Hazard tree removal 20150918.pdfCITY OF EDMONDS
1215 1h Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
September 18, 2015
Michael F. Newman
941 Puget Way
Edmonds, WA 98020
Subject: Hazard Tree Removal
Dear Mr. Newman,
You have contacted the City of Edmonds regarding the removal of a hazard tree located on your
property at 941 Puget Way. The tree you identified is located next to Hindley Creek. Hindley
Creek is considered a critical area pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC)
23.40 and 23.90.
Generally the removal of trees, or any vegetation, within a critical area or critical area buffer is
not an allowed activity, unless, pursuant to ECDC 23.40.220.C.7, it involves the removal of
invasive species or hazard trees.
A tree hazard evaluation form from a certified arborist has been submitted documenting the tree
with a hazard risk score of 10 which classifies the tree as a high risk. ECDC 23.40.220.C.7.b.iv
requires that hazard trees be replaced with new trees at a ratio of two to one. Your request
indicates you intend to replace the Douglas fir tree with two cedar trees in the southeast corner of
the property.
An exemption for the tree cutting is granted with the following conditions:
1. Only the tree identified in the tree hazard evaluation form may be cut.
2. The two cedar replacement trees must be a minimum of 6 -feet in height consistent with
ECDC 23.40.220.C.7.b.iv and must be planted within one year of tree the tree cutting
activity. Replacement trees should be planted in the generally vicinity of the trees which
are removed.
3. If the identified replacement trees cannot be found in the required size, substitute
replacement trees that are native and indigenous to the area may be approved by the
Planning Division. Please contact the City before substituting replacement tree species.
4. Stump of the tree cut must be left in place to provide slope stability and prevent erosion.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, 425-771-0220.
Sil °crely,
.ernen Lien
Senior Planner
Washington Tree
Experts
9792 Edmonds Way #123
Edmonds, WA 98020
206-362-3380
wtetree@vahoo.com
Client name: Michael Newman
Street: 941 Puget Way
City, Zip: Edmonds, WA 98020
Re: Doug Fir tree dbh=32" (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Location: Back yard
See attached map
Discussion:
Tree evaluation requested by the homeowner to attain approval for the removal of the
tree by the City of Edmonds. Following is a brief explanation of the health and environment.
Observations:
-Doug Fir is located in an environmentally critical area near a stream
-tree is in decline
-foliage is sparse and new growth is limited
-ivy is established and inhibiting foliage on over 85% of canopy
-tree leans toward house
-major buttress roots exposed
-upheaving roots first witnessed 5-7-15 and became worse upon second visit 7-21-15
-decay evident in the root zone
Procedure:
To evaluate and to prepare the report we drew upon our 15 plus years of experience in
the field and our formal education in Forestry and Horticulture. We also followed the protocol
of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for hazardous tree assessment while looking at
the overall health of the tree and site conditions.
In examining the tree we look at such factors as:.
-size
-vigor
-root health
-crown health
While no one can predict with absolute certainty if a tree will or will not fail, we can, by
using scientific process asses which of the trees is most likely to fail and take appropriate action..
Recommendations:
After inspecting the tree and the environmental conditions surrounding it, it is my
opinion that the tree should be removed. The root zone is compromised and the tree leans
toward the target which is the home. It poses a significant risk to the property. The remaining
trees will not be affected by the removal.
Removal as per City of Edmonds requirements. 2 Western Red Cedar trees (Thuja
plicata) to be planted in the SE corner of the property.
Prepared by
Eugene Wells
Certified Arborist
#PN6834A
Waiver of Liability
This information represents the tree health assessment at this point in time. My findings do not guarantee future safety nor are
they predictions of future event. Information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects
the condition of those items at the time of inspection. The inspection is limited to visual examination of accessible items without
dissection, excavation, probing, or coring.
MW
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