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Mr. Newhart Level 1 Tree Assessment
Prepared For: William Newhart
P/N: 6198400125, 116TH AVE SE Renton, WA 98058
Prepared By: Ryan Seeley
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: November 3, 2021
*Updated November 9, 2021, to update status of tree #3 to Whole Tree Failure.
Contents: Introduction
Summary
Findings and Recommendations
Introduction
Mr. Newhart and I visited the property on September 10, 2021. I provided an assessment
of the trees located at P/N: 6198400125, 116TH AVE SE Renton, WA 98058 to discuss site
plans and proposed construction.
Summary
I was contacted by Mr. Newhart to report the measurements, health, and condition of
several trees that were retained during construction. Our meeting was to determine the health,
condition, and measurements of the trees after one had failed causing damage to 2 of the
neighboring properties.
*Update* During the writing of this report, on November 9, 2021, another tree that was to be
included in this report for removal had failed and landed on another neighboring house causing
significant property damage.
Findings and Recommendations
There are 9 trees that were retained on the property, 2 of which have failed causing
considerable damage to neighboring houses. Mr. Newhart is requesting to remove 4 trees to
prevent further occurrences of tree failure. The size, health, and planned course of action for each
tree within the area of proposed construction is explained in further detail on the Tree Inventory
Matrix Mr. Newhart’s property located on page 7
In my professional opinion, I observed the current property conditions of the proposed
construction area and reviewed the proposed site plan and the accompanying documents. Mr.
Newhart and the surrounding community are requesting that the 4 trees mentioned in this report
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be removed. This would give Mr. Newhart the opportunity to plant trees better suited to the area
and enrich the community.
Figure 1. Trees circled and outlines in red are being requested for removal and replacement after
trees #2 and #3 have failed.
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Figure 2. Tree # 2 had failed and damaged neighboring properties due to the forest edge trees
that once provided a wind buffer being removed for construction and flooding in the area leading
to soil erosion
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Figure 3. Tree #3 has also failed to new wind exposure from forest trees being removed and
flooding.
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Figure 4. Trees #4 and #5 are in similar conditions and species as the ones that have failed (#2 &
#3) with root systems unaccustomed the new wind exposure and weak soil prone to excessive
flooding.
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Figure 5. Tree #6 has poor structure due to continuous line clearance leading to several poorly
attached tops.
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Mr. Newhart, Level 2 Risk Assessment/Inventory
Prepared For: Mr. Newhart
P/N: 6198400125, 116TH AVE SE Renton, WA 98058
Prepared By: Ryan Seeley ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: September 10, 2021 Attachments: Tree Matrix with Comments and Action Item
Waiver of Liability
Contents: Summary Introduction Findings and Recommendations
Tree Retention Calculations Glossary Summary
On November 3, 2021, I noted there were 6 trees on the property of P/N: 6198400125, 116TH
AVE SE Renton, WA 98058, within the area of proposed construction.
Of those trees-
1 Big Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum
4 Black Cottonwoods, Populus trichocarpa
1 Western White Pine, Pinus monticola
Introduction
As requested by Mr. Newhart, I provided an assessment and inventory of the trees located
at P/N: 6198400125, 116TH AVE SE Renton, WA 98058.
I was onsite on November 3, 2021, to measure and assess the conditions of the trees and
to create a tree matrix to include comments and action items for each tree in this stand. (Matrix
provided below).
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Findings and Recommendations
Trees to be removed on the property of P/N: 6198400125, 116TH AVE SE Renton, WA 98058 that conflict with the proposed construction are as follows:
1 Big Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum
4 Black Cottonwoods, Populus trichocarpa
1 Western White Pine, Pinus monticola
Mr. Newhart – (P/N: 6198400125, 116TH AVE SE) DATE 11/3/2021
Tree # Botanical Name Common Name DBH Vigor Structure Comments/Action Item
1 Acer
macrophyllum
Big Leaf
Maple 13” Fair Fair
Sparse canopy,
damaged/broken limbs.
Forest edge trees removed.
Soil flooding.
Remove and replace
2 Populus
trichocarpa
Black
Cottonwood N/A N/A N/A Failed due to new wind
exposure and soil flooding
3 Populus
trichocarpa
Black
Cottonwood 20” N/A N/A Failed due to new wind
exposure and soil flooding
4 Populus
trichocarpa
Black
Cottonwood 20” Good Fair
Forest edge trees removed.
Soil flooding. Similar species
failures nearby.
Remove and replace
5 Populus
trichocarpa
Black
Cottonwood 32” Good Fair
Forest edge trees removed.
Soil flooding. Similar species
failure nearby.
Remove and replace
6 Pinus monticola Western White
Pine 30” Good Poor
History of line clearance
pruning and poor structure.
Remove and replace
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Glossary
Arborist: A person possessing the technical competence through experience and related
training to provide for or supervise the management of trees or other woody plants in a landscape
setting.
Basic Level 2 Risk Assessment: A detailed visual inspection of a tree and its
surrounding site and a synthesis of the information collected.
Canopy/crown: Upper part of a tree bearing foliage, limbs, and branches, measured from
the lowest branch including all branches and foliage.
Co-dominant Stem: A structurally unstable branch union often associated with a high
risk of failure. A term used to describe two or more main stems (or "leaders") that are about the
same diameter and emerge from the same location on the main trunk.
Crown Cleaning: In pruning, the selective removal of dead, dying, diseased and broken
branches from the tree crown.
Diameter at Breast Height: A standard measurement of a tree most often taken at 4.5
feet from the base of the tree; however, this can vary depending if the tree has multiple trunks or
is growing on a slope.
Hazard Tree: A tree that meets all the following criteria:
a. Has a combination of structural defects and/or disease which makes it subject to a high
probability of failure;
b. Is in proximity to moderate to high frequency targets (persons or property that can be
damaged by tree failure); and
c. The hazard condition of the tree cannot be lessened with reasonable and proper
arboricultural practices, nor can the target be removed.
Live Crown Ratio: The ratio of the size of a tree's live crown to its total height. Used in
estimating a tree’s health and its level of competition with neighboring trees.
Mechanical Damage: Trees are often wounded by careless use of yard equipment like
mowers, weed whackers, and other trimming equipment. These injuries cut through important
vascular tissue just inside the bark that can lead to decay and ultimately death of the tree. A ring
of natural mulch or arborist wood chips around the tree eliminates the need to trim or mow close
to the tree's base. Extreme care should be taken when digging up or tilling the soil under a tree.
Many large and small roots will be cut by such digging, especially if it occurs close to the trunk.
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Monitor: It is important to monitor mature trees on a regular schedule, at least once a year.
Monitoring would include a Visual Tree Assessment to look for changes in habit and structure,
and to document signs of weakness or decline in health and integrity of the trees.
Options for Mitigation of Risk Trees:
• Remove the risk altogether, if possible, by cutting off one or more branches, removing
dead wood, or possibly removing the entire tree. Extreme risk situations should be closed
off until the risk is abated.
• Modify the risk of failure probability. In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the
probability of failure by adding mechanical support in the form of cables braces or props.
• Modify the risk rating by moving the target. Risk ratings can sometimes be lowered by
moving the target so that there is a much lower probability of the defective part striking
anything. Moving the target should generally be seen as an interim measure.
• Retain and monitor. This approach is used where some defects have been noted but they
are not yet serious, and the present risk level is only moderate.
• Convert those trees slated for removal into Wildlife Habitat Snags. Reduce the overall
height of the tree using natural fracture pruning techniques to heights relative to the
targets.
Pruning: Selective removal of woody plant parts of any size, using saws, pruners,
clippers, or other pruning tools. The reason for tree pruning may include, but not limited to,
reducing risk, managing tree health and structure and/or improving aesthetics or achieving other
specific objectives. Pruning objectives should include pruning out all dead, diseased, weak
and/or broken branches in all tree canopies, and crown cleaning.
Snag or Habitat Snag: A standing, dead or dying tree, often missing a top or most of the
smaller branches important for wildlife in both natural and landscaped settings, occurring as a
result of disease, lightning, fire, animal damage, too much shade, drought, root competition, or
old age. May also be a component in slope stability and ongoing vegetation management
practices.
Threshold for Risk: Each individual is entitled to and can determine his or the own
threshold for risk. Threshold for risk is subjective, and can be influenced by a person’s view,
taste or opinion.
Topping: Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or to lateral
branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping include
“heading,” “tipping,” “hat-racking,” and “rounding over.” Topping is not a viable method of
height reduction and does not reduce future risk. In fact, topping will increase risk in the long
term. Topping is not to be considered an acceptable arboriculture practice.
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Urban Forestry: Management of naturally occurring and planted trees in urban areas.
Vigor: Overall health; the capacity to grow and resist physiological stress.
• Good: Shoot growth, leaf size and leaf color are typical of the tree age and species.
• Fair: Shoot growth, leaf size, and leaf color are below average for the tree age and
species. Some deadwood is evident in the crown. Treatment may be required to foster
improved future growth.
• Poor: Shoot growth, leaf size, and leaf color are highly stunted, and there is a significant
number of dead twigs and branches in the crown.
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Waiver of Liability There are many conditions affecting a tree’s health and stability which may be present but
cannot be ascertained such as root rot, previous or unexposed construction damage, internal cracks, stem rot and more. Changes in circumstances and conditions can also cause a rapid deterioration of a
tree’s health and stability. Adverse weather conditions can dramatically affect the health and safety of a tree in a very short amount of time. While I have used every reasonable means to examine this
plant, this evaluation represents my opinion of the tree health at this point in time. These findings do not guarantee future safety nor are they predictions of future events. The tree evaluation consists of an external visual inspection of an individual tree’s root flare, trunk, and canopy from the ground only, unless otherwise specified. The inspection may also consist
of taking trunk or root soundings for sound comparisons to aid the evaluator in determining the possible extent of decay within a tree. Soundings are only an aid to the evaluation process and do not
replace the use of other more sophisticated diagnostic tools for determining the extent of decay within a tree. As conditions change, it is the responsibility of the property owners to schedule additional site visits by the ISA Certified Arborist. It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain all
required permits from city, county, state, or federal agencies. It is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions. If there is a
homeowner’s association, it is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with all Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&R’s) that apply to tree pruning and tree removal. This tree evaluation is to be used to inform and guide the client in the management of their
trees. This in no way implies that the evaluator is responsible for performing recommended actions or using other methods or tools to further determine the extent of internal tree problems without written authorization from the client. Furthermore, the evaluator in no way holds that the opinions
and recommendations are the only actions required to ensure that the tree will not fail. A second opinion is recommended. The client shall hold the evaluator harmless for any and all injuries or
damages incurred if the evaluator’s recommendations are not followed or for acts of nature beyond the evaluator’s reasonable expectations, such as severe winds, excessive rains, heavy snow loads, etc. This report and all attachments, enclosures, and references are confidential and are for the
use of the client concerned. They may not be reproduced, used in any way, or disseminated in any
form without the prior consent of the client concerned and ISA Certified Arborist Ryan Seeley. Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Sincerely,
Ryan Seeley (253)-266-5665 ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified