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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Arborist Report_Boeing Apron R_R-200814_v3.pdf Arborist Report Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Plan Boeing Campus, Renton, Wa September 2017 (Revised August, 2020) Notice of Disclaimer Assessment data provided by Davey Resource Group is based on visual recording at the time of inspection. Visual records do not include testing or analysis and do not include aerial or subterranean inspection unless indicated. Davey Resource Group is n ot responsible for discovery or identification of hidden or otherwise non-observable risks. Records may not remain accurate after inspection due to variable deterioration of surveyed material. Risk ratings are based on observable defects and mitigation recommendations do not reduce potential liability to the City. Davey Resource Group provides no warranty with respect to the fitness of the trees for any use or purpose whatsoever. Prepared For: Jourden Makinen, WSP USA 33301 Ninth Avenue South, Suite 300 Federal Way, Washington, 98003-2600 Prepared By: Davey Resource Group Inc. 18809 10th Ave NE Shoreline, WA, 98155 Local Office: 206-714-3147 Corporate Office: 800-966-2021 Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 2 Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Revision History 3 Introduction 4 Methods 5 Findings 6 Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Plan 7 Conclusion 14 Appendix A - All Inventoried Trees 15 Appendix B – Tree Retention Worksheet 17 Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 3 Revision History Original Version August 2017. Tree inspection results, methods and report first drafted. Revision November 16, 2017. Construction design variations and additional tree impact was identified. • Tree #4.5 was identified as a cottonwood and added to the report as proposed for removal. Revision August 14, 2020 Site visit based on additional construction concerns. Updates to the health and condition assessment of trees adjacent to anticipated construction activity. • Tree #1 has grown and been identified as a multi-stem cottonwood averaging 3 inches dbh. • Tree #9 has declined in health and been downgraded to a poor condition tree. • Tree #10 has declined in health and been downgraded to a poor condition tree • Tree #11 has declined in health and been downgraded to a poor condition tree. • Tree #14 has been added to the proposed removals due to anticipated construction impacts. Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 4 Introduction In August, 2017, Davey Resource Group (DRG), a division of The Davey Tree Expert Company, was contracted by Berger ABAM to conduct a tree inventory of fifty-seven (57) trees, and develop an arborist report to support application for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit per City of Renton regulations. The results will be used to evaluate the potential impacts of excavation and constr uction activities and determine any tree protection measures required during construction to provide for optimal tree retention while allowing for necessary site construction activities. This report includes the information required to obtain a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit from the City of Renton. There are many factors that can limit specific and accurate data when performing evaluations of trees, their conditions, and values. The determinations and recommendations presented here are based on current data and conditions that existed at the time of the evaluation and cannot be a predictor of the ultimate outcomes for the trees. The purpose of this report is to provide the details of the inventory and recommended tree protection measures, including an assessment of current condition, health, and recommendations for maintenance. The findings in this report can be used to make decisions about tree protection fencing, pruning, and plant health care. Site Overview: Blue points illustrate general tree locations on Boeing Campus Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 5 Methods An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Risk Assessor (Ian Scott, PN-5408AUM) from Davey Resource Group conducted the assessment of the trees on August 22, 2017. The trees were assessed by their location, size, current condition, and overall health. The data was then analyzed with DRG’s Tree Protection Action Key (TPAK), which computes a multi-faceted condition rating and provides the calculated critical root zones (CRZs). Only a visual inspection was used to develop the findings, conclusions, and recommendations found in this report. Numerical values were assigned to grade the attributes of the trees, including structure and canopy health, and to obtain an overall condition rating. No physical inspection of the upper canopy, sounding, root crown excavation, and resistograph or other technologies were used in the evaluation of the trees. Attributes Location was recorded based on geolocation on an aerial photo, and reported as GPS coordinates. Tree # was assigned. Species (botanical name) was identified, including cultivars where applicable (Table 1). Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was generally measured at 4’6” above grade. Where trees had multiple stems, the reported DBH is the average of all stems. Height was estimated in feet. Canopy Radius was estimated in feet. Condition was assessed by applying a numerical rating to the health and structure to roo ts, trunks, scaffold branches, twigs, and foliage, and calculating the average of these values to categorize trees as good, fair, poor, or dead. Condition Notes recorded issues that may merit maintenance, or additional assessment, such as deadwood, decay, lean, and vines. Table 1. Common and Botanical Names of Inventoried Trees Common Name Botanical Name maple, bigleaf Acer macrophyllum Scouler's willow Salix scouleriana maple, vine Acer circinatum Cottonwood, black Populus trichocarpa aspen, quaking Populus tremuloides 'erecta' Port Orford cedar Chamaecyparis spp. cascara buckthorn Rhamnus purshiana Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 6 Findings Species The species are locally adapted trees. The most prevalent species inventoried were quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides, 45%) followed by Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, 23%), and black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa, 14%) Health and Structure A combined health and structure average rating was calculated for the population. The vast majority of trees (50 trees, 89%) are in good condition. Six trees (9%) are in fair/poor condition, and one is dead. This assessment allows managers to anticipate the trees’ ability to withstand construction pressures, as trees in good condition are more resilient. Trees in fair health and structure can often be improved with structural pruning or plant health care. Relative Age Distribution Because the inventoried trees add annual growth rings to their trunks each year, their relative age can be approximated by understanding the distribution of diameters measured at breast height (DBH) or 4.5’ above soil grade. The inventoried trees are young to established, with 29 trees, (52%) under 7” DBH and 22 (39%) 7-13” DBH. When considering tree resilience during protection, a young and newly established population is ideal as these are often able to rebound quickly despite some root zone disturbance. Significant trees The City of Renton considers significant trees black cottonwood over 8” DBH and other species over 6” DBH. The inventoried trees include six (6) significant black cottonwood, and 33 significant trees of other species, for a total of Thirty-nine (39) significant trees. Three (3) significant trees are proposed to be removed. Species Distribution Age-class distribution based on Diameter at Breast Height (dbh). Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 7 Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Plan Tree Protection in Construction Construction activities can have significant impacts on nearby trees for many reasons. Roughly one half of a tree’s biomass is underground in the form of structural and absorptive roots. These roots take up water and nutrients that trees need to survive, so minimizing impact to these roots is crucial to reducing tree impacts during construction. Roots can be damaged by even light-weight equipment being driven in the root zone, an impact that may not be visible until the tree begins to show signs of stress months or years later. Another root impact occurs when materials are improperly stored or disposed of in the root zone. This can injure tree roots and contaminate soil. Finally, an obvious impact can occur when equipment damages trunks and branches, To avoid these impacts, it is a best management practice to establish fenced tree protection zones to exclude any grading, trenching, soil compaction, material storage, or mechanical damage. These tree protection zones are based on calculated critical root zones (CRZs), and have been identified for the Boeing Campus in Renton based on the proposed construction activity. Any tree that will have major encroachments into the CRZ that will cause the tree to become hazardous are recommended for removal, rather than tree protection. Removal Due to the removal of underground utilities into the critical root zones, the following five (5) trees are identified for removal. Tree #4 and #4.5 are considered significant trees according to the City of Renton definition. (Table 2, Figure 1). Tree #4 is a multi-stemmed vine maple with most stems averaging 1-2 inches in diameter. Table 2. Trees Identified for Removal Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (In.) Canopy Width (Ft.) Hei ght (Ft.) Significant tree in Renton 3 Cascara buckthorn Good 1 5 10 No 4 maple, vine Good 8 (10+ Multi-stem) 14 6 Yes 4.5 Cottonwood, black fair 12 12 40 Yes 9 willow, Scouler's Good 4 8 30 No 14 Cottonwood, black Good 10 15 40 Yes Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 8 Figure 1. Illustration showing approximate location of proposed tree removals. Remove Tree #3, #4, #4.5 Remove Tree #9 Remove Tree #14 Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 9 Crown Raising There are thirty-seven (37) trees along the fence in the proposed work area that can be retained during construction with crown raising, a type of pruning that removes lower limbs. This type of pruning allows tree retention along with necessary site activities, and reduces the likelihood of conflict and mechanical damage to tree limbs. These trees are not in the wetland area, but it appears that most are within the critical area defined by the City of Renton. They are not trees owned by Boeing, but are immediately adjacent to the Boeing Property. Table 3. Trees identified for Crown Raise Pruning Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (In.) Canopy Width (Ft.) Height (Ft.) Significant tree in Renton 19 aspen, quaking Good 12 6 55 Yes 20 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 55 Yes 21 aspen, quaking Good 12 10 60 Yes 22 aspen, quaking Good 12 7 60 Yes 23 aspen, quaking Good 12 6 60 Yes 24 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes 25 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes 26 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes 27 aspen, quaking Good 12 12 60 Yes 28 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes 29 aspen, quaking Good 12 9 60 Yes 30 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes 31 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes 32 aspen, quaking Good 16 10 60 Yes 33 Port Orford cedar Fair 6 0 60 Yes 34 aspen, quaking Good 6 6 50 Yes 36 aspen, quaking Good 3 10 20 No 37 aspen, quaking Good 6 6 20 Yes 38 Port Orford cedar Good 6 8 20 Yes 39 aspen, quaking Good 8 0 20 Yes 40 Port Orford cedar Good 8 6 30 Yes 41 Port Orford cedar Good 8 6 30 Yes 42 aspen, quaking Good 6 8 30 Yes Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 10 Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (In.) Canopy Width (Ft.) Height (Ft.) Significant tree in Renton 43 aspen, quaking Good 6 6 40 Yes 44 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 30 No 45 Port Orford cedar Good 4 8 30 No 46 aspen, quaking Good 6 8 40 Yes 47 Port Orford cedar Good 6 6 40 Yes 48 Port Orford cedar Good 6 8 30 Yes 49 aspen, quaking Good 6 10 30 Yes 50 Port Orford cedar Good 7 6 30 Yes 51 Port Orford cedar Good 5 6 30 Yes 52 aspen, quaking Good 6 8 40 Yes 53 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 20 No 54 aspen, quaking Good 3 6 40 No 55 Port Orford cedar Good 6 6 30 Yes 56 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 30 No Critical Root Zones Critical and Structural Root Zones The diameter of the surveyed trees was used to determine the potential Critical Root Zone (CRZ) of each tree. The CRZ is the area around the trunk where the roots essential to tree health and stability are located. It is equal to one and a half (1.5) feet for every inch of trunk diameter measured at 4.5 feet from grade. For example; tree #1, with a DBH of 2 inches had a calculated CRZ of 3 feet. This distance may extend beyond the tree canopy dripline. Critical root zones have been calculated f or all the trees inventoried (Table 4) to help managers understand where CRZs intersect with necessary limits of disturbance due to site construction. The CRZs of four (4) trees have substantial construction activities within the CRZ, and are not suitable to ret ain. Where trees are located close together, many critical root zones will overlap, so tree protection fencing may enclose an entire row of trees, rather than individuals. Tree protection fencing should be installed before any construction activities begin and remain in place throughout the period of construction. The fencing should bear signage specifying the tree protection zone is not to be entered, and should include the contact information of the project arborist who may be contacted in the event any c oncerns arise about the trees during the course of the project. Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 11 Table 4. Critical Root Zones of All Trees Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (inches) CRZ Radius (Ft) Total CRZ Area (SqFt) Significant tree in Renton Action 1 Cottonwood, black Fair 3 3 28 No 2 willow, Scouler's Good 1 2 7 No 3 Cascara buckthorn Good 1 2 7 No Remove 4 maple, vine Good 18 27 2,290 Yes Remove 4.5 cottonwood, black fair 12 12 1,018 Yes Remove 5 willow, Scouler's Fair 1 2 7 No 6 cottonwood, black Good 2 3 28 No 7 willow, Scouler's Fair 2 3 28 No 8 cottonwood, black Good 13 20 1,195 Yes 9 willow, Scouler's Poor 4 6 113 No Remove 10 willow, Scouler's Poor 5 8 177 No 11 willow, Scouler's Poor 21 31 3,114 Yes 12 cottonwood, black Good 7 11 346 No 13 willow, Scouler's Fair 3 5 64 No 14 cottonwood, black Good 10 15 707 Yes Remove 15 cottonwood, black Good 10 15 707 Yes 16 cottonwood, black Good 10 15 707 Yes 17 cottonwood, black Good 7 11 346 No 18 cottonwood, black Good 14 21 1,385 Yes 19 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 20 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 21 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 22 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 23 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 24 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 12 Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (inches) CRZ Radius (Ft) Total CRZ Area (SqFt) Significant tree in Renton Action 25 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 26 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 27 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 28 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 29 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 30 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 31 aspen, quaking Good 12 18 1,018 Yes Crown Raise 32 aspen, quaking Good 16 24 1,810 Yes Crown Raise 33 Port Orford cedar Fair 6 9 254 No Crown Raise 34 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 No Crown Raise 35 aspen, quaking Dead 3 5 64 No 36 aspen, quaking Good 3 5 64 No Crown Raise 37 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 38 Port Orford cedar Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 39 aspen, quaking Good 8 12 452 Yes Crown Raise 40 Port Orford cedar Good 8 12 452 Yes Crown Raise 41 Port Orford cedar Good 8 12 452 Yes Crown Raise 42 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 43 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 44 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 113 No Crown Raise 45 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 113 No Crown Raise 46 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 47 Port Orford cedar Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 48 Port Orford cedar Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 49 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 50 Port Orford cedar Good 7 11 346 Yes Crown Raise 51 Port Orford cedar Good 5 8 177 Yes Crown Raise Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 13 Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (inches) CRZ Radius (Ft) Total CRZ Area (SqFt) Significant tree in Renton Action 52 aspen, quaking Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 53 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 113 No Crown Raise 54 aspen, quaking Good 3 5 64 No Crown Raise 55 Port Orford cedar Good 6 9 254 Yes Crown Raise 56 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 113 No Crown Raise Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 14 Conclusion The inspection of fifty-seven (57) trees found locally adapted species in primarily good condition. These trees are young to established, based on DBH. Due to their locations, fifty-one (51) have good potential to survive some construction impacts. Tree protection fencing for the critical root zones is recommended, and required by City of Renton regulations. With these measures in place, it is reasonable to assume the protected trees can be retained on the site. Thirty-seven (37) trees have been identified for crown-raise pruning. This pruning should occur before construction activities to facilitate site access and activities and minimize mechanical damage to trees. After pruning is conducted, tree protection fencing should be installed. Five (5) trees have been identified for removal, including three (3) trees considered significant in Renton. These trees should be removed before tree protection fencing is installed and before construction activities begin. Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 15 Appendix A - All Inventoried Trees Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (In.) Canopy Width (Ft.) Height (Ft.) Significant Tree in Renton Action 1 Cottonwood, black Good 2 10 14 No 2 willow, Scouler's Good 1 5 14 No 3 cascara buckthorn Good 1 5 10 No Remove 4 maple, vine Good 8 14 60 Yes Remove, (10+multistem) 4.5 cottonwood, black fair 12 12 40 Yes Remove 5 willow, Scouler's Fair 1 5 14 No 6 cottonwood, black Good 2 5 16 No 7 willow, Scouler's Fair 2 10 20 No 8 cottonwood, black Good 13 14 70 Yes 9 willow, Scouler's Poor 4 8 30 No Remove 10 willow, Scouler's Poor 5 8 30 No 11 willow, Scouler's Poor 21 28 30 Yes 12 cottonwood, black Good 7 14 60 No 13 willow, Scouler's Fair 3 6 20 No 14 cottonwood, black Good 10 12 60 Yes 15 cottonwood, black Good 10 14 60 Yes 16 cottonwood, black Good 10 12 60 Yes 17 cottonwood, black Good 7 12 60 No 18 cottonwood, black Good 14 14 60 Yes 19 aspen, quaking Good 12 6 55 Yes Crown Raise 20 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 55 Yes Crown Raise 21 aspen, quaking Good 12 10 60 Yes Crown Raise 22 aspen, quaking Good 12 7 60 Yes Crown Raise 23 aspen, quaking Good 12 6 60 Yes Crown Raise 24 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes Crown Raise 25 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes Crown Raise 26 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes Crown Raise 27 aspen, quaking Good 12 12 60 Yes Crown Raise Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 16 Tree # Common Name Condition Rating DBH (In.) Canopy Width (Ft.) Height (Ft.) Significant Tree in Renton Action 28 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes Crown Raise 29 aspen, quaking Good 12 9 60 Yes Crown Raise 30 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes Crown Raise 31 aspen, quaking Good 12 8 60 Yes Crown Raise 32 aspen, quaking Good 16 10 60 Yes Crown Raise 33 Port Orford cedar Fair 6 0 60 Yes Crown Raise 34 aspen, quaking Good 6 6 50 Yes Crown Raise 35 aspen, quaking Dead 3 0 No 36 aspen, quaking Good 3 10 20 No Crown Raise 37 aspen, quaking Good 6 6 20 Yes Crown Raise 38 Port Orford cedar Good 6 8 20 Yes Crown Raise 39 aspen, quaking Good 8 0 20 Yes Crown Raise 40 Port Orford cedar Good 8 6 30 Yes Crown Raise 41 Port Orford cedar Good 8 6 30 Yes Crown Raise 42 aspen, quaking Good 6 8 30 Yes Crown Raise 43 aspen, quaking Good 6 6 40 Yes Crown Raise 44 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 30 No Crown Raise 45 Port Orford cedar Good 4 8 30 No Crown Raise 46 aspen, quaking Good 6 8 40 Yes Crown Raise 47 Port Orford cedar Good 6 6 40 Yes Crown Raise 48 Port Orford cedar Good 6 8 30 Yes Crown Raise 49 aspen, quaking Good 6 10 30 Yes Crown Raise 50 Port Orford cedar Good 7 6 30 Yes Crown Raise 51 Port Orford cedar Good 5 6 30 Yes Crown Raise 52 aspen, quaking Good 6 8 40 Yes Crown Raise 53 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 20 No Crown Raise 54 aspen, quaking Good 3 6 40 No Crown Raise 55 Port Orford cedar Good 6 6 30 Yes Crown Raise 56 Port Orford cedar Good 4 6 30 No Crown Raise Davey Resource Group September 2017 (Revised 8-14-2020) 17 Appendix B – Tree Retention Worksheet 0 0