HomeMy WebLinkAbout2216 High Ave Tree Plan Report_2_25
Arborist Report
2216 High Ave NE
Renton, WA
February 25th, 2016
American Forest Management 2/25/2016
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1
2. Description ............................................................................................................... 1
3. Methodology ............................................................................................................ 1
4. Observations ........................................................................................................... 2
5. Discussion ............................................................................................................... 2
6. Tree Retention ......................................................................................................... 3
7. Tree Replacement .................................................................................................. .3
8. Tree Protection Measures…………………………………………………………………4
Appendix
Site/Tree Photos – pages 5 - 9
Tree Summary Table - attached
Tree Plan Map – attached
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
Page 1 American Forest Management 2/25/2016
1. Introduction
American Forest Management, Inc. was contacted by Hugh Stewart of Sandjay LLC, and was asked to compile
an ‘Arborist Report’ for one parcels located within the City of Renton.
The proposed home remodel encompasses the property at 2216 High Ave NE. 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: February 18th, 2016
2. Description
22 significant trees were identified and assessed on the property. These are comprised of a mix of native species
and planted ornamental species. 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 two neighboring trees with a drip lines that extend over the property line.
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, insects, 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 firm 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
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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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
The subject trees are comprised of a mix of native and planted species. The native tree species are primarily in
along the north and east property lines. Specific tree information can be found on the attached tree table. The
non-viable and neighboring trees are described below.
Tree #102 is a flowering cherry west of the home. This tree has five co-dominant stems. Many of the main
stems are dead. The subject tree has poor form and decay in the stems. This tree is in decline and is non-viable.
Tree #108 is a young big leaf maple on the north property line. This tree has severe decay. One of the co-
dominant stems is dead and the main trunk is over 50% decayed. This tree is in poor condition and is non-
viable.
Tree #116 is a red alder east of the current home. The lower trunk of this tree is covered in ivy. This tree has
evidence of decay and a smaller than average crown. This tree is in poor condition and is non-viable.
Tree #119 is a bitter cherry in the southeast corner of the property. This tree is almost entirely covered in
English ivy. This tree has a 10% live crown. The subject tree is in poor condition and is non-viable.
Tree #121 is a mature big leaf maple tree east of the current home. This tree has co-dominant stems that fork 1’
from the ground. One trunk is leaning west towards the home. There is decay in the stem leaning towards the
home. There is reaction wood around the decay, evidence that the decay has been compartmentalized. The most
concerning defect is the v-shaped attachment between the co-dominant stems and the seam between the branch
attachments. This tree is in poor condition and is non-viable.
Neighboring Trees
Tree #201 and #202 are Douglas-fir trees north of the property line. Both trees have full crowns and no notable
defects. The subject trees are in good condition and are viable.
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.
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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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 neighboring trees are two mature Douglas-fir trees and need to be protected with tree protection fencing.
Tree #201 and #202 are on the north perimeter and with tree protection fencing, erected per the attached plan,
no significant impacts are anticipated.
6. Tree Retention
A total of 22 significant trees were identified on the subject property. Six of the significant trees are in poor
condition. These six non-viable trees were not included in the tree calculation.
Landmark trees and tree groves were prioritized when selecting trees for retention, per the City of Renton tree
code 4-4-130.
Tree Calculation based on 16, healthy, viable, significant trees
Viable Trees proposed for removal – 12 (75%)
Viable Trees proposed for retention – 4 (25%)
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.
Tree Type Removal Retained Total
Landmark # 1 0 1
Landmark % 100% 0% 100%
Significant # 11 4 15
Significant % 73% 27% 100%
Total # 12 4 16
Total % 75% 25% 100%
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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8. Tree Protection Measures
The following guidelines are recommended to ensure that the designated space set aside for the preserved 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
ISA Certified Arborist #PN-7673A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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Photos
Tree #103, #102 and #101 – planted ornamental trees
Tree #103 – Magnolia with co-dominant stems
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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Tree #104 – Austrian black pine leaning south
Tree #108 – big leaf maple with severe trunk decay
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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Tree #109 – lodgepole pine with a flat side on the lower trunk
Tree #114 – western red cedar with co-dominant stems
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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South east corner of the property
Tree #121 – big leaf maple in decline
2216 High Ave NE Arborist Report
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Tree #122 – flowering cherry with decay in main stems
Tree Summary Table American Forest Management, Inc.
For:2216 High Ave NE Date:2/19/2016
City of Renton Inspector:Wilkinson
Tree/DBH Height
Tag #Species (inches)(feet)Condition Viability Comments Proposal
N S E W
101 Amur maple
2, 6, 7,
4, 3 21 13 113 11 10 fair viable decay in stems remove
102 flowering cherry
8, 8, 13,
9, 5 14 12 14 14 21 poor non-viable dead stems, decay, poor form remove
103 Magnolia 10, 7 26 12 16 17 9 fair viable forks at base and reconnects at 5'remove
104 Austrian pine 15 32 2 24 10 7 fair viable leans south remove
105 Sitka spruce 15 57 10 10 12 9 good viable remove
106 western red cedar 30 86 16 12 14 12 good viable landmark tree remove
107 big leaf maple 12 68 16 8 fair viable remove
108 big leaf maple 10 64 poor non-viable severe decay, dead co-dominant stemremove
109 lodgepole pine 16 69 16 6 8 fair viable flat side remove
110 Douglas-fir 28 95 14 good viable ivy covering trunk remove
111 Austrian pine 11 62 7 8 7 fair viable ivy covering trunk remove
112 big leaf maple 15, 14, 14 64 21 21 9 18 fair viable ivy remove
113 big leaf maple 8, 16 42 10 14 4 fair viable ivy remove
114 western red cedar 24, 7 60 12 11 11 11 good viable remove
115 bitter cherry 9, 12, 11 49 16 / 12 14 / 12 15 / 12 12 / 12 fair viable ivy retain
116 red alder 14 43 15 7 18 9 poor non-viable severe trunk decay remove
117 bitter cherry 6, 7 54 15 / 10 16 / 10 7 / 10 11 / 10 fair viable forks at base, some dead stems retain
118 black cottonwood 18, 14 75 19 / 14 23 / 14 15 / 14 9 / 14 fair viable retain
119 bitter cherry 6, 10 23 poor non-viable ivy covering trunk, 10% live crown remove
120 black cottonwood 26 68 13 / 14 12 / 14 9 / 14 fair viable ivy retain
121 big leaf maple 23, 28 89 22 8 18 21 poor non-viable decay, black on lower trunk remove
122 flowering cherry
7, 10,
10, 10 26 11 22 15 15 poor non-viable decay remove
201 Douglas-fir 27 92 10 / 8 good viable
202 Douglas-fir 29 99 12 / 10 good viable
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
Neighboring Trees