HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport_Kevin Nelson 17252 128th Ave SE Renton WA
TreeSolutions.net ∙ 2940 Westlake Ave. N (Suite #200) ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ 206‐528‐4670
Project No. TS ‐ 6976
Arborist Memo
TO: Kevin Nelson
SITE: 17252 128th Ave SE, Renton WA 98058
RE: Sequoia Tree
DATE: October 30, 2019
PROJECT ARBORIST: Josh Petter
ISA Certified Arborist #PN‐ 8406A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Marcia Rosenquist
ISA Certified Arborist #PN‐8714A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
Assignment & Scope of Report
This report outlines the site inspection by Josh Petter, of Tree Solutions Inc, on October 16, 2019. I was
asked to visit the site and assess one tree on site. I was asked to produce an Arborist Report
documenting my findings and management recommendations. Kevin Nelson, owner of the property,
requested these services to assist with permitting.
Specifics for each tree can be found in Table 1. A site map and photographs are followed by a glossary
and list of references. Assumptions and limiting conditions can be found in Appendix A. Methods can be
found in Appendix B.
Observations and Discussion
The Site and History
According to King County iMap there are no critical areas on the site. This site is zoned as R‐6, and is
required to maintain aminimum tree density of two trees per 5,000 square feet.
The Trees
I assessed one giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) tree. This tree is 93 inches diameter at
standard height (DSH), which makes it a landmark tree.
A Landmark tree can be removed if it is causing damage to structures and no reasonable alternative
exists.1 This tree has a limited soil volume on two sides due to a retaining wall (Photo 1). The retaining
wall is cracking and buckling in multiple locations, likely in part from the tree roots (Photo 2). I observed
roots at least 50 feet from the trunk of this tree. In one area there is a large root uplifting a concrete
1 Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4‐4‐130F.2.D.ii
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 2 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
walkway and growing in close proximity to the gas line (Photo 3). The large size of the tree and roots
appear to be causing damage to the wall, sidewalk, and staircase. It would be difficult and costly to
maintain this tree in the limited rooting space.
Removal of a Landmark tree requires replacement trees. Four trees would need to be planted in order
to maintain the required tree density regulations.2 The client would like to remove this tree and replace
it with four smaller trees. Deciduous replacement trees must be 2‐inch caliper upon planting; evergreen
trees must be 6‐feet tall upon planting.
Table 1. Tree Inventory
Tree
No.
Common
Name
Botanical
Name
DSH
*
Dripline
**
General
Health
Notes
1 Giant
sequoia
Sequoiadendron
giganteum
93” 23 Good Pruned for utility line clearance;
large concentration of surface
roots; some potential girdling
roots; roots are pushing on
concrete retaining wall; wall is
buckling; large root growing over
gas line approximately 35 feet
from the tree; roots visible 50
feet from the tree
*Diameter at standard height (inches)
**Dripline was measured from the center of the trunk to the outermost limits of the canopy (feet)
2 RMC 4‐4‐130C.9.d
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 3 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
Site Map
Figure 1. Site Map.Source: King County iMap. Red circle indicates location of the tree. Parcel number:
722900‐0080.
N
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 4 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
Photographs
Photo 1: Looking northeast; the giant sequoia tree is outgrowing its planting space.
Photo 2: Looking north at the base of the giant sequoia tree.
Crack and
buckling out
Stairs raising
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 5 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
Photo 3: Giant sequoia tree root approximately 35 feet from the tree, which is buckling the concrete
sidewalk and growing in close proximity to the gas line.
Tree root
Gas line
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 6 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
Glossary
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)
bending moment: a turning, bending or twisting force exerted by a lever, defined as the force (acting
perpendicular to the lever) multiplied by the length of the lever (see moment) (ISA 2013)
chlorotic: foliage with whitish or yellowish discoloration caused by lack of chlorophyll
codominant stems: stems or branches of nearly equal diameter, often weakly attached (Matheny et al.
1998)
cracks: defects in trees that, if severe, may pose a risk of tree or branch failure (Lilly 2001)
crown: the aboveground portions of a tree (Lilly 2001)
crown cleaning: selective pruning to remove one or more of the following parts: dead, diseased, and/or
broken branches (ANSI A300)
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)
epicormic: arising from latent or adventitious buds (Lilly 2001)
evergreen: tree or plant that keeps its needles or leaves year round; this means for more than one
growing season (Lilly 2001)
force: any action or influence causing an object to accelerate/decelerate. Calculated as mass multiplied
by acceleration. Is a vector quantity (ISA 2013)
increment: the amount of new wood fiber added to a tree in a given period, normally one year.
(Dunster 1996)
ISA: International Society of Arboriculture
included bark: bark that becomes embedded in a crotch between branch and trunk or between
codominant stems and causes a weak structure (Lilly 2001)
landscape function: the environmental, aesthetic, or architectural functions that a plant can have (Lilly
2001)
lateral: secondary or subordinate branch (Lilly 2001)
level(s) of assessment: categorization of the breadth and depth of analysis used in an assessment (ISA
2013)
lever arm: the distance between the applied force (or center of force) and the point where the object
will bend or rotate (ISA 2013)
limited visual assessment: a visual assessment from a specified perspective such as foot, vehicle, or
aerial (airborne) patrol of an individual tree or a population of trees near specified targets to identify
specified conditions or obvious defects (ISA 2013)
mitigation: process of reducing damages or risk (Lilly 2001)
moment: a turning, bending, or twisting force exerted by a lever, defined as the force (acting
perpendicular to the lever) multiplied by the length of the lever (ISA 2013)
monitoring: keeping a close watch; performing regular checks or inspections (Lilly 2001)
owner/manager: the person or entity responsible for tree management or the controlling authority
that regulates tree management (ISA 2013)
phototropic growth: growth toward light source or stimulant ( Harris et al.1999)
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 7 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
retain and monitor: the recommendation to keep a tree and conduct follow‐up assessments after a
stated inspection interval (ISA 2013)
significant size: a tree measuring 6” DSH or greater
snag: a tree left partially standing for the primary purpose of providing habitat for wildlife
soil structure: the arrangement of soil particles (Lilly 2001)
structural defects: flaws, decay, or other faults in the trunk, branches, or root collar of a tree, which
may 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)
walk‐by (assessment): a limited visual inspection, usually from one side of the tree, performed as the tree risk
assessor walks by the tree(s) (ISA 2013)
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 8 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
References
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. Assessing Trees in Urban Areas and the Urban‐
Rural Interface, US Release 1.0. Silverton: Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA, 2006
Dunster, Julian A., E. Thomas Smiley, Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment Manual.
Champaign, Illinois: International Society of Arboriculture, 2013
E. Smiley, N. Matheny, S. Lilly. Best Management Practices: TREE RISK ASSESSMENT. ISA 2011.
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.
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 9 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
Appendix A ‐ Assumptions & Limiting Conditions
1. Consultant assumes that the Site and its use do not violate, and is in compliance with all applicable
codes, ordinances, statutes or regulations.
2. The Consultant may provide report or recommendation based on published municipal regulations.
The Consultant assumes that the municipal regulations published on the date of the report are
current municipal regulations and assumes no obligation related to unpublished city regulation
information.
3. Any report by Consultant and any values expressed therein 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.
4. All photographs included in our reports were taken by Tree Solutions, Inc. during the documented
Site visit, unless otherwise noted. Sketches, drawings and photographs in any report by Consultant,
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.
5. Unless otherwise agreed, (1) information contained in any report by Consultant covers only the items
examined and reflects the condition of 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.
6. These findings are based on the observations and opinions of the authoring arborist, and does not
provide guarantees regarding the future performance, health, vigor, structural stability or safety of
the plants described assessed.
7. Measurements are subject to typical margins of error, considering the oval or asymmetrical cross‐
section of most trunks and canopies.
8. 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 site’s soil should be obtained by
a qualified professional if an additional understanding of the site’s characteristics is needed to make
an informed decision.
9. Our assessments are made in conformity with acceptable evaluation/diagnostic reporting techniques
and procedures, as recommended by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Arborist Report: 17252 128th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058
October 30, 2019 page 10 of 10
2940 Westlake Ave. N #200 ∙ Seattle, WA 98109 ∙ Phone 206.528.4670
www.treesolutions.net
Appendix B ‐ Methods
I evaluated tree health and structure utilizing visual tree assessment (VTA) methods. The basis behind
VTA is the identification of symptoms, which the 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 (Mattheck & Breloer 1994). An understanding
of the uniform stress allows me to make informed judgments about the condition of a tree.
I measured the diameter at standard height (DSH) of each tree, typically at 54 inches above grade.
I used a steel soil probe to test soil depths.
I used binoculars to inspect the upper parts of the trees.
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, I assigned a single condition rating for ease of clarity.
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 percent of the canopy. Normal to less than ¾
of 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 percent 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 is clearly visible. Obvious signs of pest problems contributing to a lesser
condition. Control might be possible. I found some decay areas in the main stem and branches. Below
average safe useful life expectancy
Poor
Lacking full crown, more than 50 percent 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 or disease 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