HomeMy WebLinkAbout25_TR _Arborist Report-2023-09-24
April 25, 2021, July 19, 2023, updated September 24, 2023
Rise Works LLC
Shekhar Chandra
Via email: Shekhar@riseworksllc.com
SUBJECT: PROPERTY AT 463 AIRPORT WAY - RENTON, WA
TREE REPORT
Dear Shekhar,
I conducted the initial site visit in April 2021. With new ownership, I conducted a follow-
up site visit at the above-referenced site in May 2023 to re-evaluate the overall health of
each tree per the City of Renton's Municipal Code Section 4-4-130. Following are the
existing significant trees found on the site along with their species, dbh, drip line
(radius), overall health. See also Landscape Plan Sheet L-1.
4 significant trees were identified and assessed in the right-of-way adjacent to the
property. No existing trees are on the site. The species list is below. According to City of
Renton code, a significant tree is a “tree with a caliper of at least six inches (6”), or an
Alder or Cottonwood tree with a caliper of at least eight inches (8”). Trees planted within
the most recent ten (10) years shall qualify as significant trees, regardless of the actual
caliper.”
Each tree in this report was visited. Tree diameters were measured by the myself and
are shown in the table below and on the tree retention plan. Each tree was visually
examined for defects and vigor. The tree assessment procedure involves the
examination of many factors:
- The crown of the tree is examined for current vigor. This is comprised of
inspecting the crown (foliage, buds and branches) for color, density, form, and
annual shoot growth, limb dieback and disease. The percentage of live crown is
estimated for coniferous species only and scored appropriately.
- The bole or main stem of the tree is inspected for decay, which includes cavities,
wounds, fruiting bodies of decay (conks or mushrooms), seams, insects,
bleeding, callus development, broken or dead tops, structural defects and
unnatural leans. Structural defects includes crooks, forks with V-shaped
crotches, multiple attachments, and excessive sweep.
- The root collar and roots are inspected for the presence of decay, insects, and/or
damage, as well as if they have been injured, undermined or exposed, or original
grade has been altered.
A ‘viable’ tree is “a significant tree that a qualified professional has determined to be in
good health, with a low risk of failure due to structural defects, is wind firm if isolated or
remains as part of a grove, and is a species suitable for its location.” Tree considered
‘non-viable’ are trees that are in poor condition due to disease, age-related decline,
have significant decay issues and/or cumulative structural defects, which exacerbate
failure potential.
TREE MAP
TREE RETENTION CALCULATION
The four (4) significant trees that were identified are located within the Airport Way right-
of-way. A fifth tree was identified and located because it might affect the proposed
development. This is Tree #005. The project is comprised of separate parcels. The west
parcels are Commercial Arterial (CA) and the eastern parcel is Center Downtown (CD).
The city’s tree retention requirements have been updated since the issue of the initial
tree report. See tree retention plan for additional information.
SIGNIFICANT TREES ON SITE
TREE # SPECIES DBH DRIP LINE HEALTH REMOVED / RETAIN
001 Norway Maple 24" 20' dia. Ok Retain, Right of way
002 Norway Maple 22" 20' dia. Good Retain, Right of way
003 Norway Maple 20" 20' dia. Good Retain, Right of way
004 Norway Maple 14" 15’ dia. Ok Retain, Right of way
005 Flowering Plum 8” 15’ dia. Ok Offsite
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Tree #001: High rootball at base. The existing grade raises somewhat around the base
of the trunk. Any future sidewalk should take this into consideration. Ivy growing on the
trunk and should be removed. Overall good health but somewhat thin canopy.
Tree #002: High rootball at base. The existing grade raises somewhat around the base
of the trunk. Any future sidewalk should take this into consideration. Ivy growing on the
trunk. Old duplicate leader now co-dominant.
Tree #003: Excellent specimen. High rootball at base. The existing grade raises
somewhat around the base of the trunk. Any future sidewalk should take this into
consideration.
Tree #004: Thin canopy and broken interior limb. Looks like drought stress or other
environmental stresses. Estimated to have been planted at the same time as the other
trees in the immediate vicinity. Tree is in Ok shape as compared to the adjacent trees.
Tree #005: Tree is in good shape. I don’t expect the proposed development to affect
this tree.
POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS:
Trees #001, #002, and #003 have root flares that are higher than the adjacent grade. It
is estimated that the proposed sidewalk will not affect the root flare as the new sidewalk
is in generally the same location as the proposed sidewalk. The proposed driveway has
the potential to impact Trees #002 and #003. Some excavation will occur within the
critical root zone of the trees in order to construct the driveway. To minimize potential
impacts during construction, the landscape architect will be onsite during the time of
demolition and grading activities to inspect roots that become exposed. The general
contractor will be directed to hand-cut any tree roots larger than 2” diameter that are
exposed. Cut tree roots will be covered with damp towel if they are to be left exposed
for more than 24 hours. If portions of the root flare would be left exposed, landscape
architect may determine that a short retaining wall should be installed to protect the
exposed root mass.
If it is determined that a significant percentage of structural roots would be removed as
part of the proposed construction, landscape architect may recommend that that tree be
removed.
Tree #4 does not have the raised root flare but will also be inspected during
construction activities.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY:
There is no warranty suggested for any of the trees subject to this report.
Respectfully,
Jeff Varley
Landscape Architect
Varley Varley Varley
19819 30th Drive SE
Bothell, WA 98012