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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist_Report_and_Memo_230528_v1Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Certified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ) Journeyman Tree Trimmer ISA certified Arborist PN-6967A May 28, 2023 The Connor Homes Group, LLC Attn: Aron Golden 12600 SE 38th St, Suite 250 Bellevue, WA 98006 RE: Property Owner: Paula Chambers Property Owner: Theresa Bagnell Address: 13818 152nd Ave SE Address: 13929 154th Ave SE Renton, WA 98059 Renton, WA 98059 Parcel#: 1463400021 Parcel #: 1463400020 Lot Size: 131,551 sq ft Lot Size: 49,658 sq ft Dear Mr. Golden, ABC Herron Tree LLC is pleased to submit this report compiling the visual Tree Risk and Evaluation Assessments performed on trees located on parcels 1463400021 and 1463400020 per the King County Assessor as shown on the site map in my report. This project is referred to as “Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat.” Tree Inventory assessments were made in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Part 5 standards. Visual Tree Assessments is an outlined process in accordance with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program and is a recognized standard of care by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to evaluate tree health and risk. I have included a detailed report of my findings below, along with an inventory styled matrix covering overall tree measurement and characteristics. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Yours, Cody Herron Page 2 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Contents • Assignment • Personal qualifications, scope of work and methodology • Parcel Map • Tree Retention Plan Detail • Tree Assessment Matrix • Discussion and Conclusion • Tree Protection Plan • References • Waiver of Liability Assignment On May 17, 2023 I was contacted by Audrey Lee, Senior Land Project Coordinator for Conner Homes and asked to provide a report addressing the Hearing Examiner’s Decision Condition 6 for Preliminary Plat Permit LUA22-000122. The trees of concern are labeled per the original arborist report dated February 25, 2022 created by American Forestry Management. The specific trees of concern are trees 1-10 along the northern border of Lot 10 and Trees 97-101 on lots 5 and 6. Please refer to the map in Figure 2 and tree retention plan for specific locations. Personal qualifications, scope of work and methodology The knowledge I used to evaluate the trees comes from over 20 years of experience in the tree care industry, including two years of schooling from South Seattle Community College. I am a recognized Journeyman Tree trimmer through IBEW with 12 years of experience (International Brotherhood Electrical Workers). I also have 10 years’ experience as an ISA certified arborist, including six years working for Snohomish County PUD as an arborist I am also currently employed by King County as a Vegetation Specialist Arborist for the DOT. In addition, I have worked for Seattle City Light and Washington Department of Transportation in performing tree maintenance, mitigation and noxious weed control. In addition to my experience and ISA certification maintained and in good standing, I am also TRAQ certified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified). I have relied on my training in these areas to perform the duties outlined. I followed the protocol delineated by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for Level 2 and 1 Visual Assessment Process. By doing so I am examining each tree independently as well as collectively as groups or stands of trees provide stability and can lower risk of independent tree failure. This scientific process examines tree health (e.g., size, vigor, and insect and disease process) as well as site condition (soil, conditions nursery stumps, anaerobic conditions, compaction etc.). Page 3 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net A key part of tree risk assessment is to categorize the likelihood of failure, of one or more branches, the stem, or the roots. Visual assessment includes looking for and determining the significance of the defects and structural conditions. Some structural defects or conditions are more likely to lead to failure than others. Individual defects or conditions may not by themselves indicate a serious structural problem, but in combination with other conditions they may contribute to failure. All tree species have widely varying lifespans and tolerance capabilities to wound healing from damage caused by biotic and abiotic forces. Knowledge of failure patterns (Disease, lifespan, environmental conditions and species characteristics) associated with different species is critical in making effective reports. Page 4 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Parcel Map Figure 1 This shows the two parcels per the King County Assessor map. Page 5 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Tree Retention Plan Detail Figure 2 Page 6 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Tree Species DBH (in) Drip (ft) CRZ (ft) Condition Structure Risk Pres. Value Recommendations 1-10 Western red cedar Thuja plicata See original report See original report See original report 4 good 3 Fair Low N/A Tree Retention see discussion below. These trees are in a row on the north western border. All the trees are of a young age no greater than 50 feet in height. All of these trees should survive construction impacts as detailed in the existing plan. Page 7 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Tree Species DBH (in) Drip (ft) CRZ (ft) Condition Structure Risk Pres. Value Recommendations 97-101 Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii See original report See original report See original report 3 Fair 4 Good Low N/A Tree Removal see discussion below This is a small grove of 5 trees located near an old dilapidated shed type structure. Page 8 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 1 Figure 3 This photo shows a critical root of about 4” at a distance of 10’ away from Tree #97. Page 9 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 2 Figure 4 This photo shows several excavations near and into the building foot print. Some of these excavations reveal critical roots within the proposed site building area. Page 10 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 3 Figure 5 This photo shows an excavation of the critical root flare of tree 97 facing the and heading out in the south direction. All trees 97-101 have roots that are facing in the south direction with the exception of Tree #98 which was indiscernible. Page 11 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 4 Figure 6 This photo shows several non-invasive excavations near the trees standing on the south side. Some were conducted at 6.5’ and around the base to expose root flares. Page 12 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 5 Figure 7 This photo shows the trees standing on the south side looking north. Tree 97 Tree 98 Tree 99 Tree 100 Tree 101 Page 13 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 6 Figure 8 This photo shows Trees 97-101. There is a large pile of dead limbs from Tree # 100 stacked next to the tree. Large limb pile from previous limb failures. Page 14 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 7 Figure 9 This photo shows the canopies of trees 97-101. Tree #100 has some significant limb die back with canker presence. Tree #100 with die-back Page 15 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 8 Figure 10 This photo shows a good example of the grove setting that is in place here. This is taken standing south looking north. Page 16 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Photo 9 Figure 11 This photo shows the trees standing from the north side looking south. Tree 101 Tree 100 Tree 99 Tree 98 Tree 97 Page 17 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Discussion and Conclusion I arrived on site at 10:00am on May 25, 2023. I was granted permission to access the property by the nanny who was attending several children. I made several visual observations and also made level 2 observations including measurements and root reconnaissance. Holes were backfilled as to prevent tripping hazards upon conclusion. Only trees 97-101 and 1-10 were examined for potential impacts during grading activities as proposed by a provided site plan. There is already a detailed arborist report that compiles basic tree information and identification as provided by American Forestry Management dated February 25, 2022. Because many of the roots are underground the extent of root locations are not practical to determine without more extreme methods that are not currently covered, under my scope of work and detail. Some more extensive methods for determining root locations can be exercised and may include, but are not limited to, root exposure with air spade excavation. More extensive hand excavation could also could reveal more detailed information on root locations in correlations to proposed site plan, but this would be a significant cost and time allocation, which in my opinion would likely not be feasible. My proposal and recommendations outlined below are more practical in regards to time and cost, for how to deal with these trees during grading activities. I will recommend that Tree # 97-101 as outlined in the Tree Assessment Matrix above be removed to help protect the new housing construction and to prevent future problems. These mostly mature trees with the exception of tree #98, are found to have critical roots well within the building area limitations mark. Tree # 100 has significant die back, with the presence of canker on many of the limbs. There is also a pile of dead limb shed from historical limb failure next to this tree. Photos of roots and root flares can be seen above. There were several root flares identified with critical roots extending south. These roots are mostly in the upper 22-18” of soil profile. Some of the critical roots were found within 10’ from the trunks on the south side. This would put the tree’s critical root zone (CRZ) well within the proposed site development. Encroachments from the foundational foot print and soil compaction from nearby construction will likely cause decline. Root pruning would also be very risky due to wind firmness. In Appendix A: of Managing Trees During Construction Second Edition Relative Tolerance of Selected Species of Development Impact (Adapted from Matheny and Clark, 1998) Douglas fir tree have a Poor to Good rating of tolerance. Because these trees are mature, I would rate them closer to Poor tolerance to this type of activity. Although these trees are in a small grove there is no wind buffer to help protect these trees. In my professional opinion this would make all of these trees unviable for retention, and problematic for future development if left standing. Page 18 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net For Trees # 1-10, I will recommend that an arborist be present onsite during excavation near these trees or inside of their proposed tree protection areas or Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). Generally, most species of trees can withstand moderate levels of root pruning if done properly. In Appendix A: of Managing Trees During Construction Second Edition Relative Tolerance of Selected Species of Development Impact (Adapted from Matheny and Clark, 1998) Western red cedar tree species have a range of tolerance of moderate. If roots encountered are 2” and greater proper pruning and evaluation should be observed per instance of encounter. This is to provide proper root pruning if needed and or to provide a tree risk assessment if the tree is determined suffer from extensive root loss that may require removal. These trees should also have very limited access in their respective TPZ zones. Trees with impacts from grading should have native soils returned to trenching areas to greatest extent possible and mulching on top should they be deemed viable after work is complete. I would also recommend that these trees receive 25 gallons of water per week per tree during the drier parts of the year during construction phases. Tree Protection Plan The tree protection measures should be followed as outlined in the original arborist report dated February 25, 2022, and per the instructions on pages 24 and 25 in the United States Department of Agriculture Tree Owner’s Manual (Adapted to the City of Renton) available on the city’s website at Tree Owner's Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, NA-FR-04=07 (civiclive.com) Please see the following pages for applicable excerpts from this document. Page 19 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Figure 12 Page 24 of the Tree Owner’s Manual. Page 20 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Figure 13 Page 25 of the Tree Owner’s Manual. Page 21 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net References: ANSI Z133.1-2000 ANSI A300 (Pat 1) – 2008 American National Standards Institute. ANSI A300 part 5 & BMP Managing Trees During Construction second edition 2016 Kelby Fite, Thomas Smiley. American National standard for Tree Care Operations: Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance: Standard Practices (Pruning). New yok: Tree Care Industry Association, 2008. Coder, Dr. Kim D. Construction Damage Assessments: Tree and Sites. University of Georgia. October 1996. Ashley, Burl S. 1980 Reference handbook for foresters. USDA NA-FR-15. 35 pp. 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.Prince, Susan Duvall Visual Tree Assessment Feb 2018. 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 1999. USDA Regions 6 Root Diseases in Oregon and Washington Conifers James S. Hadfield, Donald J. Goheen, Gregory M. Filip, Craig L. Schmitt, Robert D. Harvey Page 22 of 22 Maple Highlands (aka Chambers Plat) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Waiver of Liability There are many conditions affection a tree’s health and stability, which may be present and cannot be ascertained, such as, root rot, previous or unexposed construction damage, internal cracks, stem rot and more which may be hidden. Changes in circumstances and conditions can also cause a rapid deterioration of a trees’ health and stability. Adverse amount of time. While I have used every reasonable means to examine these trees, 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. 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 matter legal in character. Any and all property is appraised or evaluated as though free and clear, under responsible ownership and competent management the tree evaluation consists of an external visual inspection of an individual tree’s root flare, trunk, and canopy from the ground. Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as possible; however, the consultant/appraiser can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of information provided by others. Sketches, maps, 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. As conditions change, it is the responsibility of the property owners to schedule additional site visits by the necessary professionals to ensure that the long-term success of the project is insured. It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain all required permits form city, county state, for 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 authorizations 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 of damages incurred if the evaluator’s recommendations are not followed of for acts of nature beyond the evaluator’s reasonable expectations, such as severer winds, excessive rains, heavy snow loads, etc. 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 This report and all attachments, enclosures, and references, are confidential and are for the use of the client concerned. Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. They may not be reproduced, used in any way of dispersed in any form without the prior consent of the client concerned and ABC Herron Tree LLC. This report constitutes a whole. No single piece of part can be used without the entire text. Any use or restricted copying nullifies the entire report.