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Anurag Singh Level 1 Tree Assessment
Prepared For: Anurag Singh
16018 SE 141st Pl Renton, WA 98059
Prepared By: Ryan Seeley
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: February 13, 2023
*Updated 6/26/2023 to include additional retained trees on property per Alex Morganroth
(Pages. 8-9)
Contents: Introduction
Summary
Findings and Recommendations
Introduction
As requested by Anurag Singh, I visited the property on February 13, 2023. I provided an
assessment of the trees located at 16018 SE 141st Pl Renton, WA 98059 to discuss the health,
condition, and concerns of two trees on the property.
Summary
I was contacted by Anurag Singh to report the measurements, health, and condition of two
trees on the property that have been a cause of concern. Our meeting was to determine the health,
condition, and measurements of the trees to assess the risk they would pose in the immediate to
near future as well as plans to replace with species better suited to such a flood prone area.
Findings and Recommendations
On the property of 16018 SE 141st Pl Renton, WA 98059 there are 2 significant trees, both
of which are in poor overall condition and 3 newly planted trees being retained. Mr. Singh is
requesting to remove the 2 dying trees (#1 & 2) as he has previously had them pruned to help
improve the overall health to no avail.
This area of the property is prone to heavy flooding due to the development of the lot and
poor drainage which is killing several of the native species surrounding the area not suited for such
over saturation.
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It was recommended in a response from City of Renton in 2021 that “Any trees removed
should be replaced like for like in a nearby location, 2-3” DBH specification.” However, those
installed trees have also died due to the site’s flooding issue that killed the previous trees and is
responsible for the decline of these two as well.
The size, health, and planned course of action for each tree is explained in further detail on
the Tree Inventory Matrix located on page 7.
In my professional opinion after observing the current property conditions and the history
of Mr. Singh’s attempts to remedy the situation to no avail I suggest that both trees #1 & 2 be
removed and replaced with species better suited for such an over saturated environment that may
also assist with greater filtration and disbursement of water preventing such severe flooding from
occurring in the first place.
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Figure 1. Location of trees referred to in this report
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Figure 2. Tree #1 Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, has almost no canopy left on the tree and
no significant limbs. Flooding and documented history of similar species’ dying in area.
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Figure 3. Tree #2, Big Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum, has considerable root rot affecting the
tree and sparse canopy. In such a poor environment for its species and its current condition it
does not have much time left before it is dead.
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Figure 4. Heavy flooding is a common occurrence in this area due to the poor drainage after
development of the surrounding properties.
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Anurag Singh, Level 2 Risk Assessment/Inventory
Prepared For: Anurag Singh
16018 SE 141st Pl Renton, WA 98059
Prepared By: Ryan Seeley
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: February 13, 2023
*Updated 6/26/2023 to include additional retained trees on property per Alex Morganroth
(Pages. 8-9)
Attachments: Tree Matrix with Comments and Action Item
Waiver of Liability
Contents: Introduction
Findings and Recommendations
Retention Calculations
Glossary
Introduction
As requested by Anurag Singh, I provided an assessment and inventory of the trees located
at 16018 SE 141st Pl Renton, WA 98059.
I was onsite on February 13, 2023, to measure and assess the conditions of the trees and to
create a tree matrix to include comments and action items for each tree in this stand. (Matrix
provided on page 7).
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Findings and Recommendations
Trees inventoried on the property of 16018 SE 141st Pl Renton, WA 98059 and recommended
actions are as follows:
1 Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii
1 Big Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum
Anurag Singh – (16018 SE 141st Pl) DATE 2/13/2023
Tree # Botanical Name Common Name DBH Vigor Structure Comments/Action Item
1 Pseudotsuga
menziesii Douglas Fir 20” Poor Fair
Sparse canopy for size, no
significant limbs.
Area has constant flooding
which is very poor conditions
for species.
Remove and replace.
2 Acer
macrophyllum
Big Leaf
Maple 40” Poor Fair
Sparse canopy, obvious
signs of root rot forming
which is not surprising
considering it is a flooded
area.
Remove and replace.
3 Acer var.
Ornamental
Maple
Variety
1” Good Good Retain and monitor
4 Acer
saccharum Sugar Maple 2” Fair Good Retain and monitor
5 Chamaecyparis
obtusa
Hinoki
Cypress 1” Good Good Retain and monitor
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Retention Calculations
Per Alex Morganroth, AICP, Senior Planner for City of Renton:
“Trees planted as part of the preliminary plat are considered significant, even if they’re
less than 6”, so we’d count any other trees on the property towards the minimum tree density.
The property is vested to the previous tree code that it was developed under, so is required to
have a minimum of two trees per 5,000 sq. ft. Based on the ~9,000 sq. ft. size of Mr. Singhs lot,
a total of four trees are required. In order to finish up this permit, I just need a plan showing a
minimum of four trees on the site, which can be a combination of new/replaced/existing trees.”
Tree # Botanical Name Common Name DBH Tree Credits
1 Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir 20” 0
2 Acer macrophyllum Big Leaf Maple 40” 0
3 Acer var. Ornamental Maple Variety 1” 1
4 Acer saccharum Sugar Maple 2” 1
5 Chamaecyparis obtusa Hinoki Cypress 1” 1
Total Retention Credits - - - 3
Replacement Credits
Necessary - - - 1
Mr. Singh would need to replace with 1 replacement trees that are a minimum of two-inch (2")
caliper deciduous trees, or evergreen trees at least six feet (6') tall
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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.
Codominant 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.
Urban Forestry: Management of naturally occurring and planted trees in urban areas.
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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
number 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