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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArborist Assessment Report 802261024Arborist's Assessment Report DEC 2 7 2019 Brady Duncan 889 Snow Creek Rd. Quilcene, WA. 98376 Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 1 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Table of Contents Objectives.......................................................................................................pg.3 Introduction....................................................................................................pg.3 Summary........................................................................................................pg.3 Assignments....................................................................................................pg.3 Location...........................................................................................................pg. 3 Limitations......................................................................................................pg.3 Method............................................................................................................pg.4 Observations..................................................................................................pg.4-11 Tree Protection Concerns..............................................................................pg.12 Soil.................................................................................................................... pg. 12 Mitigation........................................................................................................pg.12 PreservationValues.......................................................................................pg.13 TreeInventory................................................................................................pg.13 Trees Proposed for Removal........................................................................pg. 13 DisclosureStatement...................................................................................pg. 14 Conclusion......................................................................................................pg. 14 Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 2 4894 Fla81er Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-207-9217 iaNE!ulives: The primary intent of this report is to provide a resource to help better understand the condition of trees in the vicinity of (470 53'32" N, 122° 53' 4"VV), the influences of the surrounding environment on the sites trees, and recommendations for alleviating stresses in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Introduction: I arrived at 889 Snow Creek Rd. at 5:00 pm on 10/14%2019 in response to Regimental Tree Care being contacted by Brady Duncan in regards to determining the health and structure of three Douglas fir trees and four Red alder trees on his property and within the 110ft county shoreline setback requirement. I surveyed the trees at (47° 53' 32" N, 122° 53' 4"W). After documenting the species, health and diameter of the trees, I documented the following analysis: Summary: After talking with Brady and obtaining data on the history of the site and its trees, I inspected the site and observed that Tree #001, Tree #002, and Tree #003 have poor structure that is magnified by likely new wind exposure and construction damage of fill dirt covering the trunk and much of the root collar. With these observations, and with these trees located close to the new house, I would rule these trees as hazards by definitions outlines in the ANSI A300 Better Management Practices. I observed that tree #004 and Tree #005 are dead and decaying and I would rule these trees as hazards by definitions outlined in the ANSI A300 Better Management Practices. I observed that Tree #006 has decay 2ft from the base of the tree and has a lean that goes towards the house. While the lean has corrected overtime, there is still more weight that is towards the house. I would rule this trees as a hazard by definition outlined in the ANSI A300 Better Management Practices. I observed that Tree #007 has co -dominant leaders, and without proper mitigation, could be a hazard in the future by definitions outlines in the ANSI A300 Better Management Practices. If one side is not reduced, there is a high likelihood that the tree with grow to have included bark at the week attachment where there are the two co -dominant leaders. I recommend reducing the side with the weight closer to the house. Assignments: Assess selected trees in the vicinity of (470 53'32" N, 1220 53' 4"VV) and advise appropriate mitigation procedures, as per ANSI A300 Better Management Practices and Standards and PTMC 19.06.120. Location: 889 Snow Creek Rd. Ouilcene, WA 98376 (47° 53' 32" N, 122° 53' 4"VV) Limitations: One limitations of the inspection was that I was unable to see the site before the lot was clearcut to construct the house, so I had to use information from the owners combined with educated deduction reasoning to understand the possibility of land disturbances, construction damage, and change of tree exposure. Another limitation of the inspection was that I was unable to fully excavate and examine the entire root collar and buttress roots on the three Douglas fir trees because soil had been filled in to made a burm behind these three trees. An aerial inspection was not performed. Photos were taken to document my findings. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Method • Annotate the genus and species of each tree. • 1 measured the diameter of each tree is with a caliper tape. • 1 examined trees by first noting the canopy density, color, rate of growth, growth form and the presence of anomalies such as dead branches, dual leaders, fungal growths etc. • Examined trunk. I strike the lower trunk with a mallet to listen for the presence of hollow areas. 1 examined buttress roots for the presence of decay. • Observations were documented with photographs. Initial observations were recorded digitally and transferred into written format. Observations: Tree #001, #002, and #003 are all Douglas fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) that are grouped away from any other trees. The lot had been cleared to build the house, and these are the trees that were left closest to the house (10ft from poured concrete and 11ft from the house itself). The trunk of Tree #001 is 2ft from the trunk of Tree #002, which is 5.5ft from the trunk of Tree #003. All of them have most of their live branches on the east side (shoreline -side) of the trunk, and there are some marks that look like previous branches rubbing on the west side (house -side) of the trunks. These observations makes it appear, without having seen the lot before, that there was a tree or multiple trees close to the west (house -side) side of this stand that provided wind protection. Trees that have been abruptly exposed from construction or land clearing may have a higher likelihood of failure. Tree #001, #002, and #003 have all had a change of soil grade on the west side (house -side). Fill was stacked into a large pile against the trunks, burying .50% to 75% of the diameter of the buttress roots by 1ft to 2ft. Due to the slope and amount of fill soil present, I was unable to excavate to inspect the roots. However, with what I could, I found some evidence of decay. This fill brings up concerns for both the health and structural stability of the trees. Left, Image tons Qt Tree #001 #002 and #004 showing lack of branches on west sive hos -sidej and proKIMIM to each other. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 4 4894 Fla81er Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Tree #001: Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menriesii), D.B.H.=24 in., L,C:R:= 40% This is a semi -mature specimen. Along with the before mentioned buried buttress roots and a high likelihood of new wind exposure, this tree also had an oozing bulge located 2 1/2ft from the base of the tree and measured at 1ft by 11/2ft. This tree is located 2ft from a pipe that was installed for drainage. If there was trenching involved, important roots could have been damaged or severed. I observed evidence of a severed co -dominant leader about halfway up the tree which weakens the overall structure of the tree. Ceft lmpge showing weak ott_gchment where o2 -dominant leader broke off of Tree #001 Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 5 4894 Flagler Road. Niordlend, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 JI IdI014F l a l r r r 1 ii rOP-4170"M7; IIIINJUIMM, Tree #002: Douglas fir (Pseudotsugo menziesii), D.B.H.=10in., L.C.R.=25%. This is an adolescent specimen that is suppressed. Along with the before mentioned buried buttress roots and a high likelihood of new wind exposure, I observed limited growth, with a L.C.R of only 259. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 6 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Tree #003 Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), D.B.H.=20in., L.C. R.=35%. This is an adolescent specimen. Along with the before mentioned buried buttress roots and a high likelihood of new wind exposure, this tree has a broken/dead top possibly from wind -throw. The structure is poor and compromised and this tree is a hazard. Lgft: !made showing to blown !2ff_QfTree #003, rendering it structurally poor. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 7 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Tree #0I4 Red alder Alnus rubra D.B.H.=171n. L.C.R.=N A. This is a snag, a dead tree. Its top is blown off and there is fungus growing all over it. I pounded at it with a mallet and it was very hollow sounding inside. There is a big decay cavity at the base. some big limbs have already fallen down. Left, Image showing dead top of Tree #094 Qn the ground ars the remaining dead tree in background Lon the ri ht . LcLIma —hQLvLng 5flhqMgtteTr 4 1mage 5—howinu crack d bark on de Tree 004. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 8 4894 Flagl6t RO.d. N6tdithd, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Tree #005 Red alder (Ainus rubra), D.B.H.=18in., L.C.R.=N/A. This is a snag, a dead tree: Its bark was peeling off and underneath there was frass and bugs that eat decaying wood. Ce : This im ill r h e fra5s wood lice eating the dead and decaying .wood of Tree #005. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 4894 flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Tree #005 Red Alder (Alnus rubra), D.B.H.=13in., L.C.R.=20%. This is an adolescent specimen that has evidence of decay at the base and a lean that is going towards the house. While the tree has mostly self -corrected this lean at the top, the decay is close to where the lean starts and it is unclear how far into the trunk it goes. The decay is located 2ft from the base and is visibly 15in long, Sin wide and Sin deep. Thr photo shows ;fi kqn to Tree #006 Left, ThI5 photo shows thg decoy ot the-baseTree #006 Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 10 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 9835E (415)-707-9717 Tree #007 Red Alder (Alnus rubra), D.B.H.=18in., L.C.R.=50%. This is an semi -mature specimen with co -dominant leaders. I observed epicormic growth and dead branches tin to 4in in diameter. Mitigation, removing the co -dominant that is going towards the house. That would take the weight off the part of the tree going towards the house and would leave the tree with better structure. Left.,ThLs Image shows LhCSQ-&Mr2cynt attachmentn Tree #007. Lek -This image shows the conoopy of the co -dominant leaders of Tree #007. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 11 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Tree protection concerns: SOH: The soil surrounding trees located at (476 633T N, 1220 634"0 is primarily sandy loam and clay. A soil analysis was not undertaken. Mitigation: As to the mitigation of the Doug fir trees (Tree #001, Tree #002, Tree #003), 1 suggest their removal. Apart from preexisting structural issues (such as co -dominant stems and a broken top), they appear to have new hazards from new wind exposure, the installation of a drain pipe close by, and fill covering much of their root collars. As to the mitigation of the dead Red alder trees (Tree #004 and Tree #005), 1 suggest their removal. The owners said they want to plant more suitable trees in their place, and removing these would mitigate the risk that they would fall and crush the new trees. As to the mitigation of Free 9006, the Iced alder with decay at the base and an initial lean 'towards the house, I recommend its removal. It is unclear how much of the trunk is decayed at the base, but it compromises the structure and health of the tree. As to the mitigation of Tree #007, the Red alder with co -dominant leaders, I recommend reducing the leader that goes towards the house. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 12 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-971.7 Preservation Values: Hazard: Dead, dying, or dangerous tree that should be removed. Low: Poor specimen, some caution if retained. Moderate: Common species w/ minimal character. Can be retained High: Good specimen tree. Save if possible. eci I: Unique species, specimen, or form. Save if possible. Tree Inventory: ID # Common Species DBH Stems Preservation Recommendations Name Value 001 Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga 24 in. 1 Hazard Should Remove menziesii 002 Douglas Fir Pseudotsugamenziesii 10 in. i Hazard Should Remove 003 Douglas Fir Pseudotsugamenziesii 20 in. 1 Hazard Should Remove 004 Red Alder Alnus rubra 17 in. 1 Hazard Should Remove 005 Red Alder Alnus rubra 18 in. 1 Hazard Should Remove 006 Red Alder Alnus rubra 13 in. 1 Hazard Should Remove 007 Red Alder Alnus rubra 18 in. 2 Moderate Should Retain Trees Proposed for removal: Given the proximity to the new house, the new wind exposure, the covered root system, and poor structure, I would recommend that trees # 001, 002, and 003 be removed as the trees may become more hazardous and harder to remove as time goes on. Since trees #004 and 005 are dead, I recommend their removal. Given the rot in the base of tree #006, 1 recommend its removal. Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 13 4894 Flagler toad. Nordland, VILA 98358 (415)-707-9717 Arborist Disclosure Statement: 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, 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 structural failure of a tree or anticipate extreme weather events that could contribute to failure. 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 will 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 Arborists 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. Conclusion: My above suggestions and recommendations are based on the condition of the trees, potential preservation values, and guidelines established by the International Society of Arboriculture and the ANSI A300 Better management Practices. I believe that this recommendation satisfies standardized tree preservation requirements, as outlined in all applicable federal, state and municipal codes, to include the PTMC 19.06.120. Prepared By: Jessica Arnett Mullin I.S.A. Certified Arborist WE -12226-A Jessica Arnett Mullin - I.S.A. Certified Arborist # WE -12226-A 14 4894 Flagler Road. Nordland, WA 98358 (415)-707-9717