Hazard landmark tree removal STF2021-0014CITY OF EDMONDS
121 51" Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.gov
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
,Ile. 189\)
July 13, 2021
Bill Wilson
19120 941" Avenue W
Edmonds, WA 98020
Subject: Hazard Landmark Tree Removal at 19120 941" Avenue West
Dear Mr. Wilson,
Thank you for contacting the City of Edmonds regarding the removal of a 40-inch big leaf
maple. The tree is located in the rear yard by the house and deck. The yard where the tree is
located is fairly level.
The subject tree has a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 24 inches and so is subject
to the emergency ordinance for landmark trees adopted under Ordinance No. 4217. Ordinance
No. 4217 allows for the removal of landmark trees outside of the development review process
only if the tree is a hazard or nuisance as defined by Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) 23.10.020.G and 23.10.020.K.
Ordinance No. 4218 adopted new tree code in Chapter 23.10 ECDC, which includes the
documentation required to justify the removal of hazard and nuisance trees exempt from
permit in ECDC 23.10.040.F. For landmark hazard trees not located on slopes greater than 25%,
ECDC 23.10.040.F.2 provides:
Hazard tree located outside a critical area with a tree risk assessment prepared by the
applicant's qualified professional documenting how the tree meets the definition of a
hazard tree.
On July 13, 2021, you provided documentation to justify that the subject tree meets the
standard for removal as a hazard tree:
"Hazard tree" means a tree that is dead, dying, diseased, damaged, structurally defective
or exposed by recent removal of adjacent trees, which makes it subject to a high
probability of failure as determined by a qualified tree professional.
The attached tree risk assessment identifies the tree as a high hazard due to decay and rot at
the base and notes the only way to cure the defect is to remove the tree.
As a result, the removal of the referenced cedar as a hazard per ECDC 23.10.040.F.2 is allowed
subject to the following conditions:
1. Trees must be fell onto private property.
2. Vehicles and equipment shall be located on private property. Should it be necessary to
utilize any portion of the City right-of-way, including the street or sidewalk, to perform
any of this work then the contractor shall apply for and obtain a right-of-way
construction permit in advance of starting work. A traffic control plan will be required
as part of the right-of-way permit application.
3. Contractor/owner is responsible for keeping all debris on site and preventing any silt
laden runoff from leaving the site and/or entering the city storm system.
4. Contractor/owner shall repair/replace any damaged sections of curb/gutter, sidewalk or
other public improvements in City right-of-way per City standards that is caused by or
occurs during the permitted project.
5. Contractor/owner is responsible for locating all on -site utilities and any utilities on
neighboring properties that could be impacted by the tree removal.
Relocation/revision/repair to any utilities may require separate permit.
If you have any questions, please contact me at kernen.lien@edmondswa.gov or 425-771-0220.
Sincerely,
Kernen Lien
Environmental Programs Manager
Attachments: Tree Frog LLC June 23, 2021 Arborist Report
Cc: Edmonds Tree Service
Page 1 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
To: William Wilson
Job Site: 19120 94TH PL W, Edmonds
Parcel: 00434600006101
Subject: Arborist Report
Date: 6/23/2021
Ws. d
'� IC
CONSULTING ARBORIST
From: Andy Crossett, ISA Certified Arborist #PN-7375A, Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, WSNLA
Certified Professional Horticulturist #2537
Assignment
On Wednesday, June 2"d, William Wilson contacted me with a request for an inspection of a tree located at his
Edmonds property. Mr. Wilson explained that he is concerned about the safety of this tree, and he wanted a
certified arborist and tree risk assessor to inspect the tree to assess its overall health, stability, potential risk, and
make recommendations for remediation. On Wednesday, June 161h, I walked the site to inspect the tree and
document my findings.
A site map and photographic documentation can be found at the end of the report under Appendix A and
Appendix B.
I have categorized risk based on the methodologies presented in the International Society of Arboriculture's Tree
Risk Assessment (Best Management Practices).
My responsibilities were to provide the following:
A visual assessment from the ground to determine structural soundness, evaluate risk of failure, and based on my
findings recommend either remediation procedures or removal.
Site Description
Subject Trees— One Bigleaf Maple (Acermacrophyllum)
The .45-acre parcel is located west of 941h Ave W and is oriented east/west with the driveway exiting east onto 941h
Ave W. The subject tree is located just south-west of the home.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefroglic.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 2 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
1. Brief Summary
After assessing the subject tree, I have determined that it would be considered a nuisance/hazard per the City of
Edmond's ordinance 4218 and should be removed to remediate its associated risk.
A more detailed summary can be found below under section 5, titled Expanded Summary and Recommendation.
2. Details of Risk Assessment
Level 2: Basic Assessment
A level 2 basic assessment is the standard assessment performed for tree risk. The assessment includes a detailed
visual inspection of a tree and its surrounding site, and a synthesis of the information collected. The basic
assessment involves walking completely around the tree — looking at the site, buttress roots, trunk, and branches.
The tree is viewed from a distance, as well as close-up, to consider crown shape and surroundings.
Methodology— When identifying potential hazard trees, 1 must consider a variety of factors that could contribute
to failure. This can include the following: previous history of site failures, topography, site changes, prevailing wind
direction and exposure, tree size and species, growth habit, overall vigor, the density and health of the foliage and
crown, examination of root and root collar health, dead wood, hanging or broken branches, and evidence of
disease -causing bacteria, fungi, or virus.
Tools Utilized: Binoculars, compass, hammer, diameter tape, clinometer, camera.
Timeline — This assessment covers a five-year period and is based on conditions present at the time of the
assessment.
3. Definitions
DBH - Tree size is measured in Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) — standard forestry methodology for measuring
tree size.
Calculating DBH of Multi -Stemmed Trees — Multi -stemmed trunk combined DBH determined by the square root of
the sum of all squared trunk stems DBH.
Hazard tree — A tree that is dead, dying, diseased, damaged, structurally defective or exposed by recent removal of
adjacent trees which makes it subject to a high probability of failure as determined by a qualified tree professional.
Risk — The combination of the likelihood of an event and the severity of the potential consequences. In the context
of trees, risk is the likelihood of a conflict or a tree failure occurring and affecting a target, and the severity of the
associated consequences — personal injury, property damage, or disruption of activities.
How people perceive risk and their need for personal safety is inherently subjective; therefore, risk tolerance and
action thresholds vary. What is within the tolerance of one person may be unacceptable to another. It is
impossible to maintain trees completely free of risk —some level of risk must be accepted to experience the
benefits that trees provide.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogllc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 3 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
Explanation of Tree Conditions
Poor — A tree described with a poor condition would have a combination of the following features: low vigor,
sparse crown density, and few interior branches. The crown could be unbalanced or contain many dead
twigs/branches. It may also have been topped, tipped, or mal pruned. The trunk could have cracks,
cavities, conks/mushrooms, and evidence of decay within the tree.
Fair— A fair description would describe a tree with normal vigor and crown density. The tree may possess one or
possibly two of the above listed qualities but overall is in decent health. Improvements of site conditions
could improve the trees health.
Good — Trees listed in good condition will have high vigor with a thick crown density. It would have few, if any
defects, and would be a good example of that specific tree.
Explanation of Risk Ratings
Low— The low -risk category applies when failure is improbable to possible, consequences are negligible, and
likelihood is unlikely; or consequences are minor, and likelihood is somewhat likely.
Moderate — Moderate -risk situations are those for which failure is possible to probable, consequences are minor,
and likelihood is very likely or likely; or likelihood is somewhat likely, and consequences are significant or severe.
High — High -risk situations are those for which failure is probable, consequences are significant, and likelihood is
very likely or likely, or consequences are severe, and likelihood is likely.
Extreme —The extreme -risk category applies in situations in which failure is imminent, there is a high likelihood of
impacting the target, and the consequences of the failure are severe.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefroglic.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 4 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
4. Assessed Trees
Risk Categorization (stem)
Tree
Parcel
Species
Type
DBH
Time
Height
Overall
Overall
Remediation
ID
(inches)
Frame
(feet)
Condition
Failure
Impact
Consequences
Risk Rating
0043460000
Bigleaf Maple
1
6101
Acermocrophyllum
Deciduous
40
5 Years
50
Fair
Probable
High
Severe
High
Remove entire tree.
This mature bigleaf maple is currently in fair condition. The crown is dense with good vigor. A massive hollow exists within the base of the tree and up into the stem. Fungal disease can be found within
Notes
this hollow. I noted both Kretzschmaria and Ganoderma fruiting bodies throughout the trunk and buttress, indicating advanced decay. The tree leans east towards the home.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogilc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 5of15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
5. Summary of Defects
Overextended Branches
"Branches outside of the normal crown may experience higher loads during high winds, freezing rain, or snow
storms, and are more likely to fail in these conditions. Horizontal branches tend to be stronger than those growing
at an upward angle, when all other conditions are equal."
Dead or Dying Parts
Per the ISA's Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices guidelines — "When a target is present, dead trees
are an obvious concern, as are dead or dying branches and roots... Signs and symptoms of dead trunks or branches
are lack of leaf growth; dead, loose, or missing bark; missing buds; and broken or blunt branch tips. The larger the
size of the dead part and the higher it is above the target, the greater the concern. Dead branches vary in their
likelihood of failure from possible to imminent, depending upon the species, branch weight, the type and extent of
decay, infestation by wood -consuming insects, and the length of time the branch has been dead."
Weakly Attached Branches and Codominant Stems
"Certain branch arrangement and attachment configurations are associated with higher rates of failure, including:
codominant branches, included bark, shape of branch union, adventitious branches, multiple branches, included
bark, shape of the branch union, adventitious branches, multiple branches originating at one point, a tree's history
of branch failure, and sudden branch drop. "
6. Summary of Pests and Diseases
Ganoderma applanatum
Ganoderma applanatum or "artist's conk" is a bracket wood -decay fungus that causes a white rot of heartwood in
a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees. It can also grow as a pathogen of live sapwood.
Kretzchmaria deusta
K. deusta causes a soft rot, initially and preferentially degrading cellulose and ultimately breaking down both
cellulose and lignin, and colonizes the lower stem and/or roots of living trees through injuries or by root contact
with infected trees. It can result in sudden breakage in apparently healthy trees.
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https://www.treefrogi Ic.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
(P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 6 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
7. Expanded Summary and Recommendation
It is important to remember that while the risk assessment process is objective, personal risk is inherently
subjective. One may be willing to live with a moderate risk while others may decide that a moderate risk is
unacceptable. The intention of the ISA's risk assessment process is to give tree owners and tree managers options
to remediate risk associated with trees on their property. This could include recommendations for pruning,
cabling, bracing, moving potential targets, and removal.
Evaluating risk of failure and potential for harm must include whether targets are present, types of targets (e.g., a
person or building), likelihood of contact in the event of tree failure, and consequences of that contact. Potential
targets of tree or tree part failure could include the following: Mr Wilson's homes, property, pets, persons, etc.
The prevailing wind direction in our region is primarily from the south and occasionally from the east through the
mountain passes. This means that when a tree or a tree part fails due to wind events, it typically fails north,
northwest, or northeast. However, trees can and do fail in all directions, and it can be difficult to determine which
way they will fall due to the fact that not all tree defects are visible.
Tree 1—This mature Bigleaf Maple is presently in fair condition, While it has good vigor, with a robust crown, it has
a very large cavity at the base of the tree. The wound may have beer, a codorninant stem failure that split away
from the trunk leaving a massive wound behind, which could also explain why the tree appears to be leaning east
towards the home. The cavity extends from the primary stem all the way down into the soil level. The fungal
diseases Ganoderma applanatum and Kretzchmaria deusta can be found within the cavity and around the exterior
buttress. While bigleaf maple can live for many years with either disease, they greatly reduce stem/root strength,
which in turn makes the tree much more likely to fail. There is no remediation that can be taken to reduce the
likelihood of failure and in the event of catastrophic failure, it is likely the home will be impacted.
Therefore, per the ISA's basic tree risk assessment form, the likelihood of tree failure for the subject tree would be
considered probable ("failure may be expected under normal weather conditions"), the likelihood of impacting a
target is high ("the failed part will most likely impact the target"), and the consequences of that impact would be
severe ("consequences are those that could involve serious personal injury or death, damage to high value
property"). The tree would receive a high -risk rating and my recommendation is for removal.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogllc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail,com
Page 7 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
8. Appendix A — Site Description
William WilsonV.
a 19129 94th PL W
Image was snipped from SCOPI. Please note that tree locations and property lines are approximations and are only
meant as a visual aid.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogllc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Ar.
............
Page 9 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
y
/ 7
t r
I
Wee 1
Figure 2: The large hollow within the tree. Fungal conks were found within this cavity.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogllc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 10 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
Figure 3: Conks from the fungal disease Ganoderma applanatum found at the base of the subject tree.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogllc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 12 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
10. Certificate of Performance
I, Andy Crossett, certify that:
• 1 have personally inspected the trees and the property referred to in this report and have stated my
findings accurately.
• 1 have no current or prospective interest in the vegetation or the property that is the subject of this report
and have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved.
e The analysis, opinion, and conclusions stated herein are my own and are based on current industry
standards, scientific procedures and facts.
Y My analysis, opinion, and conclusions were developed and this report has been prepared according to
commonly accepted arboriculture practices.
Y No one provided significant professional assistance to me, except as indicated within the report.
i My compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of predetermined conclusion that favors the cause
of the client or any other party nor upon the results of the assessment, the attainment of stipulated
results, or the occurrence of any subsequent events.
I further certify that I am a member in good standing of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and an ISA
Certified Arborist (#PN-7375A) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. I also am a Certified Professional Horticulturist
through the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association,
If you have any questions about this report, please contact me at 206-310-8254 or andycrossett@hotmail.com.
Andy Crossett
References:
Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture,
Propagation, and Use. Stripes Publishing L.L.C., 2009
Smiley, E. Thomas, Nelda Math eny, and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment (Best Management
Practices, Second Edition). Champaign: International Society of Arboriculture, 2017.
Dunster, Julian A., E. Thomas Smiley, Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lilly, Tree Risk Assessment Manual. Champaign,
Illinois: International Society of Arboriculture, 2013.
Shigo, Alex L. A New Tree Biology: Facts, Photos, and Philosophies on Trees and Their Problems and Proper Care.
Shigo and Trees, Associates, 1986.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrogllc.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 13 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
11. Credentials & Experience
History
I first began working in the horticulture industry in 2002 at a landscaping company located locally in Bellevue,
WA. After working in the field for a few years, as a laborer and a supervisor, I decided to pursue a formal
education at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. I graduated in 2011 with a degree in Environmental
Horticulture and immediately took the ISA and CPH exams to be become a Certified Arborist and a Certified
Horticulturist, respectively. I moved onto to work as a member of the Street Tree and Irrigation Department for
the City of Bellevue. Tree Frog LLC started in 2013, when I began consulting part time in addition to working as
head gardener at a seven -acre estate in Medina, WA. Tree Frog LLC has grown, and I have been consulting full
time since 2017.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and the animals on my small hobby farm.
Education
Lake Washington Institute of Technology — Associates Degree, Environmental Horticulture
My education from Lake Washington Institute of'fechnc ogVs horticulture program focused on the following
areas of study: botany, plant propagation, greenhouse management, soils, pruning, pest and disease
management, landscape design, turf grass management, and plant identification.
Credentials
Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association #2537
In 1978, WSNLA created a two -pronged professional certification program that was known as the Washington
Certified Nurseryman or Washington Certified Landscaper. In 2005, WSNLA revamped and upgraded the
certification program and renamed the designation as Certified Horticultural Professional. With nearly 400
Certified Professional Horticulturists, the CPH program is the larg, st community of state certifications serving
professional horticulturists in Washington State.
To earn a WSNLA Certified Professional Horticulturist credential, you must pass a written exam that tests your
skills and knowledge as a horticultural professional based on study materials and practical applications.
You must provide the equivalent of one year of work experience (2000 hours) with a licensed nursery, landscape
contractor or WSNLA-approved business or institution.
Certified Arborist and Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, through the International Society of Arboriculture #PN-
7375A.
To earn an ISA Certified Arborist° credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of
arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborist' have met all requirements to be eligible for the exam, which includes three
or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture and/or a degree in the field of
arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry frorn a regionally accredited educational institute.
This certification covers a large number of topics giving the candidates flexibility in the arboricultural profession.
A code of ethics for ISA Certified Arborists' strengthens the credibility and reliability of the work force. This
certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute, meeting, and exceeding ISO 17024.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefroglic.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[.P] 206-310-8254. [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 14 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
Continued Education
• Trees and the Law
• Report Writing for Arborists
• Defensible Tree Appraisal
• Developing Field Assessment Skills for Common PNW Tree Diseases
• Climbing Safety Case Studies
• WSNLA PROseries seminar Pest & Disease
• Tree Disorder Diagnosis Online Workshop & Live Discussion
• Why Trees Fail Online Workshop & Live Discussion
• Arbor Chat: A Deep Dive Into the ISA Certified Arbonsta Code of Ethics
• Advancing Urban Forestry in the Pacific Northwest /
Volunteering
Dog Mountain Farm, CSA
Dog Mountain Farm serves the Snoqualmie Valley community and Seattle area by providing Certified Naturally
Grown farm -fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, herbs, and flowers. They also offer educational tours for schools and
groups.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefrog[Ic.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com
Page 15 of 15
William — Arborist Report — 6.23.2021
12. Assumptions & Limiting Conditions
a) A field examination of the site was made on 6/16/2021. My observations and conclusions are as of
that date.
b) Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar
as possible; however, the consultant/arborist can neither guarantee no'r be responsible for accuracy
of information provided by others.
c) Unless stated otherwise: 1) information contained in this report covers only those trees that were
examined and reflects the conditions of those trees at the time of inspection; and 2) the inspection is
limited to visual examination of the subject trees without dissection, excavation, probing, or coring.
There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied that problems or deficiencies of the subject
tree may not arise in the future.
d) All trees possess the risk of failure. Trees can fail at any time, with or without obvious defects, and
with or without applied stress. A complete evaluation of the potential for this (a) tree to fail requires
excavation and examination of the base of the subject tree. Permission of the current property owner
must be obtained before this work can be undertaken and the hazard evaluation completed.
e) Other trees with similar defects are standing in the neighborhood, and have been so for some time.
Trees are living biological organisms, and I cannot predict nor guarantee their stability or failure.
f) Sketches, drawings and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aids, are not necessarily
to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural report of surveys unless
expressed otherwise. The reproduction of any information generated by architects, engineers, or
other consultants on any sketches, drawings, or photographs is for the express purpose of
coordination and ease of reference only. Inclusion of said information on any drawings or other
documents does not constitute a representation by Tree Frog LLC as to the sufficiency or accuracy of
said information.
g) The consultant/appraiser shall not be required to give testimony or attend court because of this
report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made.
h) Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report.
i) Unless required by law otherwise, possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of
publication or use for any purpose by any other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the
prior expressed written or verbal consent of the consultant/appraiser.
TREE FROG LLC
https://www.treefroglic.com/
PO Box 307, Duvall, WA 98019
[P] 206-310-8254 [E] andycrossett@hotmail.com