HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist_Report_240514_v1
May 9, 2024
Mr. Ryenl Elves
207 Garden Ave. N.
Renton, Wa. 98055
Re: Arborist Report
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Elves,
This report explains and follows through with the findings described in the Tree Risk
Assessment Forms that were completed April 3rd.
As described in those forms, the two trees of concern are the white poplar and the Lombardy
poplar located on the south boundary of your home. Both are within 3 feet of the fence, within
13 feet of both your and your neighbor’s homes, and within reach of the road, driveways of 3
homes, patio deck, garage and storage buildings, and your back shed and fence.
Due to the rather notorious habit of all trees in the Populus family of shedding large limbs and
tops at all times of the year, including wind and snow events as well as mid-summer warm days,
the primary failure risk of top or branch failure never really abates. Predicting which limbs or
tops may fail is impossible, and to make these trees ‘safe’ would require reducing them to poles.
The limbs on the white poplar extend 25 feet over the neighbor’s house, making reduction or
‘safety’ pruning impractical.
Both trees are over 125 feet tall, so any top breakage has a very low likelihood of dropping into
any space unoccupied by buildings. Though healthy, these problems will only worsen as they
get larger, taller and wider. They must be removed to reduce the numerous risks they present
throughout the year. Though sizable at 28 and 34 inches in diameter, the presence of a 26 inch
Douglas-fir in the back yard will suffice to maintain the property’s tree credit quota.
Respectfully submitted,
Bryce Landrud
I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232A, Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
P.O. Box 1847
Auburn, WA 98071-1847
Office 253-288-TREE (8733)
FAX: 253.838.2534
www.thunderingoak.com
January 10th, 2024
City of Renton
To:
City of Renton
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
From:
Melissa Schaffer & Ryen Elves
207 Garden Ave N
Renton, WA 98057
Site Address: 207 Garden Ave N, Renton WA 98057
Dear Planning Review Team,
This letter is in regard to the Routine Vegetation Management Permit at 207 Garden
Ave N, Parcel #7564600270.
Project Narrative:
We are writing to respectfully request your intervention and support in the matter of two
landmark trees - a Poplar and a Cottonwood - located on our property at 207 Garden
Avenue North, Renton, WA. My family and I built our home here in 2022, cherishing the
natural beauty of the area while recognizing our responsibilities as stewards of the
environment.
Upon moving in, we recognized potential risks associated with these two large trees. In
compliance with the City of Renton's regulations, as detailed in the "Tree Cutting and
Land Clearing Handout" (August 2023), we engaged an ISA certified arborist to assess
these trees. The arborist's report identified them as "high-risk," citing concerns that align
with the criteria set forth in the aforementioned city document. However, the report's
findings were not accepted by the City's arborist, who had previously designated these
trees as landmark trees.
Since then, the trees have caused considerable physical damage to the surrounding
structures. This includes the accumulation of hundreds of pounds of cotton seed,
leaves, and branches on roofs, gutters, and yards. More critically, they have significantly
impeded solar access, directly impacting potential energy savings and our commitment
to sustainable living.
Our experience thus far demonstrates a scenario wherein the trees, originally a symbol
of natural beauty, have become a source of continuous damage and an obstacle to eco-
friendly practices. This situation appears to be in conflict with the spirit of the city's
regulations, which aim to balance environmental preservation with the safety and well-
being of its residents.
Therefore, we kindly request the Renton Planning Review Team to:
1. Review the decision made by the City Arborist in the context of ongoing physical
damage and environmental concerns associated with these trees.
2. Consider the findings of the ISA certified arborist report, which clearly marks
these trees as high-risk.
3. Grant permission for the removal of these trees, in line with the provisions for
high-risk trees outlined in the "Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Handout."
We understand and respect the importance of preserving landmark trees. However, in
this unique case, their removal is essential for the safety of our property and aligns with
Renton's commitment to sustainable practices. Replacement trees will be planted.
We are willing to comply with all necessary regulations and procedures in this regard
and are open to discussing this matter further with the relevant city officials.
Thank you for considering this petition. We both look forward to a resolution that
prioritizes both the safety of Renton residents and the city's environmental goals.
Sincerely,
Melissa Schaffer & Ryen Elves
January 10th, 2024
To:
City of Renton
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
From:
Melissa Schaffer & Ryen Elves
207 Garden Ave N
Renton, WA 98057
Site Address: 207 Garden Ave N, Renton WA 98057
Dear Planning Review Team,
This letter is in regard to the Routine Vegetation Management Permit at 207 Garden
Ave N, Parcel #7564600270.
Tree Retention/Land Clearing Plan:
We are proposing the following plan for two trees on our property
The following are the details and proposal for two trees currently located on our
property:
Tree #2) A Populus trichocarpe (Cottonwood) with a DBH of 30 inches. It is 120 feet tall
and has a spread of 60 feet and a live crown ratio of 95%. Cottonwood 1 has been
previously topped and has 3 large leads that extend up to 60 ft to the total height of 120
ft. Leads are over the neighbors house (south) causing roof damage along with root
structure, spreading causing damage.
Our proposal: remove the tree that has been reported dangerous and replace it with a
native and intercity-approved tree.
Tree #4) A Populus nigra (Lombardy Poplar) with a DBH of 32 inches. It is 120 feet tall
and has a spread of 40 feet and a live crown ratio of 95%. Poplar 4 has girdling roots,
leads growing out over both sides of the property and large roots.
Our proposal: remove the tree that has been reported dangerous and replace it with a
native and intercity-approved tree.
Tree #5) Heritage Douglas fur in NW corner of lot. Our proposal: Keep the tree.
Sincerely,
Melissa Schaffer & Ryen Elves
#2 #4
Overhanging our neighbor’s roof and causing damage
Example of continuous tree debris accumulation in
roof gutters (year round)
Tree #5
King County Assessor's Office, King County GIS Center, King County, King county Assessor's Office,King County GIS Center
King County
Date: 1/6/2024
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King County Assessor's Office, King County GIS Center, King County, King county Assessor's Office,King County GIS Center
King County
Date: 1/6/2024
The information included on this map has been compiled by King County staff from a variety of sources and is subject to changewithout notice. King County makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness,or rights to the use of such information. This document is not intended for use as a survey product. King County shall not be liablefor any general, special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages including, but not limited to, lost revenues or lost profitsresulting from the use or misuse of the information contained on this map. Any sale of this map or information on this map isprohibited except by written permission of King County.±