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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Arborist_Report_200908_v1.pdf Arborist Report 3810 Park Ave N Renton, WA March 9th, 2017 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Table of Contents 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1 2. Description ............................................................................................................... 1 3. Methodology ............................................................................................................ 1 4. Observations ........................................................................................................... 2 5. Discussion ............................................................................................................... 3 6. Tree Retention ......................................................................................................... 3 7. Tree Replacement .................................................................................................. .3 8. Tree Protection Measures…………………………………………………………………4 Appendix Site/Tree Photos – pages 5 - 12 Tree Summary Table - attached Tree Plan Map – attached 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 1 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 1. Introduction American Forest Management, Inc. was contacted by Emil Matveyev, and was asked to compile an ‘Arborist Report’ for one parcel located within the City of Renton. The proposed 2-lot short plat encompasses the property at 3810 Park Ave N. Our assignment is to prepare a written report on present tree conditions, which is to be filed with the preliminary permit application. This report encompasses all of the criteria set forth under City of Renton code section 4-4-130. The tree retention requirement is 30% of significant trees. Date of Field Examination: March 7th, 2017 2. Description 12 significant trees were identified and assessed on the property. These are comprised of a mix of native species, planted ornamental species and fruit trees. According to City of Renton code, a significant tree is a “tree with a caliper of at least six inches (6"), or an alder or cottonwood tree with a caliper of at least eight inches (8"). Trees qualified as dangerous shall not be considered significant. Trees planted within the most recent ten (10) years shall qualify as significant trees, regardless of the actual caliper.” A numbered aluminum tag was placed on the lower trunks of the subject trees. These numbers were used for this assessment. Tree tag numbers correspond with the numbers on the Tree Summary Tables and copy of the attached site survey. There are no neighboring trees whose drip-lines extend over the property line or encroach upon the subject property. 3. Methodology Each tree in this report was visited. Tree diameters were measured by tape. The tree heights were measured using a Spiegel Relaskop. Each tree was visually examined for defects and vigor. The tree assessment procedure involves the examination of many factors:  The crown of the tree is examined for current vigor. This is comprised of inspecting the crown (foliage, buds and branches) for color, density, form, and annual shoot growth, limb dieback and disease. The percentage of live crown is estimated for coniferous species only and scored appropriately.  The bole or main stem of the tree is inspected for decay, which includes cavities, wounds, fruiting bodies of decay (conks or mushrooms), seams, i nsects, bleeding, callus development, broken or dead tops, structural defects and unnatural leans. Structural defects include crooks, forks with V -shaped crotches, multiple attachments, and excessive sweep.  The root collar and roots are inspected for the presence of decay, insects and/or damage, as well as if they have been injured, undermined or exposed, or original grade has been altered. Based on these factors a determination of condition is made. The four condition categories are described below based on the species traits assessed: Excellent – free of structural defects, no disease or pest problems, no root issues, excellent structure/form with uniform crown or canopy, foliage of normal color and density, above average vigor, it will be wind fi rm if isolated, suitable for its location Good – free of significant structural defects, no disease concerns, minor pest issues, no significant root issues, good structure/form with uniform crown or canopy, foliage of normal color and density, average or normal vigor, will be wind firm if isolated or left as part of a grouping or grove of trees, suitable for its location 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 2 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Fair – minor structural defects not expected to contribute to a failure in near future, no disease concerns, moderate pest issues, no significant root issues, asymmetric or unbalanced crown or canopy, average or normal vigor, foliage of normal color, moderate foliage density, will be wind firm if left as part of a grouping or grove of trees, cannot be isolated, suitable for its location Poor – major structural defects expected to fail in near future, disease or significant pest concerns, decline due to old age, significant root issues, asymmetric or unbalanced crown or canopy, sparse or abnormally small foliage, poor vigor, not suitable for its location A ‘viable’ tree is “A significant tree that a qualified professional has determined to be in good health, with a low risk of failure due to structural defects, is wind firm if isolated or remains as part of a grove, and is a species that is suitable for its location.” Trees considered ‘non-viable’ are trees that are in poor condition due to disease, age related decline, have significant decay issues and/or cumulative structural defects, which exacerbate failure potential. The attached tree map indicates the ‘condition’ of the subject trees found at the site. 4. Observations Tree #101 is a black walnut tree north of the current driveway. This tree has good form a nd a full crown. The subject tree forks into two trunks around 25’ from the ground. The only notable defect is one of the tops that broke off in the past. This tree is in good condition and is viable. Tree #102 is a flowering cherry tree north of the current driveway. The trunk of the subject tree forks 2’ from the ground. The crown is low and widespread. This tree is in fair condition and is viable. Tree #103 is an apple tree south of the current driveway. The subject tree was topped and has two co -dominant trunks. There is visible decay at the point of branch attachment. This tree is in poor condition and is non-viable. Tree #104 is a pear tree south of the current driveway. The subject tree has two co-dominant stems. There was a third co-dominant stem that failed in the past. There is now a large pocket of decay at the point of failure. This tree is in poor condition and is non-viable. Tree #105 is a plum tree. This tree has three co-dominant stems that fork close to the base. The crown is widespread and the tree was topped in the past. This tree is in fair condition and is viable. Tree #106 is an English holly in the southwest corner of the property. The subject tree is i n good condition and has no concerning defects. Tree #107 is a common hawthorn south of the home. The trunk of this tree forks around 20’ from the base. The attachment between the two stems is obscured by branches. Some large stems have failed. Overall co ndition is fair and the tree is viable. Tree #108 is a European white birch on lot 2. There are sapsucker holes throughout the trunk. The crown is full and only one of the tops is dead. The subject tree is in fair condition and is viable. Tree #109 and #110 are western red cedar trees in the northeast corner of the property. There is plywood staked around these trees. Both trees have good trunk taper and healthy foliage. The subject trees are in good condition and are viable. Tree #111 and #112 are apple trees in the southeast corner of the property. Both trees have large cavities of decay and have been topped. Both trees are in poor condition and are non -viable. 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 3 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 5. Discussion The extent of drip-lines (farthest reaching branches) for the subject trees can be found on the tree summary tables at the back of this report. These have also been delineated on a copy of the site survey for viable/healthy trees proposed for retention. The information plotted on the attached survey plan may need to be transferred to a final tree retention/protection plan to meet City submittal requirements. The trees that are to be removed shall be shown “X’d” out on the final plan. The Limits of Disturbance (LOD) measurements can also be found on the tree summary table. This is the recommended distance of the closest impact (soil excavation) to the trunk face. These should be referenced when determining tree retention feasibility. The LOD measurements are based on species, age, condition, drip - line, prior improvements, proposed impacts and the anticipated cumulative impacts to the entire root zone. Tree Protection fencing shall be located beyond the drip -line edge of retained trees, and only moved back to the LOD when work is authorized. The house on Lot one will remain, no impacts are anticipated for the trees on this lot, #103 - #107. If construction work will occur on this lot, place tree protection fencing beyond the drip -line edge of the trees. Tree #109 and #110 are western red cedar trees in the northeast corner of the property. These are the only native trees on the property. Western red cedar trees are a long lived species and these two trees are the highest value trees on the property. Retention of both trees is recommended. Remove the plywood stacked next to these trees and apply mulch under the drip lines of both trees. 6. Tree Retention A total of 12 significant trees were identified on the subject property. Four of the significant trees are in poor condition. These four non-viable trees were not included in the tree calculation. A landmark tree is any tree greater than 30” in diameter or greater. There are no landmark trees or tree groves on the subject property. Tree Calculation based on 8, healthy, viable, significant trees Viable Trees proposed for retention – 5 (62.5%) Viable Trees proposed for removal – 3 (37.5%) 7. Tree Replacement Replacements trees may be required. Consult your city planner for tree replacement requirements. All replacement trees are to be planted on site. For planting and maintenance specifications, refer to Section 4 -4- 130 of the Renton Tree Ordinances. 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 4 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 8. Tree Protection Measures The following guidelines are recommended to ensure that the designated space set aside for the pres erved trees are protected and construction impacts are kept to a minimum.  Tree protection barriers shall be initially erected at 5’ outside of the drip-line prior to moving any heavy equipment on site.  Tree protection fencing shall only be moved where necessary to install improvements, but only as close as the Limits of Disturbance, as indicated on the attached plan.  Excavation limits should be laid out in paint on the ground to avoid over excavating.  Excavations within the drip-lines shall be monitored by a qualified tree professional so necessary precautions can be taken to decrease impacts to tree parts. A qualified tree professional shall monitor excavations when work is required and allowed up to the “Limits of Disturbance”.  To establish sub grade for foundations, curbs and pavement sections near the trees, soil should be removed parallel to the roots and not at 90 degree angles to avoid breaking and tearing roots that lead back to the trunk within the drip-line. Any roots damaged during these excavations should be exposed to sound tissue and cut cleanly with a saw. Cutting tools should be sterilized with alcohol.  Areas excavated within the drip-line of retained trees should be thoroughly irrigated weekly during dry periods.  Preparations for final landscaping shall be accomplished by hand within the drip-lines of retained trees. Plantings within the drip lines shall be limited. Large equipment shall be kept outside of the tree protection zones. There is no warranty suggested for any of the trees subject to this report. Weather, latent tree conditions, and future man-caused activities could cause physiologic changes and deteriorating tree condition. Over time, deteriorating tree conditions may appear and there may be conditions, which are not now visible which, could cause tree failure. This report or the verbal comments made at the site in no way warrant the structural stability or long term condition of any tree, but represent my opinion based on the observations made. Nearly all trees in any condition standing within reach of improvements or human use areas represent hazards that could lead to damage or injury. Please call if you have any questions or I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Kelly Wilkinson kelly.wilkinson@afmforest.com ISA Certified Arborist #PN-7673A ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 5 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Photos Tree #101 – black walnut 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 6 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #102 – flowering cherry tree Tree #104 and #103 – pear and apple trees 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 7 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #104 – pear tree with significant decay at the point of co-dominant stem attachment Tree #105 – plum tree 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 8 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #107 – common hawthorn 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 9 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #108 – white birch 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 10 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #109 and #110 – western red cedar trees 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 11 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #111 – apple tree 3810 Park Ave N - Arborist Report Page 12 American Forest Management 3/9/2017 Tree #112 – apple tree Tree Summary Table American Forest Management, Inc. For:3810 Park Ave N Date:3/7/2017 City of Renton Inspector:Wilkinson Tree/DBH Height Tag #Species (inches)(feet)Condition Viability Comments Proposal N S E W 101 black walnut 26 64 16 / 13 15 / 13 17 / 13 24 / 13 good viable Crook in trunk, forks at 25', one top broke off remove 102 flowering cherry 8, 8 13 4 / 6 8 / 6 9 / 6 10 / 6 fair viable trunk forks at 2', ok attachment remove 103 apple 8, 6 13 7 9 5 6 poor non-viable topped, co-dominant trunks, decay at branch attachment, low risk retain 104 pear 7, 6 17 5 7 5 3 poor non-viable Forks at 2', included bark at branch attachment, topped, low risk retain 105 plum 5, 5, 4 14 7 / 6 8 / 6 6 / 6 6 / 6 fair viable trunk forks at base, widespread crown, topped retain 106 English holly 9 27 7 / 6 6 / 6 5 / 6 6 / 6 good viable no concerning defects retain 107 common hawthorn 15 42 13 / 8 8 / 8 4 / 8 11 / 8 fair viable forked trunk at 20'retain 108 European white birch 14 53 15 12 10 14 fair viable Sapsucker holes remove 109 western red cedar 10 31 9 / 8 8 / 8 6 / 8 10 / 8 good viable plywood stacked next to trunk retain 110 western red cedar 10 31 8 / 8 7 / 8 4 / 8 9 / 8 good viable plywood stacked next to trunk retain 111 apple 18 19 5 7 8 9 poor non-viable topped, severe decay remove 112 apple 14 18 5 2 4 5 poor non-viable topped, severe decay remove Drip-Line and Limits of Disturbance measurements from face of trunk Drip-Line/Limits of Disturbance (feet) Trees on neighboring properties - Drip-line and Limits of Disturbance measurements from property lines Tree Map