HomeMy WebLinkAboutArborist Report
811 Monte Verde Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007
Prepared for:
Philip Chan c/o PDS Studio
711 First Ave Arcadia, CA 91006
Arcadia, CA 91006
October 15, 2019
Prepared by:
Javier Cabral Consulting Arborist
International Society of Arborists # WE- 8116A
1390 El Sereno Ave
Pasadena, California 91103
(626)818-8704
jctcabral@sbcglobal.net
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 1
Table of contents
Summary ------------------------------------------------------------------ pg. 3
Background and assignment Summary ------------------------------- pg. 3
Google Earth Image & Site Conditions ------------------------------- pg. 4
List Inventory ------------------------------------------------------------- pg. 5
Site Plan With Trees----------------------------------------------------- pg. 6
Tree Pictures -------------------------------------------------------------- pg. 7 thru 20
Protection Guidelines ---------------------------------------------------- pg. 21 thru 24
Certificate of performance ---------------------------------------------- pg. 25
Arborist Signature Page ------------------------------------------------- Pg. 26
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 2
Summary
Mr. Chan,
You have retained my consulting arborist services to provide a tree inventory and protection plan for the
property described as 811 Monte Verde Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007. You are in the planning process of demolishing
the existing one story single family home and redeveloping the property with a new two story single family home
with an attached two car garage.
The proposed demolition and construction is expected to have minimal impact to the protected trees that will
remain due to the distance of excavations, trenches, and footings to the tree trunks. A complete tree protection
plan will be included to protect above and below ground tree parts from physical damage, soil compaction, and
chemical damage.
Background and assignment
Mr. Chan has requested that I provide the following arboricultural services.
1) Identify all significant trees and protected trees on the property and label them on the
architectural drawings as provided to the arborist by Mr. Philip Chan.
2) Evaluate the current health of the trees and possible impacts of the proposed construction based
on the provided site plan and make recommendations.
3) Provide a tree protection plan that will help ensure the short and long term health of the protected
trees that will remain during and after construction activities are completed.
The following report is based on my site visit on October 14, 2019 and my analysis of the trees, site
plan, and surrounding landscape. For the purpose of this report I will address these trees as Trees # 1
thru 14.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 3
Site conditions
A one story single family home currently exists on this property located 811 Monte Verde Dr. Arcadia, CA
91007.
1) There are 14 total trees on the subject property that will be inventoried of which 5 on-site trees are
protected due to their location on the property, species, and trunk diameter at 4.5 ft. above natural grade
2) 4 protected trees proposed to be removed due to their condition and because they are unlikely to survive
demolition and construction due to their proximity to the existing house and in the case of Trees # 5 & 6
because the canopy is comprised of branches that have emerged after the trees were severely topped and
are not capable of sustaining significant canopy weight.
Google Earth Image
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 4
General Tree Condition Rating Guidelines (one or more of the below mentioned defects may not be present but
one or more may be so extensive that it may downgrade a tree that would otherwise qualify for example, a (C)
grade to a (D) grade due to the severity of the defect. As the consulting arborist I will make any annotation when
the aforementioned is the case so that the grade is better understood. Each tree will be rated as an individual tree
with its structure, canopy, and root system.
List Inventory pg. 1
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 5
A) - Healthy, vigorous tree, reasonably free of disease, with good structure and form typical of the species.
B) - A tree with slight decline in vigor, small amount of twig dieback, minor structural defects that could be
corrected.
C) - A tree with moderate vigor, moderate twig and small branch dieback, thinning crown, poor leaf color,
moderate structural defects that might be mitigated..
D) – A tree in decline, epicormics growth, extensive dieback of medium to large branches, significant structural
defects that cannot be abated.
F) – A tree in severe decline, dieback of scaffold branches and or trunk, mostly epicormics growth, extensive
structural defects that cannot be abated.
Site Plan With Trees
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 6
Tree # 1 (facing east)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 7
# 1 Norfolk island pine
(DBH 17 in.)
Trees # 2 thru 4 (facing northeast)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 8
# 2 Avocado
(DBH= 2+ 5 in.)
# 3 Hollywood juniper
(DBH= 24 in.)
# 4 Hollywood juniper
(DBH= 12+21 in.)
Trees # 3 thru 4 (facing east)
Trees # 3 & 4 because they are so close together are very co-dependent on each other structurally in the
canopy, aesthetically, and likely share root anchorage. Removal of one tree would render the other as
more unbalanced than they currently are as 95 percent of their canopy is leaning west of their trunks.
Removal of either tree would render the other with little aesthetic value as the remaining tree would
have the appearance of a half of butchered tree.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 9
Tree # 3
Tree # 4
Approxiate location that canopies meet
Trees # 3 thru 4 (facing north)
Below picture shows the degree of the unbalanced canop y and the lean of these two Hollywood junipers
have as it related to the center of their trunks
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 10
Trunk here
Tree # 3 & 4 (facing north)
Demolition of the existing house at two ft. 8 in. from the edge of the existing house would be very
difficult to accomplish without harming the roots and may have the unintended result of destabilizing
the root system. At such short distances sometimes the roots become dependent on the house footings
for stability
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 11
Tree # 4
Tree # 3
Tree # 3 (facing ground)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 12
Tree # 3
Tree # 3 damaging north property line wall
Tree # 5 (facing west)
Demolition of the existing house at two ft. from the edge of the existing house would be very difficult to
accomplish without harming the roots and may have the unintended result of destabilizing the root
system. At such short distances sometimes the roots become dependent on the house footings for
stability
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 13
Tree # 5
Tree # 5 (facing west)
The branches that have grown to comprise the canopy of this tree after it was severely topped cannot be
allowed to grow very large or acquire much weight as they are attached to or very close to a large
topping cut. This has created a need to constantly trim the tree to prevent these branches from breaking
away and causing a hazard to people and property.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 14
Tree # 5
Existing branches are shoots from
previous severe topping cuts
Existing branches are shoots from
previous severe topping cuts
Existing branches are
shoots from previous
severe topping cuts
Tree # 6 (facing east)
Demolition of the existing house at two ft. from the edge of the existing house would be very difficult to
accomplish without harming the roots and may have the unintended result of destabilizing the root
system. At such short distances sometimes the roots become dependent on the house footings for
stability
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 15
Tree # 5 is 1 ft. from the existing house wall
Tree # 6 (facing east)
The branches that have grown to comprise the canopy of this tree after it was severely topped cannot be
allowed to grow very large or acquire much weight as they are attached to or very close to a large
topping cut. This has created a need to constantly trim the tree to prevent these branches from breaking
away and causing a hazard to people and property
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 16
Existing branches are shoots from
previous severe topping cuts
Existing branches are
shoots from previous
severe topping cuts
Tree # 5
Trees # 5 & 6 (facing northeast)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 17
# 5 Carolina cherry
(DBH 19 in.)
# 6 Carolina cherry
(DBH 13 in.)
Trees 7 & 8 (facing north)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 18
# 8 Queen palm
(DBH 11 in )
# 7 Moreton bay fig
(DBH 3+3+6+6+9+9 in )
Tree 9 thru 11(facing east)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 19
# 9 Queen palm
(DBH 13 in.)
# 11 Stone pine
(DBH 6 in.)
# 10 Hollywood juniper
(DBH 8 in.)
Trees # 12 thru 14 (facing south)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 20
# 12 Hollywood juniper
(DBH 4+4+4+3+3+6++8 in. )
# 13 Moreton bay fig
(DBH 8+13 in.)
# 14 European fan palm
(DBH 6=6+11+11 in. )
General Tree Protection Plan
1) Avoid damaging the roots, stem, and branches with mechanical and manual equipment. No roots shall
be severed within the Tree Protection Zone “TPZ” which is the same as the area within the Tree
Protection Fencing “TPF.” Roots greater than two inches in diameter outside of the TPZ shall be cleanly
severed with a sharp tool such as a hand saw or manual pruners..
2) Avoid soil compaction by prohibiting the use of heavy equipment such as backhoes and bobcats under
the tree drip line. If access within the TPZ is required during the construction process, the route shall be
covered in a 6 inch layer of mulch in the TPZ and the area shall be aerated and fertilized at the conclusion
of construction.
3) Do not store or park tools, equipment, vehicles, or chemicals under the tree drip line. No equipment or
debris of any kind shall be placed within the TPZ. No fuel, paint, solvent oil, thinner, asphalt, cement,
grout, or any other construction chemical shall be stored or allowed in any manner to enter within the
TPZ.
4) Avoid washing of equipment and tools such as wheel barrels, shovels, and mechanical motors under the
tree drip line.
5) Prevent flooding and pooling of service water under the drip line. Grade changes that will flood the TPZ
are prohibited unless a drainage plan is implemented. No grade changes within the TPZ shall be allowed.
6) Avoid cutting tree roots whenever possible. This can sometimes be accomplished by bridging roots,
tunneling, or radial trenching. If roots must be cut use a sharp tool that will make a clean flush cut and not
tear the roots. If possible all digging under the tree drip line should be done manually to avoid tearing out
of roots. Roots outside of the TPZ may be cleanly severed vertically with a sharp garden tool.
7) Do not raise or lower the grade within the tree protection zone of any protected trees unless approved
by the project arborist. Roots greater than 1 inch in diameter that are exposed or damaged shall be cut
with a sharp tool such as a hand saw, pruners, or loppers and covered with soil in conformance to industry
standards as soon as possible. If any work is required within the TPZ the Arborist shall be consulted
previous to beginning. The Arborist shall be contacted as soon as possible to arrange for a timely
inspection and prevent delays.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 21
8) Protection fencing shall be 5 to 6 ft. high chain link freestanding panels or secured to posts driven into the
ground. There shall be no entry gates into the protected zones. The protection fencing shall be in place
before demolition begins and shall only be removed or reduced when all heavy equipment such as
back-hoes, bobcats, loaders, and other heavy equipment with tires and tracks will not be required.
Fencing can be adjusted or sections reduced or removed as the project advances into the landscaping
phases of the project. The consulting arborist shall be contacted if there are doubts about the placement or
removal of fencing.
9) Landscape preparation & excavation within the TPZ shall be limited to the use of hand tools and
small hand-held power tools and shall not be of a depth that could cause root damage. No attachments or
wires other than those of a protective or non-damaging method shall be attached to a protected tree.
10) Construction personnel should be briefed on the importance of the guidelines before construction
begins and reminded of it during tailgate meetings and as necessary. A printed copy should be posted
where employees can be reminded of it.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 22
Site Plan With Protection Fencing (full scale)
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 1111 La Cadena Ave Arcadia, CA 91007 September 27, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 23
Tree # 1 Norfolk Island pine Protection Details
a) Structural excavation and over-excavation: Tree # 1 is at a distance of approximately (7.5 ft. from the
west wall of the Front Covered Porch. At these distances the impact to the tree from the excavation is
expected to be minimal. I t is extremely important however that the demolition of the existing structure
and foundation adjacent to this tree be done in a surgical manner with extreme care to not damage the
roots that may be pressed against the existing foundation.
b) New Landscaping: No new plants shall be planted within 3 ft. of the trunk of this tree. Plants shall be
relocated if roots greater that 2 inches are encountered to preserve them. The proposed 15 gallon Yew
pine plants north of the tree trunk shall be changed to 5 gallon size to minimize the size of the planting
holes and therefore preserve more of the root system. Mulch shall be kept at least 6 inches from the
edge of the tree trunks on all sides of the tree.
c) New Sprinklers: No trenching for sprinklers shall be performed within 6 ft. of the edge of the tree trunk
on all sides of this tree.
d) Canopy pruning: No pruning of this tree will be required to complete the proposed construction project.
e) Root pruning: Roots beyond 6 ft. of the tree trunk can be cleanly severed with a sharp tool.
f) Protection Fencing: shall consist of 6 ft. high chain link free standing panels and shall be in place before
any works begins including demolition. All protection fencing may be removed or reduced when all
heavy equipment and major construction is completed and landscaping is ready to be installed.
g) Maintenance: During the hot summer months the tree shall be watered as needed until the sprinkler
system is installed and working.
h) Encroachment impacts: This project is expected to have a minimal to moderate on the short or long
term health of this tree and it expected to survive in good health if the protection recommendations are
followed and adhered to.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 24
Certificate of Performance & Limiting Conditions
I Javier Cabral certify the following:
No warranty is made, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the trees or the property will not
occur in the future, from any cause. The Arborist shall not be responsible for damages or injuries caused by any
tree defects, and assume no responsibility for the correction of defects or tree related problems.
The owner and client of the trees may choose to accept or disregard the recommendations of the Arborist or
seek additional advice if the owner decides not to accept the Arborists findings or recommendations.
The Arborist has no past, present or future interest in the removal or preservation of any tree. The opinions
contained in the Arborist report are independent and objective judgements of the Arborist.
The findings, opinions, and recommendations of the Arborist are based on based on the physical inspection of
said property. The opinions are based on knowledge, experience, and education.
The Arborist shall not be required to provide testimony, provide site monitoring, provid e further documentation
for changes beyond the control of the Arborist, be deposed, or to attend any meeting without contractual
arrangements for additional fees to the Arborist.
The Arborist assumes no responsibility for verification of ownership or loca tion of property lines, or for any
recommendations based on inaccurate information.
This Arborist report may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or the Arborist and the
client to whom the report was provided to. Any changes or alteration of this report invalidates the entire report.
Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, knowledge, training and experience to examine trees,
recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, make recommendations to prevent or minimize
damage to trees during and after construction projects, and attempt to reduce the risk of living near trees.
Clients may choose to accept or disregard the recommendations of the arborist, or to seek additional advice.
Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to the structural failure of a tree. Trees are
living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and
below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree wi ll be healthy or safe under all circumstances, or for a
specified period of time. Likewise, remedial treatments, like any medicine, cannot be guaranteed.
Treatment, pruning and removal of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the arborist’s services
such as property boundaries, property ownership, site lines, disputes between neighbors, and other issues.
Arborists cannot take such considerations into account unless complete and accurate information is disclosed to
the arborist. An arborist should then be expected to reasonably rely upon the completeness and accuracy of the
information provided.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near trees is to accept some degree of risk. The
only way to eliminate all risk associated with trees is to eliminate all trees.
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 25
Philip Chan “PDS Studio” 811 Monte Verde Dr.Arcadia, CA 91007 October 15, 2019
Javier Cabral / Consulting Arborist Pg. # 26