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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTR_Arborist Report_09302024Arborist Report –Hazard Client Information Client:Clarence Holmes Site Address:423 Windsor Way NE,Renton,WA,98056 Date:5/24/2024 Onsite Arborists:Patrick Boyle;PN-8918A;TRAQ /Robert Wild Reed;PN-9681A;TRAQ Prepared By:Robert Wild Reed;PN-9681A;TRAQ Introduction/Assignment The site is a residential property of 6,289 square feet that contains numerous slope-related ECAs including:Erosion Hazard -High,Landslide -High,Regulated Slopes ->15%&<=25%,and Regulated Slopes ->25%&<=40% (Sensitive).A 980 square foot house sits in the middle of the parcel.The house is bordered by lawn,hedges,and ornamental trees and shrubs. The tree of interest is located in the north corner of the property. Seattle Tree Care was contacted to assess the conditions of the tree for health,safety,and infrastructure conflict. The tree was assessed by a TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)Arborist.The following report outlines the findings of level 1 and 2 visual tree assessments in accordance with ANSI (A300)standards. Tree Inventory/Information Table Tre e Species DSH CRZ Avg. Crown Radius (Drip) Condition Rating Category Tree Credits Risk Rating Recommendations 1 Willow Salix sp. 26.3” (ms) 26.3’6’Poor Landmark 10 High Removal 2 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 10.3”10.3’4’Excellent Significant 5 N/A Retention 3 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 9.2”9.2’4’Excellent Significant 4 N/A Retention 4 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 8.4”8.4’4’Excellent Significant 4 N/A Retention 5 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 8.5”8.5’4’Excellent Significant 4 N/A Retention 6 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 9.0”9.0’4’Excellent Significant 4 N/A Retention 7 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 9.4”9.4’4’Excellent Significant 4 N/A Retention 8 Leyland Cypress Cupressus x leylandii 10.6”10.6’4’Excellent Significant 5 N/A Retention 9 Magnolia Magnolia sp. 1.5”1.5’3’Excellent Non-Significant 1 N/A Retention Tree Credit Calculations RMC 4-4-130.H.1.b.i -Tree credit requirements shall apply at a minimum rate of thirty (30)credits per net acre. Total Tree Credits On-Site:41 Credits Tree Credits Proposed for Removal:10 Credits Remaining Tree Credits After Proposed Removals:41 -10 =31 Credits Site Acreage:6,289 sqft /43,560 sqft per acre =0.14 Acres Observations and Recommendations Tree #1: ●Level 2 Basic Assessment conducted. ●The tree’s crown appears to be in Fair condition (Fig.1). ●Some decay and fungal fruiting bodies are present on the stem (Fig.2). ●Mature English Ivy (Hedera helix)is beginning to girdle and choke-out the tree as it climbs higher (Figs 3 & 4). ●Sounding at the stem reveals some signs of internal decay. ●Targets Present:Communication lines,Secondary lines (120 -480V) ●Removal and Mitigation is Recommended. Trees #2-9: ●Level 1 Limited Visual Assessments conducted -Inventoried. Site Map *Property lines were interpreted by fence lines and not by GIS Map parcel lines. Figures Fig.1:Tree #1 -Entire Tree Fig.2:Tree #1 -Crown Decay Fig.3:Tree #1 -English Ivy Fig.4:Tree #1 -English Ivy Figs.5 &6:Tree #1 -DSH Measurements Discussion/Conclusion Tree #1 is showing signs of significant decline and is not viable for retention. In my professional opinion,the Likelihood of parts of the crown failing within 3 years and striking overhead lines, causing Significant harm,is High.I recommend the removal and replacement of Tree #1. Assumptions and Limiting Conditions Introduction This report is based on a field examination of the site on 6/4/2024.The consultant/arborist has taken reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of the information provided,but cannot guarantee its accuracy.The report covers only the trees that were examined and mentioned in the report.It reflects the condition of the trees at the time of inspection.The inspection was limited to a visual method of the trees in question.There is no guarantee or warranty,expressed or implied,that any deficiencies or problems of the mentioned trees may not arise in the future. Assumptions and Limiting Conditions ●The legal description of the property is assumed to be correct. ●The property is assumed to be free and clear of any title or ownership issues,and the client owns the property or is the agent for the owner. ●The consultant/arborist assumes no responsibility for matters of legal character. ●The property is assumed to be in compliance with all applicable codes,ordinances,statutes,and regulations. ●The consultant/arborist has taken reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of the information provided,but cannot guarantee its accuracy. ●The consultant/arborist is not required to give any testimony or attend court for any reason considering this report unless subsequent contractual agreements are made. ●Any alterations made to this report or loss automatically invalidates this report. ●This document is protected by copyright laws.Possession of this report or a copy of this report does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by anyone other than the person for whom it was created for,without prior expressed written permission of the consulting arborist. ●The report and values/opinions expressed represent the opinion of the consultant/arborist,and the arborist fees are in no way contingent upon reporting any specified values,stipulated results,the occurrence of a subsequent event,nor upon finding to be reported. ●The consultant/arborist retains all intellectual property rights in the report.The client is granted a non-exclusive,non-transferable license to use the report for the sole purpose for which it was intended. ●The report is based on a visual inspection of the trees and does not include any non-destructive testing or invasive procedures. ●The report does not guarantee the future health or stability of the trees. ●The report does not take into account any future changes in the environment that could affect the trees. ●The client should schedule regular inspections of the trees by a qualified arborist. ●The client should consider having the trees pruned or removed if they are in poor health or pose a hazard. ●This report provides an overview of the condition of the trees on the property.The client should use this information to make informed decisions about the management of the trees. ●The consultant/arborist cannot be held responsible for any hidden or undetected conditions that may affect the health or stability of the trees. ●The consultant/arborist cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to the trees or property by acts of nature,such as storms,floods,or earthquakes. ●The client should obtain all necessary permits and approvals before taking any action based on the recommendations in this report. ●This report is confidential and should not be reproduced or distributed without the prior written consent of the client. Methods Measuring:We measured the diameter of each tree at 4.5’above ground level,also known as diameter at standard height (DSH).If a tree had multiple stems,we measured each stem individually at standard height and calculated a single-stem equivalent diameter.This value is used as the most basic measurement to regulate trees.When limbs or deformities occurred at standard height,measurement was taken below 4.5 ft. Evaluating:We evaluated tree health and structure using visual tree assessment (VTA)methods.VTA is a process of identifying symptoms that a tree produces in reaction to a weak spot or area of mechanical stress.A tree reacts to mechanical and physiological stresses by growing more vigorously to reinforce weak areas,while depriving less stressed parts.This understanding of the uniform stress allows the arborist to make informed judgments about the condition of a tree. Rating:We rated tree health and structure based on a number of factors,including crown indicators such as foliar density,size,color,stem,and shoot extensions.We also evaluated the tree for form and structural defects, including past damage and decay. Condition Rating:The condition of each tree was rated using the following categories: ●Excellent:The tree is healthy and vigorous,with little or no twig dieback,discoloration,or defoliation.The tree has a nearly ideal form and is generally symmetrical. ●Good:The tree is healthy and has no significant damage due to disease or pests.There is some minor twig dieback,discoloration,or defoliation,but the tree is still structurally sound. ●Fair:The tree has some damage due to disease or pests,but it is not likely to be fatal.There is some twig dieback,defoliation,discoloration,and/or dead branches,but the tree still has a significant amount of live foliage. ●Poor:The tree is unhealthy and declining in appearance.There is significant damage due to disease or pests,and the tree may have structural defects. ●Very Poor:The tree is unhealthy and appears to be dying.There is little live foliage,and the tree may have multiple severe structural defects. ●Critical:The tree is dying and/or presents an unacceptable risk which necessitates immediate removal. ●Dead:The tree appears to be completely dead,likely with no functioning vascular tissue. — Trunk — — Crown and Branches — — Roots and Root Collar — Unbalanced crown  LCR ______% Dead twigs/branches  ______% overall Max. dia. ________ Broken/Hangers Number __________ Max. dia. ________ Over-extended branches  Pruning history Crown cleaned  Reduced  Flush cuts  Thinned  Topped  Other Raised  Lion-tailed  Cracks  ________________________________ Lightning damage  Codominant ______________________________ Included bark  Weak attachments _________________ Cavity/Nest hole ____% circ. Previous branch failures _____________ Similar branches present  Dead/Missing bark  Cankers/Galls/Burls  Sapwood damage/decay  Conks  Heartwood decay  ______________________ Response growth Client _______________________________________________________________ Date___________________ Time_________________ Address/Tree location _________________________________________________________ Tree no.____________ Sheet _____ of _____ Tree species _________________________________________ dbh_____________ Height ___________ Crown spread dia. ____________ Assessor(s) __________________________________________ Tools used______________________________ Time frame_____________ Target Assessment T a r g e t nu m b e r Target description Target protection P r a c t i c a l t o m o v e t a r g e t ? R e s t r i c t i o n p r a c t i c a l ? Ta r g e t w i t h i n dr i p l i n e T a r g e t w i t h i n 1 x H t . Ta r g e t w i t h i n 1. 5 x H t . 1 2 3 4 History of failures _____________________________________________________________ Topography Flat Slope _________% Aspect _____ Site changes None  Grade change  Site clearing Changed soil hydrology Root cuts Describe _____________________________________ Soil conditions Limited volume Saturated Shallow Compacted Pavement over roots ______% Describe __________________________ Prevailing wind direction______ Common weather Strong winds  Ice Snow Heavy rain Describe______________________________ Tree Health and Species Profile Vigor Low  Normal  High  Foliage None (seasonal) None (dead) Normal _____% Chlorotic _____% Necrotic _____% Pests/Biotic_________________________________________________ Abiotic _______________________________________________________ Species failure profile Branches Trunk Roots Describe ____________________________________________________________________ Load Factors Wind exposure Protected Partial Full Wind funneling ________________________ Relative crown size Small Medium Large Crown density Sparse Normal Dense Interior branches Few Normal Dense Vines/Mistletoe/Moss  _____________________ Recent or expected change in load factors ________________________________________________________________________________________ Tree Defects and Conditions Affecting the Likelihood of Failure Occupancy rate1–rare 2 – occasional 3 – frequent 4 – constant Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form Page 1 of 2 Site Factors Target zone Condition(s) of concern Load on defect N/A  Minor  Moderate  Significant  Likelihood of failure Improbable  Possible  Probable  Imminent  Load on defect N/A  Minor  Moderate  Significant  Likelihood of failure Improbable  Possible  Probable  Imminent  Part Size Fall Distance Load on defect N/A  Minor  Moderate  Significant  Likelihood of failure Improbable  Possible  Probable  Imminent  Dead/Missing bark  Abnormal bark texture/color  Codominant stems  Included bark  Cracks  Sapwood damage/decay  Cankers/Galls/Burls  Sap ooze  Lightning damage  Heartwood decay  Conks/Mushrooms  Cavity/Nest hole _____ % circ. Depth _______ Poor taper  Lean _____° Corrected? __________________________________ Response growth Condition(s) of concern Part Size Fall Distance Collar buried/Not visible  Depth________ Stem girdling  Dead  Decay  Conks/Mushrooms  Ooze  Cavity  _____% circ. Cracks  Cut/Damaged roots  Distance from trunk _______ Root plate lifting  Soil weakness  Response growth Condition(s) of concern Load on defect N/A  Minor  Moderate  Significant  Likelihood of failure Improbable  Possible  Probable  Imminent  Part Size Fall Distance Part Size Fall Distance Target (Target number or description)Tree part Condition(s) of concern Risk rating (from Matrix 2) Matrix 1. Likelihood matrix. Likelihood of Failure Likelihood of Impact Very low Low Medium High Imminent Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely Probable Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Possible Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Improbable Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Failure Impact Failure & Impact (from Matrix 1) Likelihood Im p r o b a b l e Im m i n e n t Po s s i b l e Ve r y l o w Un l i k e l y Ne g l i g i b l e Me d i u m Li k e l y Si g n i f i c a n t Pr o b a b l e Lo w So m e w h a t Mi n o r Hi g h Ve r y l i k e l y Se v e r e Consequences Likelihood of Failure & Impact Consequences of Failure N e g l i g i b l e Minor Significant Severe Very likely Low Moderate High Extreme Likely Low Moderate High High Somewhat likely Low Low Moderate Moderate Unlikely Low Low Low Low Data Final  Preliminary Advanced assessment needed No Yes-Type/Reason ________________________________________________ Inspection limitations None Visibility Access Vines Root collar buried Describe ___________________________________________ Notes, explanations, descriptions 1.__________________________________________________________________________________ Residual risk ________ 2.__________________________________________________________________________________ Residual risk ________ 3.__________________________________________________________________________________ Residual risk ________ 4.__________________________________________________________________________________ Residual risk ________ Overall tree risk rating Low  Moderate  High  Extreme  Overall residual risk None  Low  Moderate  High  Extreme  Recommended inspection interval __________________ This datasheet was produced by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) — 2017 North Page 2 of 2 Matrix 2. Risk rating matrix. Risk Categorization Mitigation options Basic Replanting Instructions Preparation of the site:Noxious and invasive vegetation must be removed prior to planting and properly disposed of off-site.Removing these weeds is crucial to the success of the restoration as even a small number of individuals can out-compete native plants.The King County Noxious Weed Control Board provides excellent resources on noxious weed control.Use of pesticides or machines to remove vegetation is often prohibited unless authorized under a permit.On steep slopes and stream banks,care should be taken to avoid exposure of bare soils for extended periods.Exposed soil is likely to erode quickly,harming aquatic habitat if it washes into a waterway.A layer of 4”deep mulch will provide basic erosion protection;however,on steeper slopes,the mulch should be covered with straw or jute matting and barriers such as silt fencing may also be necessary to prevent erosion and run-off. Planting:When possible,planting should be done between mid-October and mid-December as plants grow roots during cool weather,even when the top of the plant is dormant.Additionally,less watering is required.Planting between mid-December and mid-April may also be appropriate,but more attention to supplemental watering may be required.Make sure to read and follow any nursery instructions that come with the plants.Spacing requirements,in particular,may vary from the estimates used in your planting plan.Before planting,set out the plants where they will be planted to make sure the arrangement works well. Instructions for Container Plants: 1.Dig bowl-shaped planting holes at least twice the width and just slightly deeper than the potted plant’s container.Remove any existing roots or loose materials such as leaves,rocks or branches from the hole. 2.Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a pick or shovel. 3.Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen bound roots on the outer inch of the soil and cut roots that encircle the root ball. 4.Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the soil remains level with the surrounding soil.Fill the surrounding space with loose native soil. 5.Cover any exposed roots,but do not pile dirt on the stem as this will kill most plants.For trees and shrubs,the top of the root crown (where the plant flares as the trunk ends and the roots begin)should be exposed. 6.Gently press the filled soil to collapse air pockets,but allow the soil to remain loose. 7.Form a temporary water basin around the base of the plant to encourage water penetration and water thoroughly (approximately 2”of water over the site). 8.Mulch should be added to a 3”thickness over the entire planting area.Wood chips,leaves,grass clippings, compost and manure are common mulches.Coarse wood chips are preferable in areas where noxious or invasive species may be a problem.Placing cardboard under the mulch may also help prevent weeds from growing up and will biodegrade over time. 9.Staking of trees or shrubs should not be necessary unless high winds exist or the tree is tall and has little roots.If it is necessary,use thick rope or padding around the tree to prevent damage to the bark and use the minimum amount of tension necessary to achieve balance. 10.If the area is heavily trafficked,it may also be necessary to add a barrier to protect the planting area.For Bare Root Plants,follow instructions given by the nursery or plant salvage group. Monitoring and Maintenance Plantings should be monitored for at least five years to ensure that the plants properly establish themselves. Generally,If more than half the plants die in the first two years,additional planting should be undertaken to maintain a sufficiently dense buffer. Below are additional guidelines for maintenance of your restoration project: During the first two years,it is critical to properly water,weed and monitor the site while the plants establish themselves.Plants should be watered when dry from May 1 to Oct.15.Deep,infrequent watering is best.Weeding around the plants should be done at least twice a year particularly in the early and late spring.Hand pull noxious and invasive plants,removing the roots to prevent re-growth.Removal of noxious weeds may require additional weeding and monitoring.Maintaining a healthy cover of mulch will help reduce both weeding and watering.In the long term,these areas should maintain themselves similar to any natural ecosystem.Leaves,woody debris,and dead trees provide food and habitat for wildlife on land and in the water and should remain undisturbed.Similarly, pruning can damage many plants and should be minimized. Glossary Arboriculture:The science and art of caring for trees,shrubs and other woody plants in landscape settings. 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. Biomass:The total mass,at a given time,of living organisms of one or more species per unit area (species biomass) or of all the species in the community (community biomass). Bracing:Installation of steel rods or bolts through the stems or limbs,to reduce twisting or splitting of the wood. Cabling:Installation of steel cables,attached to lag screws or bolts placed in tree limbs,to provide additional support or to limit movement and stress of limbs. Cavity:An open and exposed area of wood,where the bark is missing and internal wood has been decayed and dissolved. Compaction:The compression of soil,causing a reduction of pore space and an increase in the density of the soil. Tree roots cannot grow in compacted soil. Conifer:Plant that bears seeds in a cone. Core Sample:A sample of wood extracted from a trunk or branch,using an increment borer tool.The resulting core can be analyzed for characteristics of growth,structure,and decay,and for species identification. Critical root zone:Portion of the root system that is the minimum necessary to maintain vitality or stability of the tree.Encroachment or damage to the critical root zone will put the tree at risk of failure. Decay:Progressive deterioration of organic tissues,usually caused by fungal or bacterial organisms,resulting in loss of cell structure,strength,and function.In wood,the loss of structural strength. Deciduous:Perennial plant that loses all its leaves at one time during the year. Defoliation:Loss of leaves. Dormant:Seasonal quiescent state in which the plant suspends growth.Usually occurs during winter months. Evergreen:Plant that retains its leaves for more than one growing season. Fertilization:The process of adding nutrients to a tree or plant;usually done by incorporating the nutrients into the soil,but sometimes by foliar application or injection directly into living tissues. Foliage:The live leaves or needles of the tree;the plant part primarily responsible for photosynthesis. Growth Increment:The incremental growth added as new wood each growing season over existing wood.This is seen as growth rings in cross-sections of wood. Hardwood:Trees that lose their leaves in autumn;also refers to the wood produced by these trees.Hardwoods are the predominant type of tree in the deciduous forest. Herbicide:A chemical that kills plants or inhibits their growth;intended for weed control. Horticulture:Cultivation of fruits,vegetables and ornamental plants. Insecticide:A chemical that kills insects. Integrated Pest Management:System of controlling pests and their damaging effects through mechanical, chemical,biological,cultural and regulatory techniques. Landscape:Areas of land that are distinguished by differences in landforms,vegetation,land use,and aesthetic characteristics. Mitigation:Action taken to alleviate potential adverse effects on wetlands and fish habitat undergoing modification.Also commonly used to mean compensation for damage done. Mulch:Any material such as wood chips,straw,sawdust,leaves,and stone that is spread on the surface of the soil to protect the soil and plant roots from the effects of raindrops,soil crusting,freezing,and evaporation. Natural pruning:The natural death of branches on the stem of a tree from such causes as decay,or deficiency of light or water,or snow,ice and wind breakage. Natural target pruning:Pruning technique in which only branch tissue is removed,with the cut placed just beyond the branch collar. Nutrients:The substances,such as mineral elements and compounds,including water and air,that a plant synthesizes into the complex compounds of tissue. Overmature:Tree or stand that has passed the age of maturity where the rate of growth has diminished and the trees are weakened. Pruning:Selective removal of woody plant parts of any size,using saws,pruners,clippers,or other pruning tools. Resistograph®:A gear-driven drilling instrument which inserts a three-millimeter-diameter probe into a tree,and graphically or digitally records resistance to the probe;used to detect decay and defects. Root System:The portion of the tree containing the root organs,including buttress roots,transport roots,and fine absorbing roots;all underground parts of the tree. Root Zone:The area and volume of soil around the tree in which roots are normally found.May extend to three or more times the branch spread of the tree,or several times the height of the tree. Senescence:The process of aging,decline and death. Softwood:Cone-bearing trees with needles or scale-like leaves;also refers to the wood produced by these trees. Softwoods are the predominant tree type in coniferous forests. Soil:A dynamic natural body composed of mineral and organic materials and living forms in which plants grow. Species:The main category of taxonomic classification into which living organisms are subdivided,comprising a group of similar individuals having a number of correlated characteristics. Stress:Unfavorable deviation from normal.The action on a body of any system of balanced forces whereby strain or deformation results.In arboriculture,the adverse alteration of tree health by abiotic or biotic factors. Target:Any person or object within reach of a falling tree or part of a tree,that may be injured or damaged. Thinning:Pruning technique in which branches are removed at their point of origin. Tree protection zone:A designated area around trees where maximum protection and preservation efforts are implemented to minimize soil compaction,etc. Urban forestry:Management of naturally occurring and planted trees in urban areas Vigor:Overall health;the capacity to grow and resist physiological stress. Visual Tree Assessment:Method of evaluating structural defects and stability in trees.