HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist_Report_Windstone_230522_v1CASCARA TREE CONSULTING
ARBORIST REPORT
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TO: Windstone HOA
REFERENCE: Japanese Maple Assessment
SITE ADDRESS: Parcel #: 8029770520
DATE: 5/22/2023
PREPARED BY: Katie Hogan, ISA Certified Arborist PN-8078A ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Scope of Work
This memo documents the May 10, 2023 assessment of one Red Emperor Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
located on a vacant parcel within the Windstone HOA in Renton, Washington (Photo 1). The parcel is currently a
small park used by HOA residents. The tree was last assessed in 2019 by Creative Landscape Solutions. This
memo includes an updated health and structural assessment of the tree and recommendations for
management.
Observations & Discussion
The Japanese maple tree is in a state of decline with multiple severe defects. The canopy in the northeast
quadrant of the tree is nearly dead with several branches and large scaffolds that are entirely dead. The
easternmost trunk which measured approximately 10 inches diameter failed in a past ice storm and left a large
wound at the point of failure (Photo 2). There are three additional trunks remaining measuring between 10 to
14 inches diameter which are all connected at the base of the tree (Photos 3, 4). The attachment points of these
trunks include substantial included bark that is weakly attached with minimal holding wood. Visible areas of
decayed wood are also visible along several branches and minimal new response growth was present, indicating
the wood is likely in a progressive state of decay (Photos 5, 6).
I observed brittle cinder fungus (Kretzschmaria deusta) on both the north and south sides of the trunk at the soil
level (Photos 7, 8). This fungus was active as observed by the new fungus emerging. Brittle cinder fungus is a
root and trunk rot that predominantly decays the cellulose in trees, leaving behind the more brittle lignin wood
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and increasing the chance of failure or breakage.1 Due to this, the likelihood of these remaining trunks failing is
high.
I dug a hole approximately 1 foot from the base of the tree and identified a large quantity of rhizomorphs from
the root decay fungus Armillaria spp. (Photos 9, 10). This fungus was also evident closer to the base of the trunk.
Armillaria is a common fungus globally and throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a soil-borne pathogen that
spreads from root-to-root contact. This fungus infects live wood, typically beginning with tree roots, and can
lead to decayed and weakened wood.2
The south and west portions of the tree canopy still have some healthy foliage with two sections that are
notably dying back. The overall leaf size appears to be smaller than normal for this species. Based on the foliar
dieback observed in other sections of the tree, it is likely this section of the canopy will begin to decline over
time.
Conclusions & Recommendations
Overall, this tree has a low life expectancy of 5 to 10 years maximum and planning for removal and replacement
should begin. Attached to this report is the required documentation to submit a permit to the City of Renton
including a Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form and Tree Inventory & Site Map of additional trees on the parcel.
I recommend removing the tree and grinding the stump down as much as possible to remove potentially
infected tree parts. Both above-mentioned fungi can remain persistent in the soil, however, with proper planting
and maintenance the likelihood of infecting new plants is relatively low. I recommend replanting with at least
two new Japanese maple trees, depending on space available, to honor and commemorate this tree if desired.
The new trees should be spaced at least 10 to 15 feet apart to allow for the canopy to spread as the trees
mature. See more information on proper tree planting in this article by Trees Are Good.
To prepare the soil for the future trees and reduce the likelihood of fungal spread, I recommend adding a 3-inch
layer of coarse wood chip mulch throughout the future planting area. This mulch could be added during the
summer in preparation for the new tree planting in the fall. Woodchip mulch helps to add nutrients to the soil as
it slowly decomposes, improves water infiltration, and moderates soil temperatures throughout the year.3
After the tree trees are installed, regular maintenance will be required to ensure establishment and long-term
survival. New trees should be watered for a minimum of three years after installation. During particularly warm
years and periods of prolonged dryness supplemental watering should be applied. The preferred method of
watering trees is drip irrigation systems which allow for long and deep watering. Sprinkler systems are less
effective as the water typically evaporates from the soil surface before infiltrating down into the root system.
For more information on recommended watering review the Pacific Northwest ISA webpage.
1 Brazee, N.J. (2019) ‘Root and Butt Rot caused by Kretzschmaria deusta’, Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. UMass
Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, November. Available at: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-
sheets/root-butt-rot-caused-by-kretzschmaria-deusta. 2 Brazee, N.J. (2017) ‘Armillaria Root and Butt Rot’, Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. UMass Extension Landscape,
Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, December. Available at: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/armillaria-root-butt-
rot.
3 Chalker-Scott, L. (2007) Wood chip mulch: Landscape Boon or Bane? Available at:
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/wood-chips.pdf.
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This tree is estimated to be between 40 to 50 years old, however, you could determine the exact age of the tree
when it is cut down and preserve some of the wood for a plaque or sign.
Recommendations
1) Submit permit to City of Renton to obtain permission to remove the Japanese Maple tree.
2) Remove tree and have contractor grind down the stump as much as possible.
3) Prepare soil for future planting by gently raking the existing topsoil and placing a 3-inch layer of coarse
woodchip mulch within the planting area.
4) Replant with two new Japanese Maple trees in the Fall of 2023 (typically October).
5) Follow maintenance recommendations for ensuring establishment and survival of new trees.
Attachments
1) Photographs
2) Glossary
3) References
4) Inspection Methods
5) Appendix A – Assumptions & Limiting Conditions
6) Appendix B – Certification of Performance
7) Site Map
8) Tree Inventory Table
9) Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form
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PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo 1. Looking north toward subject Japanese Maple tree
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Photo 2. Location of past trunk failure with notable included bark and armillaria
rhizomorphs
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Photo 3. Structure of remaining trunks with included bark and minimal holding wood
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Photo 4. Area of included bark between dominant trunks that has a higher likelihood of failure
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Photo 5. Typical branch and trunk decay with minimal response growth
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Photo 6. Saprophytic mushrooms emerging from dead sections on trunks
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Photos 7 & 8. Fresh growth of brittle cinder Fungus emerging from north side of trunk (left). Older brittle cinder fungus present for
identification purposes (right)
Photos 9 & 10. Armillaria rhizomorphs present on south side of trunk.
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Photos 11 & 12. Potential targets in the event of failure. Path with park users (left) and residents using park bench (right)
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Photo 13. Potential targets to north. Residents using sidewalk and driving or parked vehicles along high use road.
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GLOSSARY
ANSI A300: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for tree care
Chlorotic: discoloration caused by lack of chlorophyll in the foliage
Codominant Stems: two or more stems (or leaders) of relatively similar size that emerge from the same location
on the main trunk (Gilman, 2002)
Conifer: a tree that bears cones and has evergreen needles or scales
Crown: the above ground portion of the tree comprised of branches and their foliage
Crown raise pruning: a pruning technique where the lower branches are removed, thus raising the overall
height of the crown from the ground
DBH or DSH: diameter at breast or standard height; the diameter of the trunk measured 54 inches (4.5 feet)
above grade
Deciduous: tree or other plant that loses its leaves annually and remains leafless generally during the cold
season
Epicormic: arising from latent or adventitious buds
Evergreen: tree or plant that keeps its needles or leaves year-round; this means for more than one growing
season Increment: the amount of new wood fiber added to a tree in a given period, normally one year.
ISA: International Society of Arboriculture
Landscape function: the environmental, aesthetic, or architectural functions that a plant can have
Lateral: secondary or subordinate branch
Limits of disturbance: The boundary of minimum protection around a tree, the area that cannot be encroached
upon without possible permanent damage to the tree. It is a distance determined by a qualified professional and
is based on the age of the tree, its health, the tree species tolerance to disruption and the type of disturbance.
It also considers soil and environmental condition and previous impacts. It is unique to each tree in its location.
Limited visual assessment: a visual assessment from a specified perspective such as foot, vehicle, or aerial
(airborne) patrol of an individual tree or a population of trees near specified targets to identify specified
conditions or obvious defects (ISA 2013)
Live crown ratio: the percentage of living tissue in the canopy versus the tree’s height. It is a good indicator of
overall tree health and the trees growing conditions. Trees with less than a 30% crown ratio often lack the
necessary quantity of photosynthetic material to sustain the roots; consequently, the tree may exhibit low vigor
and poor health
Monitoring: keeping a close watch; performing regular checks or inspections
Owner/manager: the person or entity responsible for tree management or the controlling authority that
regulates tree management
Pathogen: causal agent of disease
Phototropic growth: growth toward light source or stimulant
ROW: right-of-way; generally referring to a tree that is located offsite on a city easement
Reaction wood: specialized secondary xylem which develops in response to a lean or similar mechanical stress,
it serves to help restore the stem to a vertical position
Self-corrected lean: a tree whose trunk is at an angle to the grade but whose trunk and canopy changes to
become upright/vertical
Significant tree: a tree measuring a specific diameter determined by the municipality the tree grows in. Some
municipalities deem that only healthy trees can be significant, other municipalities consider both healthy and
unhealthy trees of a determined diameter to be significant
Snag: a tree left partially standing for the primary purpose of providing habitat for wildlife
Soil structure: the size of particles and their arrangement; considers the soil, water, and air space
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Sounding: process of striking a tree with a mallet or other appropriate tool and listening for tones that indicate
dead bark, a thin layer of wood outside a cavity, or cracks in wood
Structural defects: flaws, decay, or other faults in the trunk, branches, or root collar of a tree, which may lead to
failure; may be genetic, or environmental
Tree credit: a number assigned to a tree by a municipality that may be equal to the diameter of the tree or a
numerical count of the tree, or related to diameter by a factor conveyed in a table of the municipal code
Trunk area: the cross-sectional area of the trunk based upon measurement at 54 inches (4.5 ft.) above grade
Visual Tree Assessment (VTA): method of evaluating structural defects and stability in trees by noting the
pattern of growth. Developed by Claus Mattheck (Harris, et al 1999) detailed visual inspection of a tree and
surrounding site that may include the use of simple tools. It requires that a tree risk assessor walk completely
around the tree trunk looking at the site, aboveground roots, trunk, and branches (ISA 2013)
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REFERENCES
Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture,
Propagation, and Uses. Champaign: Stipes Publishing Company, 1990.
Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. Assessing Trees in Urban Areas and the Urban-Rural
Interface. US Release 1.0. Silverton: Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA, 2006.
Dunster, J. A. 2003. Preliminary Species Profiles for Tree Failure Assessment. Bowen Island: Dunster & Associates
Environmental Consultants Ltd.
Dunster, Julian A., E. Thomas Smiley, Nelda Matheny and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment Manual.
Champaign, Illinois: International Society of Arboriculture, 2013.
Harris, Richard W, James Clark, and Nelda Matheny. Arboriculture, Integrated Management of Landscape Trees,
Shrubs, and Vines. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2004.
Lilly, Sharon. Arborists’ Certification Study Guide. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture,
2001.
Matheny, Nelda and Clark, James R. A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas.
Second Edition. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 1994.
Matheny, Nelda and Clark, James R. Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees During
Land Development. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 1998.
Mattheck, Claus and Breloer, Helge. The Body Language of Trees: A Handbook for Failure Analysis. London:
HMSO, 1994
Schwarze, Francis W.M.R. Diagnosis and Prognosis of the Development of Wood Decay in Urban Trees. Australia:
ENSPEC Pty Ltd. 2008
Sinclair, Wayne A., Lyon, Howard H., and Johnson, Warren T. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs. Ithaca, New York:
Cornell University Press, 1987.
Smiley, E. Thomas, Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices, ANSI
A300 Part 9: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management—Standard Practices (Tree Risk Assessment: Tree
Structure Assessment). The International Society of Arboriculture Press. Champaign. IL. 2011.
Thies, Walter G. and Sturrock, Rona N. Laminated root rot in Western North American. United States
Department of Agriculture. Pacific Northwest. Resource Bulletin PNW-GTR-349. April 1995.
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INSPECTION METHODS
I performed a Level 2 Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) for each tree. I visually inspected the tree from the ground,
walking around the tree to inspect for any basal defects. I then positioned myself further from the tree, looking
up into the crown and branches for any notable defects and symptoms of canopy decline.
Using the VTA method, I rated the health and structural condition of each tree. This inspection method is an
international industry standard for assessing trees from the ground level and identifies external signs of decay,
physical damage, growth related defects, and abnormal or declining foliage. Tree health and structure are each
assigned their own condition rating. The following ratings are used:
Poor: Lacking a full crown, with more than 50% decline and dieback that especially affects larger branches.
Low life expectancy for the species.
Fair: Crown decline and dieback up to 30% of the canopy. Below-average life expectancy for the species.
Good: Imperfect canopy density in 10% or less of the tree. Typical life expectancy for the species.
Excellent: Perfect specimen with excellent form and vigor, along with a well-balanced crown. Exceptional
life expectancy for the species.
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APPENDIX A - ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITING CONDITIONS
1) Any legal description provided to the consultant/appraiser is assumed to be correct. Any titles and
ownerships to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. No responsibility is assumed for
matters legal in character. Any and all property is appraised or evaluated as though free and clear, under
responsible ownership and competent management.
2) It is assumed that any property is not in violation of any applicable codes, ordinances, statutes or other
governmental regulations.
3) The assessment in this report is based on information and data from sources believed to be reliable,
correct, and accurately reported. No responsibility is assumed for false or misleading information provided
by others.
4) The consultant/appraiser shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of the report
unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made including payment of an additional fee for such
services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement.
5) Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report.
6) Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by any
other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of
the consultant/appraiser.
7) Neither all nor any part of the contents of the report, nor copy thereof, shall be conveyed by anyone,
including the client to the public through advertising, public relations, news, sales or other media, without
the prior expressed written or verbal consent of the consultant/appraiser – particularly as to value
conclusions, identity of the consultant/appraiser, or any reference to any professional society or instate or
to any initialed designation conferred upon the consultant/appraiser as stated in her qualification.
8) The report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of the consultant/appraiser, and the
consultant’s/appraiser’s fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, a stipulated
result, the occurrence of subsequent event, nor upon any finding to be reported.
9) Sketches, diagrams, graphs, and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aid, are not necessarily
to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or survey.
10) Unless expressed otherwise: 1) information contained in this report covers only those items that were
examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection; and 2) the inspection is
limited to visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, probing or coring. There is
not warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the plants or property in
question may not arise in the future.
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APPENDIX B - CERTIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE
I, Katie Hogan, certify that:
• I have personally inspected the trees on the property referenced in this report and the statements of
fact contained in this report are true and correct.
• I have no present or prospective interest in the property that is the subject of this report, and I have no
personal interest with respect to the parties involved.
• The reported analysis, opinions, and conclusions are my personal, unbiased professional analysis,
opinions, and conclusions.
• My analysis, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared according to
commonly accepted arboricultural best practices.
• No individuals or organizations have provided significant assistance with the preparation of this report,
except those named in the report.
• My compensation for completing this assignment is not contingent upon the development or reporting
of a predetermined outcome or direction that favors the cause of the client, the results of the
assessment, or the occurrence of any subsequent events.
Signed:
Cascara Tree Consulting, LLC
Client: Windstone HOASite Address: Parcel #: 80297705205/22/2023Page 1 of 1Tree Inventory TablePrepared By: Cascara Tree ConsultingTree No. Scientific Name Common Name Adjusted DBH (inches)Health Structural Proposed Action Notes/DefectsAAcer palmatumJapanese Maple 20.9 Poor PoorRemoveSee Arborist Memo1Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 15.0 Good Good Retain2Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain3Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 11.0 Good Good Retain4Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 12.0 Good Good Retain5Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain6Sequoiadendron giganteumGiant Sequoia 50.0 Good Good Retain7Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain8Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 16.0 Good Good Retain9Stewartia pseudocamelliaJapanese stewartia 6.0 Good Good Retain10Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 13.0 Good Good Retain11Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 14.0 Good Good Retain12Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 18.0 Good Good Retain13Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 15.0 Good Good Retain14Thuja plicataWestern Redcedar 17.0 Good Good RetainCascara Tree Consulting