction damage, internal cracks,
stem rot and more. Changes in circumstances and conditions can also cause a rapid deterioration of a
tree’s health and stability. Adverse weather conditions can dramatically affect the health and safety
of a tree in a very short amount of time. While I have used every reasonable means to examine this
plant, this evaluation represents my opinion of the tree health at this point in time. These findings do
not guarantee future safety nor are they predictions of future events.
The tree evaluation consists of an external visual inspection of an individual tree’s root flare,
trunk, and canopy from the ground only, unless otherwise specified. The inspection may also consist
of taking trunk or root soundings for sound comparisons to aid the evaluator in determining the
possible extent of decay within a tree. Soundings are only an aid to the evaluation process and do not
replace the use of other more sophisticated diagnostic tools for determining the extent of decay
within a tree.
As conditions change, it is the responsibility of the property owners to schedule additional
site visits by the ISA Certified Arborist. It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain all
required permits from city, county, state, or federal agencies. It is the responsibility of the property
owner to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions. If there is a
homeowner’s association, it is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with all Codes,
Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&R’s) that apply to tree pruning and tree removal.
This tree evaluation is to be used to inform and guide the client in the management of their
trees. This in no way implies that the evaluator is responsible for performing recommended actions
or using other methods or tools to further determine the extent of internal tree problems without
written authorization from the client. Furthermore, the evaluator in no way holds that the opinions
and recommendations are the only actions required to ensure that the tree will not fail. A second
opinion is recommended. The client shall hold the evaluator harmless for any and all injuries or
damages incurred if the evaluator’s recommendations are not followed or for acts of nature beyond
the evaluator’s reasonable expectations, such as severe winds, excessive rains, heavy snow loads, etc.
This report and all attachments, enclosures, and references are confidential and are for the
use of the client concerned. They may not be reproduced, used in any way, or disseminated in any
form without the prior consent of the client concerned and ISA Certified Arborist Ryan Seeley.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ryan Seeley (253)-266-5665
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified