HomeMy WebLinkAboutARBORIST REPORTTree
Solutions m Seattle Portland • Bend
Consulting Arborists
Project No. TS - 5767
Arborist Report
TO: Sandy Burns, TrojanLitho
SITE: 800 SW 27"' St., Renton, WA 98057
RE: Assessment of trees next to building
DATE: February 24, 2017
PROJECT ARBORIST: Sean Dugan, Registered Consulting Arborist # 457
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #PN- 5459B
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
REVIEWED BY: Katie Hogan,
ISA Certified Arborist #PN- 8078A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Summary
Fourteen (14) trees are adjacent to a building in a narrow planting strip. None of the trees are of
Landmark size. Trees are in contact with the structure and in places causing damage. Poor overhead
clearance for vehicle access has also been an issue. The trees are an unsuitable species for the location
and are outgrowing the space. I recommend removal of the trees.
Assignment & Scope of Report
This report outlines the site inspection by Sean Dugan of Tree Solutions Inc, on February 1, 2017. 1 was
asked to visit the job site and assess a row of trees located along the west side of a building. I was asked
to provide a formal report including findings and management recommendations. Sandy Burns, the EHS
Manager of the property, requested these services.
The tree size, species, health and structural condition and related notes and recommendations for each
tree can be found in Figure 1: Tree Inventory. A site map with tree locations can be found in Figure 2:
Site Map. Photographs, Glossary and References follow the site map. Limits of assignment can be found
in Appendix A. Methods can be found in Appendix B. Additional assumptions and limiting conditions
can be found in Appendix C.
Observations and Discussion
The Site and History
The 574,855 square foot (13.2 acre) site contains an industrial warehouse and parking lot. The site is
adjacent to the Black River on its east border. The subject trees are planted along the east side of the
building in a four foot wide planting strip (see Photo 1). Soils in the strip are shallow and compacted.
2940 Westlake Ave N (Suite 200) Seattle, WA 98109 - Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesoIutions.net
Arborist Report — TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
pg. 2 of 11
The Trees
I inspected 14 'Bowhall' red maple (Acer rubrum'Bowhall') trees (see Figure 2). The trees are all in good
health and structural condition (see Figure 1). The trees range in size from 4.1 to 11.3 inches in diameter
and are 25 to 35 feet tall. None of the trees qualify as Landmark Trees (greater than 30" DSH).
The trees have been previously topped, and have grown approximately 4 to 10 feet since the topping
(see Photo 2). Many of the trees have a buried root flare with potential girdling roots. There is minor
damage to surface roots. The trees are touching the building fagade and in places are pushing against
and damaging window flashing (see Photos 3 & 4).
Fiaure 1: Tree Inventory
Tree No.
Common Name
Botanical Name
DS
H *
General Health
General
Structure
1
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
11.
2
Good
Good
2
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
8.0
Good
Good
3
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
7.4
Good
Good
4
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
6.4
Good
Good
5
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
5.7
Good
Good
6
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
5.5
Good
Good
7
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
8.3
Good
Good
8
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
9.2
Good
Good
9
Bowhall red maple
Acer rubrum'Bowhall'
6.9
Good
Good
30
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
7.8
Good
Good
11
Bowhall red maple
Acer rubrum'Bowhall'
4.9
Good
Good
12
Bowhall red maple
Acerrubrum'Bowhall'
4.1
Good
Good
13
Bowhall red maple
Acer rubrum'Bowhall'
5.3
Good
Good
14
Bowhall red maple
Acer rubrum'Bowhall'
10.
3
Good
Good
*Diameter at Standard Height (inches)
2940 Westlake AveN #200 Seattle, WA 98109 - Phone 206.528 4670
www.treesoIutions. net
Arborist Report—TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017 pg. 3 of 11
While the trees exhibit good health and structure, they are not ideal for the space. The trees have
outgrown the space requiring maintenance to prune them away from the building and provide clearance
for vehicles. This maintenance needs to occur on a regular basis and will likely do so in perpetuity.
Roots from the trees have caused damage to the base of windows and flashing down the side of the
building. The roots are pushing up against the curb and cracks are visible in several locations. The tree
species has the ability of having a trunk over 18 inches in diameter and can grow to a height over 50 feet
tall. The narrow planting strip is not a suitable location for the species. In my opinion, the trees should
be removed
If a replacement tree is desired/required, it is my opinion that this is not an appropriate space. The
narrow planting strip would be better suited with shrubs or short columnar tree species. There are
many alternative locations nearby, to the east, that can support the development of larger and healthier
trees.
Recommendations
• Obtain a city permit prior to the commencement of tree removal work.
• Remove the 14 trees planted along the east side of the building.
• If replanting the space is desired, replant with a different species of tree or shrub that will
remain of appropriate size for the planting area.
o Alternatively, plant east of the asphalt path to the east of the building.
2940 Westlake Ave N 4200 - Seattle, WA 98109 Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesoIutions. net
Arborist Report—Trojan Litho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
Site Map
2940 Westlake Ave N #200 • Seattle, WA 98109 • Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutionS.net
pg. 4 of 11
Arborist Report—TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
Photographs
Tree Solutions, Inc.)
height of the building by approximately four to seven feet.
top cuts (source: Tree Solutions, Inc.)
pg. 5 of 11
rrow planting strip (source:
o have been topped below the
The yellow arrows show the location of a single tree's
2940 Westlake Ave N #200 - Seattle, WA 98109 - Phone 206.525.4670
www.treesoIutions.net
Arborist Report — TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
pg. 6 of 11
Photo 3: View looking to the north. The canopy of the tree has become overgrown and is In contact with the
building. Branches on the west side of the tree have been damaged from vehicles passing below (source: Tree
Solutions, Inc.)
_amageflashing below
windows. Roots are also pushing up against the curb causing sections to crack. The trees are outgrowing the
available planting space (source: Tree Solutions, Inc.)
2940 Westlake Ave N #200 • Seattle, WA 98109 • Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolut!ons.net
Arborist Report — TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
Glossary
pg. 7 of 11
ANSI A300: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for tree care
basic assessment: 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)
crown: the aboveground portions of a tree (Lilly 2001)
DBH or DSH: diameter at breast or standard height; the diameter of the trunk measured 54 inches (4.5
feet) above grade (Matheny et al. 1998)
deciduous: tree or other plant that loses its leaves sometime during the year and stays leafless
generally during the cold season (Lilly 2001)
ISA: International Society of Arboriculture
landscape function: the environmental, aesthetic, or architectural functions that a plant can have (Lilly
2001)
mitigation: process of reducing damages or risk (Lilly 2001)
owner/manager: the person or entity responsible for tree management or the controlling authority
that regulates tree management (ISA 2013)
significant size: a tree measuring 6" DSH or greater
structural defects: flaws, decay, or other faults in the trunk, branches, or root collar of a tree,
whichmay lead to failure (Lilly 2001)
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)
2940 Westlake Ave N 4200 - Seattle, WA 98109 - Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesoIutions. net
Arborist Report—Trojan Litho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
References
pg. 8 of 11
ANSI A300 (Part 1) —2008 American National Standards Institute. American National Standard for Tree
Care Operations: Tree. Shrub. and Other Woody Plant Maintenance: Standard Practices (Pruning).
New York: Tree Care Industry Association, 2008.
Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. Assessin¢ Trees in Urban Areas and the Urban -
Rural Interface, US Release 1.0. Silverton: Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA, 2006.
Lilly, Sharon. Arborists' Certification Study Guide. Champaign, IL: The International Society of
Arboriculture, 2001.
Matheny, Nelda and James R. Clark. Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees
During Land Development. Champaign, IL: International Society of Arboriculture, 1998.
Mattheck, Claus and Helge Breloer, The Body Language of Trees.: A Handbook for Failure Analysis.
London: HMSO, 1994.
2940 Westlake Ave N 4200 - Seattle, WA 98109 Phone 206.528.4670
w w w.treesolutions.net
Arborist Report — TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
Appendix A - Limits of Assignment
pg. 9 of 11
Unless stated otherwise: 1) information contained in this report covers only those trees that were
examined and reflects the condition of those trees at the time of inspection; and 2) the inspection is
limited to visual examination of the subject trees without dissection, excavation, probing, climbing, or
coring unless explicitly specified. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems
or deficiencies of the subject trees may not arise in the future.
Tree Solutions did not review any reports or perform any tests related to the soil located on the subject
property unless outlined in the scope of services. Tree Solutions staff are not and do not claim to be soils
experts. An independent inventory and evaluation of the soils on site should be obtained by a qualified
professional if an additional understanding of site characteristics is needed to make an informed
decision.
2940 Westlake Ave N #200 Seattle, WA 98109 - Phone 206.528.4670
w w w. t r e e s o l u t i o n s. n et
Arborist Report—TrojanLitho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017
Appendix B - Methods
pg. 10 of 11
I evaluated tree health and structure utilizing visual tree assessment (VTA) methods. The basis behind
VTA is the identification of symptoms, which trees produce in reaction to weak spots or areas of
mechanical stress. Trees react to mechanical and physiological stresses by growing more vigorously to
re -enforce weak areas, while depriving less stressed parts (Mattheck & Breloer 1994). Understanding
uniform stress allows me to make informed judgments about the condition of a tree.
I measured the diameter of each tree at 54 inches above grade, diameter at standard height (DSH).
Where a tree had multiple stems, I measured each stem individually at standard height and determined
a single -stem equivalent diameter by using the method outlined in the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th
Edition published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
Tree health considers crown indicators including foliar density, size, color, stem shoot extensions, decay,
and damage. We have adapted our ratings based on the Purdue University Extension Formula Values for
health condition. These values are a general representation used to assist in arborists in assigning ratings.
Tree health needs to be evaluated on an individual basis and may not always fall entirely into a single
category, however, a single condition rating must be assigned.
Excellent - Perfect specimen with excellent form and vigor, well-balanced crown. Normal to exceeding
shoot length on new growth. Leaf size and color normal. Trunk is sound and solid. Root zone undisturbed.
No apparent pest problems. Long safe useful life expectancy for the species.
Good - Imperfect canopy density in few parts of the tree, up to 10% of the canopy. Normal to less than ''%
typical growth rate of shoots and minor deficiency in typical leaf development. Few pest issues or damage,
and if they exist they are controllable or tree is reacting appropriately. Normal branch and stem
development with healthy growth. Safe useful life expectancy typical for the species.
Fair - Crown decline and dieback up to 30% of the canopy. Leaf color is somewhat chlorotic/necrotic with
smaller leaves and "off' coloration. Shoot extensions indicate some stunting and stressed growing
conditions. Stress cone crop clearly visible. Obvious signs of pest problems contributing to lesser
condition, control might be possible. Some decay areas found in main stem and branches. Below average
safe useful life expectancy
Poor - Lacking full crown, more than 50% decline and dieback, especially affecting larger branches.
Stunting of shoots is obvious with little evidence of growth on smaller stems. Leaf size and color reveals
overall stress in the plant. Insect ordisease infestation may be severe and uncontrollable. Extensive decay
or hollows in branches and trunk. Short safe useful life expectancy.
Tree health condition ratings have been adapted from the Purdue University Extension bulletin FNR-473-
W - Tree Appraisal.
2940 Westlake Ave N #200 Seattle, WA 98109 Phone 206.528.4670
w w w. t r e e s o l u t i o n s. n et
Arborist Report — TrojanUtho, Renton, WA
February 24, 2017 pg. 11 of 11
Appendix C - Assumptions & Limiting Conditions
1. Consultant assumes that any legal description provided to Consultant is correct and that title to
property is good and marketable. Consultant assumes no responsibility for legal matters. Consultant
assumes all property appraised or evaluated is free and clear, and is under responsible ownership and
competent management.
2. Consultant assumes that the property and its use do not violate applicable codes, ordinances, statutes
or regulations.
3. Although Consultant has taken care to obtain all information from reliable sources and to verify the
data insofar as possible, Consultant does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy of
information provided by others.
4. Client may not require Consultant to testify or attend court by reason of any report unless mutually
satisfactory contractual arrangements are made, including payment of an additional fee for such
Services as described in the Consulting Arborist Agreement.
5. Unless otherwise required by law, possession of this report does not imply right of publication or use
for any purpose by any person other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior
express written consent of the Consultant.
6. Unless otherwise required by law, no part of this report shall be conveyed by any person, including
the Client, the public through advertising, public relations, news, sales or other media without the
Consultant's prior express written consent.
This report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of the Consultant, and the
Consultant's fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specific value, a stipulated result, the
occurrence of a subsequent event or upon any finding to be reported.
8. All photographs included in this report were taken by Tree Solutions Inc. during the documented site
visit, unless otherwise noted.
9. Sketches, drawings and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aids, are not necessarily
to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or surveys. The
reproduction of any information generated by architects, engineers or other consultants and any
sketches, drawings or photographs is for the express purpose of coordination and ease of reference
only. Inclusion of such information on any drawings or other documents does not constitute a
representation by Consultant as to the sufficiency or accuracy of the information.
10. Unless otherwise agreed, (1) information contained in this report covers only the items examined and
reflects the condition of the those items at the time of inspection; and (2) the inspection is limited to
visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, probing, climbing, or coring.
Consultant makes no warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the problems or deficiencies of
the plans or property in question may not arise in the future.
11. Loss or alteration of any part of this Agreement invalidates the entire report.
2940 Westlake Ave N #20Seattle, WA 98109 Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesol utions. net