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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArborist ReportRene Castillo A.C. Horticultural Management, Inc. WE -8844A TREE REPORT Prepared By: Rene Castillo, Horticulturist and Certified Arborist ISA#WE-8844A QAL Lic# 129872 Prepared For: Andrew Moore AndreWMooreLAna gmail.com Project Address: 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 Report Preparation Date: November 13, 2018 Report Revision Date: March 27, 2019 Field Inspection Date: November 8, 2018 Purpose: For identifying a specific tree, risk assessment, and procedure to remove it if possible. Field Inspection Summary: A Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) was performed on November 8, 2018 on a large California Sycamore tree located at the above mentioned property. Field Observations: • Protected trees without a visible tree tag • Multi-Tnmk Tree, and single trunk • DBH of 41" is first tree, and combined 56" DBH is second tree • Approximate height of 60 feet of both trees • Approximate canopy width of 40 feet of both trees • Overall health of the trees is poor Page 1 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 • Existing irrigation not present • Overall structure is poor • Trees located in back yard of residence approximately 8 feet away from the home • Trees have not been premed within past 3 years • Visible insect damage to both trees including severe decay throughout trunk of tree • Visible damage to walkway, wall, and home caused by trees root system Findings/Risk Assessment: • The Sycamore trees have outgrown the location they are in. In my professional opinion they are a hazard to property owner of trees, as well as the home next door. It would not be considered safe living in this home, having these large Sycamore trees growing over the home. The Sycamore tree discussed in the tree report dated November 13, 2018 is definitely recommended to be removed because of a combination of tree health/risk. I would give the tree a "C-" grade at best due to how heavily infested/damaged the trunk is and as far as risk, I would say it is at a 70% chance of failure and possibility of doing serious damage to property and/or human beings. The tree is heavily infested with boring insects beyond treatment at this point in time. • Frequent—the target zone is occupied by people or other targets frequently. • Trees have poor vigor, poor leaf color, abnormal bark, deadwood, thinning of crown. • These trees are characterized by exhibiting a greater degree of stress, disease and pest infestation than normal, and appear to be in a state of rapid decline. There is clear evidence of boring insects throughout the Sycamore trees. Frass is visible. • There is clear evidence of damage being caused by the Sycamore trees root system to foundation of home • There are large dead branches in the tree. There is noticeable decay at the lower portion of the trunk of the tree, caused by a high amount of boring insect activity. The trees have developed a strong lean. • The Sycamore trees are growing over an existing home and therefore, there is an unacceptable level of risk to property and its best if the trees are removed. • There is a Coast Live Oak tree located in the front yard of this residence. The tree could use some pruning. This Oak tree will not be impacted in any way during the removal process of the Sycamore trees located in the backyard of the residence as the tree is far away from the area in which heavy equipment would be used. The health or overall structure of the oak tree would not be impacted. Page 2 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 PROTECTED TREE CONSTRUCTION IMPACT GUIDELINES Protection and care of any "saved" tree: A Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), should be clearly marked at 1.0 foot per inch of diameter of each native (protected) tree or tree/s that will be preserved. The protection zone should be clearly marked prior to the start of construction. Protective fencing shall be installed around the perimeter of the (TPZ). Protective fencing shall be installed prior to demolition or grading activities. Fencing shall be chain- link, at least 5 feet high and held in place with steel stakes driven into the ground. There shall be no easy access into the Tree Protection Zone and all protective fencing shall remain intact until construction is completed. Landscaping within the Tree Protection Zone shall be as specified within this report. No Stripping, storage, waste disposal, equipment clean-out, outhouse, or vehicle parking will be allowed within the fenced area. Route utilities (gas, cable, TV, telephone, water, drains, electric, sewer) outside of the protected zone wherever possible. The reason for this, is to try and keep the tree's root zone area free from any disturbance throughout the period of construction activity. Landscaping: Once the project landscaping is designed, the following guidelines shall be followed: Near existing protected native trees, preserved trees and newly planted mitigation trees: If irrigation will be installed, it shall be installed to have a separate station for the Oak tree. Other irrigation shall not irrigate existing Oak tree. Site Preparation and Clearing: Establish tree protection zones as described above. Branches that conflict with the proposed structures, vehicle traffic, or pedestrian circulation shall be pruned to the minimum height required prior to construction. Minimum height requirements of construction equipment and walking paths should be considered. All pruning should be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist or Certified Landscape Technician and not by construction personnel. Prune only what is required. Any and all trees to be removed must be felled away from the tree protection zones or adjacent trees. Protect tree protection zones from compaction during construction with 12" to 14" of wood chip mulch. Locate wash out retention areas as far away from the tree protection zones as possible. Store waste, construction material, soil, and all construction equipment outside of the tree protection zones. Any accidental spills must be cleaned up immediately. Page 3 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 Vegetation to be cleared within the tree protection zones should be cut at ground level by hand and not pulled out by equipment. By doing this, root damage will be minimized. Supplemental irrigation shall be provided both during and after construction in similar volumes and seasonal distribution as would normally occur. Trenching for Utilities: Bridge or tunnel under woody roots that are greater than 1" in diameter whenever possible. Trench by hand whenever digging within the tree protection zone. Route all trenches as far away from the remaining trees as possible. Utility trenches shall be consolidated and try to have them placed next to the driveways and walk ways. The trench should follow the curved path, rather than a straight line. Paving: Aeration pipes or used permeable materials should be installed for paved areas within the tree protection zones. Base material and paving shall be placed on natural grade to avoid root loss, making sure that water will not collect at the base of existing trees. A minimum of six foot clearance shall be maintained around all remaining trees. Specify minimum subgrade compaction of less than 85% under pavement within tree protection zones for areas that do not require structural support. Site Design Lowering the grade. Keep cuts as far from trees as possible by installing retaining walls as far from existing trees as possible. If a masonry wall is to be located within the tree protection zone, a discontinuous footing shall be used to maintain the natural grade as far as possible from the trees. Excavate holes for pillar supports by hand and locate supports to avoid major woody roots greater than F in diameter. In regards to a privacy fence, a wood slat fence would provide a visual barrier at the pedestrian level with minimal impact to the root zone of the remaining trees. Post -Construction Maintenance and Monitoring or Remaining Trees: Install aeration vents and vertical mulch as needed to mitigate soil compaction within the tree protection zone. The site shall be evaluated for changes that could have negative impacts on preserved trees such as fill, soil compaction, disruption in drainage, and mechanical damage. Mitigate impacts as needed. Page 4 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 Trees shall be monitored for signs of stress. Consult with a Certified Arborist to evaluate the health of the trees, diagnose major problems, and recommend the proper treatments for the stressed trees. Recommendations: • Root pruning is not an option as doing this would jeopardize the stability and health of the Sycamore trees. • Apply for a City Permit to Remove these trees safely, providing this Tree Report. • Hire a Tree Service Company that hires Certified Arborist that specializes in large and dangerous removals such as these trees. • Have trees removed only if City issues tree removal permit. Page S of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View lane Arcadia, CA 91007 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITING CONDITIONS Assumptions and limiting conditions: The owner of this property may choose to accept or disregard our recommendations, or choose to seek additional advice on our findings. The Sycamore tree listed in this tree report was analyzed for vigor and general health and reflects the condition of the tree on the date of the Visual Tree Assessment. A Visual Tree Assessment is a visual, ground level tree assessment. No lab testing of the soil, leaf tissue, root zone were made. No exams on upper canopy or leaf tissue were made. Rene Castillo, Certified Arborist, or A.C. Horticultural Management, Inc. shall not be held responsible for damages or injuries caused by any tree defects, nor assume responsibility for the correction of defects or tree related problems. As time passes by, the existing trees along with new trees will continue to grow and mature, as well as showing signs of defects and external issues. No warranty is made, expressed, or implied, that the problems or deficiencies of the tree or the property will not occur in the future, from any cause. A.C. Horticultural Management, Inc. has no past, present, or future interest in the removal or retaining of any tree located throughout this property. These opinions are based on our knowledge, experience, and education. Rene Castillo or A.C. Horticultural Management, Inc. shall not be required to give testimony, perform site monitoring, provide further documentation, de deposed, or attend any meeting without subsequent contractual arrangements for this additional employment, including payment of additional fees such as described by Rene Castillo from A.C. Horticultural Management, Inc. A.C.Horticultural Manangement Inc. does not assume responsibility for the verification of ownership or locations of property lines, or for results of any actions based on any inaccurate information. Page 6 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 November 8, 2018- Pictures were taken from the back yard of the residence The picture on the left was taken from approximately 5 feet away from the multi trunk Sycamore tree. The middle picture as well as the picture on the right are close ups of the insects/frass. November 8, 2018- Pictures were taken from the back yard of the residence The picture on the left was taken from an angle to show how the walkway is cracked as well as the house. The middle picture shows how the roots from the Sycamore tree are pushing on the wall causing it to lean towards the house. The picture on the right was taken to show how close the tree trunk and branches are to the house. Page 7 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 November 8, 2018- Pictures were taken from the back yard of the residence This picture on the left and the middle picture are more close ups of the damage being caused by the boring insects. The picture on the right was taken from an open cavity that is hollowing the tree trunk out. . November 8, 2018- Pictures were taken from the back yard of the residence Both of these pictures show the excessive amounts of frass indicating recent boring insect activity on the Sycamore tree nearest to the property line. Page 8 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007 For any questions regarding my Findings in this report, I may be reached at (818) 974-0448. Sincerely, Rene Castillo Horticulturist/Certified Arborist WE#8844A Qualified Applicator's License#129872 A.C. Horticultural Management, Inc. Page 9 of 9 Tree Report 1827 Oak View Lane Arcadia, CA 91007