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CRA2021-0087 Approval letter_wAttCITY OF EDMONDS 121 5t" Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020 Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.Rov DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION "ne. I STJ May 24, 2021 Richard and Gvara Kirschner 517 Alder St. Edmonds, WA 98020 Subject: Hazard Tree Removal Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kirschner, The City of Edmonds has received a request to remove four trees (douglas fir, bigleaf maple, western red cedar, and spruce) from your property located at 517 Alder Street. The four trees are located along the western portion of the property, on a slope considered to be a potential landslide hazard area pursuant to Chapter 23.80 of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC). 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.8, it involves the removal of invasive species or hazard trees. To fall under the hazard tree provisions of ECDC 23.10.040.F, a tree must be determined to be a high risk by a certified arborist. The request to remove the tree included a Tree Risk Assessment form completed by ISA-certified arborist Cody Heron (#PN-6967A) who found the trees to have an overall tree risk rating of "High". Pursuant to ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b.iv each hazard tree removed within a critical area or critical area buffer must be replaced with new native trees at a ratio of two to one. It has been indicated that you propose to replace the four trees with eight trees from the list of species below: • Vine maple, Acer circinatum • Pacific willow, Salix lasiandra • Yew, Taxus brevifolia • Slide alder, Alnus viridis • Bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata • Black hawthorn, Crataegus douglasii • Cascara, Rhamnus purshiana • Hookers willow, Salix hookeriana • Pacific crabapple, Malus fusca • Pacific dogwood, Corpus nuttallii • Shore pine, Pinus contorta var. contorta • Hazelnut, Corylus cornuta var. californica An exemption for the tree cutting is granted with the following conditions: 1. This approval only pertains to the four trees identified in the attached materials. 2. Eight trees must be planted to replace the four hazard trees. The replacement trees must be native and indigenous in accordance with ECDC 23.40.220.C.8.b.iv. The proposed replacement trees listed above are appropriate replacement tree species. Alternative species must be approved by the City of Edmonds. 3. Replacement trees must be planted within one year of removal of the hazard trees. Please notify the City once the replacement trees have been replanted for an inspection. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at Brad.Shiplev@edmondswa.gov, or 425-771-0220. Sincerely, lb � Brad Shipley Associate Planner Encl: ISA Tree Risk Assessment Form Replacement Tree Species Selection ABC Herron Tree LLC P.O. Box 64 Gold Bar, WA 98251 425-293-2443 �j mountainredd@comcast.net Certified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ) Journeyman Tree Trimmer ISA certified Arborist PN-6967A January 30, 2021 Richard Kirschner 517 Alder St Edmonds, WA 98020 RE: Site Address: 517 Alder St, Edmonds 98020 Parcel# 00434212203400 .23 acres lot area Dear Mr. Kirschner, ABC Herron Tree LLC is pleased to submit this report compiling the Visual Tree Risk and Evaluation Assessments performed for four trees located on the parcel listed above. Visual tree assessments are an outlined process in accordance with TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) program and is a recognized standard of care by the ISA International Society of Arboriculture to evaluate tree health and risk. All tree assessments were made with a level 2 inspection unless otherwise noted. Our services were required as per our agreement authorized to begin on 1/30/21. You rs, Cody Herron Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #tPN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 2 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds Contents: * Assignment • Personal qualifications, scope of work and methodology • Site Observations • Site Map • GPS Locations Methods used to determine tree location and tree health s Cnn�ifi� trran nhonriotinr,c Discussion and conclusion • Replanting Schedule • References Waiver of Liability Attachment: • Basic Tree Risk Assessment Forms for four (4) trees Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 3 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds Assignment On January 30, 20211 was asked to complete a tree risk evaluation regarding four trees located on the property at 517 Alder St in Edmonds. Personal qualifications, scope of work and methodology: The knowledge I used to evaluate the trees comes from 22 years of experience in the tree care industry, including two years of schooling from South Seattle Community College. I am a recognized Journeyman Tree trimmer through IBEW with 12 years of experience (International Brotherhood Electrical Workers). I also have ten years' experience as an ISA certified arborist, including five years working for Snohomish County PUD has an arborist. In addition, I have worked for Seattle City Light and WA DOT in performing tree maintenance, mitigation and noxious weed control. In addition to my experience and ISA certification maintained and in good standing, I have been TRAQ certified (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) since 2016. 1 have relied on my training in these areas to perform the duties outlined. I followed the protocol delineated by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for Level 1 and 2 Visual Assessment Process. By doing so I am examining each tree independently as well as collectively as groups or stands of trees provide stability and can lower risk of independent tree failure. This scientific process examines tree health (e.g., size, vigor, and insect and disease process) as well as site condition (soil, conditions nursery stumps, anaerobic conditions, compaction etc.). A key part of tree risk assessment is to categorize the likelihood of failure, of one or more branches, the stem, or the roots. Visual assessment includes looking for and determining the significance of the defects and structural conditions. Some structural defects or conditions are more likely to lead to failure than others. Individual defects or conditions may not by themselves indicate a serious structural problem, but in combination with other conditions they may contribute to failure. All tree species have widely varying lifespans and tolerance capabilities to wound healing from damage caused by biotic and abiotic forces. Knowledge of failure patterns (Disease, lifespan, environmental conditions and species characteristics) associated with different species is critical in making effective reports. Site Observations: This parcel 00434212203400 at 517 Alder St in Edmonds is .23 acres per the Snohomish County Assessor website. Per the City of Edmonds website and GIS database, there is a critical slope on the western portion of this property. Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 4 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds Site Map: Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 5 of 13 GPS Locations (approximate): Note: please note these coordinates are for vague and loose approximate reference and visual aid only. This should not be considered to be taken as part of a formal, official survey of the property. Tree Species Latitude Longitude 1 Douglas fir 47.80834997 -122.3769055 2 Bigleaf maple 47.80829773 -122.3769216 3 Western red cedar 47.80820135 -122.3769431 4 Spruce 47.80819685 -122.376978 Methods used to determine tree location and tree health: Tree diameters were measured with foresters' tape. Tree driplines and heights were measured with a Nikon Pro laser range finder or tape. Trees on property are tagged with Dymo Rhino aluminum numerical impression labels and pink ribbon. All measurements and notes are recorded in digital formatting on site. �y PRO TAPE' 7MiCFi14F@i-ia A"aRADF Specific Tree Observations: (As represented on map, beginning on next page) Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 6of13 517 Alder St, Edmonds ASC Herron Tree Tree Assessment Matrix Consulting Tree Risk Arhorist + 425-293-2443 Milt;. MfRRON 41'r—N.%°rtt ,�,.. MountefnreddCooimcest.net Tree Species DSH on) Drip #0 CRZ (ft) vigor structure Riskk Pres. Value I RecAmmandations 1 Douglas fir 26.0 20.0 2&0 3 fair 2 Poor High 2 TW- removal Pseudo"a nzmiesii This is a oodominant stemmed tree that was topped marry years ago. Tttis tree has large codominant stem of slgftPjmnt size that overhangs the house. Co- dominate stems also pose a risk to parking Eat below. Many, of these sterns are over balanced with lead top structtra sprouting off of the lirnha ro z G Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 7of13 517 Alder St, Edmonds ABC Herron Tree Tree Assessment Matrix Consulting Tree Risk Afbormt y 425-293-2443 ktauntafnreddCfxrmcast.net Tne Species DISH (in) Drip tni CRZ (fq Vigor Structure Risk Pres. Value Recommendations 2 Bigleaf maple 36.3 25.0 49.9 3 fair 2 Poor High 3 N!- removal Rcer mac ophy vm This is an adjusted DBH big leaf maple w1h toter stems. One of the stetres a a basal area sprout. This tree has evidence at fungal infection on the trunk. There is multiple co- crorninate sterns. Several historical failures are present. Tree has a. potential target area of hotese and parking lot below. Tree is covered in Ivy. Z t]. Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 8 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds Photo of Tree 2 showing fungal fruiting bodies Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 9 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds AEC Herron Tree Tree Assessment Matrix Construing Tree Risk Arborist FK i+ F r+ F 425-293-2�443 Mountainmdd@oomcast.net Tree species D13H Vni Drip trig CRZ (tti Vigor Structure Risk Pros. Value Racommendations 3 Westem red cedar 13.0 13.0 13.0 1 decayed t DyingMead High 5 7W- removal Thuja piricata This is a western red cedar that has recently died. This tree overhargs Lima parking lot, shoulder and roadway posing a risk to each target. eti ZC Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 30 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds ABC Herron Tree Tree Assessment Matrix Consulting Tree Risk Atbortst OP 425-293-2443 atW HFRRUN TREE - �,a•a-a.�.�.� Mourdafnredd@�oomcast.net Tree species DEIH (n) cM)l Vigor structure Risk Pres. Value Rarcommendations 4 Spruce 9.5 &0 mil decayed 1 DylingMead High 5 TW- rertt�lrst Piers spewes 0.1 This tree Is com*teiy dead covered with Ivy, 7i.is trao Is within striking range of'tie sidewalk, parking area and madwa Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 11 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds Discussion and Conclusion These trees are located in a critical area (slope) as determined by the City of Edmonds. Per Edmonds City Code and Community Development Code (ECDC) 23.40.220.C.8.b "b. The removal of trees from critical areas and buffers that are hazardous, posing a threat to public safety, or posing an imminent risk of damage to private property; provided, that: i. The applicant submits a report from an ISA- or ASCA-certified arborist or registered landscape architect that documents the hazard and provides a replanting schedule for the replacement trees; ii. Tree cutting shall be limited to pruning and crown thinning, unless otherwise justified by a qualified professional. Where pruning or crown thinning is not sufficient to address the hazard, trees should be removed or converted to wildlife snags; iii. All vegetation cut (tree stems, branches, etc.) shall be left within the critical area or buffer unless removal is warranted due to the potential for disease or pest transmittal to other healthy vegetation or unless removal is warranted to improve slope stability; iv. The land owner shall replace any trees that are removed with new trees at a ratio of two replacement trees for each tree removed (2:1) within one year in accordance with an approved restoration plan. Replacement trees may be planted at a different, nearby location if it can be determined that planting in the same location would create a new hazard or potentially damage the critical area. Replacement trees shall be species that are native and indigenous to the site and a minimum of one to two inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) for deciduous trees and a minimum of six feet in height for evergreen trees as measured from the top of the root ball;" None of these trees show any evidence of providing critical habitat to birds or other animals. My recommendation is for the removal of these four trees as they pose a threat to public safety and damage to private property. I do not recommend leaving cut branches, vegetation or wood. Tree #2 the Bigleaf maple has a fungus that may spread to other trees or trees to be replanted if left on site. In addition, this is an urban area near residential and commercial properties, and leaving the debris would not only create an eyesore but this practice is discouraged by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and fire departments throughout western Washington since having dry, dead brush and branches near structures creates an increased risk for fires damaging private property. Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 12 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds (see https://www.dnr.wa.gov/firewise or https://www.mercerisland.gov/fire/page/wildfire- prevention-and-fire-safety for examples). Replanting Schedule Within one year of their removal, these four trees will need to be replaced with eight new trees. The new trees must be native to the area, and must be one to two inches DBH for deciduous trees and a minimum of six feet in height for evergreen trees. Storm Lake Growers has an excellent selection of native trees http://stormiakegrowers.com/ . These trees will be planted on this parcel within one year of the removal of these four trees. References: ANSI A300 (Pat 1) — 2008 American National Standards Institute. American National standard for Tree Care Operations: Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance: Standard Practices (Pruning). New yok: Tree Care Industry Association, 2008. Coder, Dr. Kim D. Construction Damage Assessments: Tree and Sites. University of Georgia. October 1996. Ashley, Burl S. 1980 Reference handbook for foresters. USDA NA-FR-15. 35 pp. Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation, and Uses. Champaign: Stipes Publishing Company, 1990. Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. Assessing Trees in Urban Areas and the Urban- Rural Interface. US Release 1.0. Silverton: Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA, 2006. Dunster, J. A. 2003. Preliminary Species Profiles for Tree Failure Assessment. Bowen Island: Dunster & Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd. Dunster, Julian A., E. Thomas Smiley, Nelda Matheny and Sharon Lilly. Tree Risk Assessment Manual. Champaign, Illinois: International Society of Arboriculture, 2013. Harris, Richard W, James Clark, and Nelda Matheny. Arboriculture, Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2004. Lilly, Sharon. Arborists' Certification Study Guide. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 2001. Matheny, Nelda and Clark, James R. A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas. Second Edition. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 1994. Matheny, Nelda and Clark, James R. Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees during Land Development. Champaign, IL: The International Society of Arboriculture, 1998. Mattheck, Claus and Breloer, Helge. The Body Language of Trees: A Handbook for Failure Analysis. London: HMSO, 1994 Schwarze, Francis W.M.R. Diagnosis and Prognosis of the Development of Wood Decay in Urban Trees. Australia: ENSPEC Pty Ltd. 2008 Sinclair, Wayne A., Lyon, Howard H., and Johnson, Warren T. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1987.Prince, Susan Duvall Visual Tree Assessment Feb 2018. Smiley, E. Thomas, Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lilly, Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices, ANSI A300 Part 9: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management— Standard Practices (Tree Risk Assessment: Tree Structure Assessment). The International Society of Arboriculture Press. Champaign. IL. 2011. Thies, Walter G. and Sturrock, Rona N. Laminated root rot in Western North American. United States Department of Agriculture. Pacific Northwest. Resource Bulletin PNW-GTR-349. April 1995 Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net Page 13 of 13 517 Alder St, Edmonds Waiver of Liability There are many conditions affection a tree's health and stability, which may be present and cannot be ascertained, such as, root rot, previous or unexposed construction damage, internal cracks, stem rot and more which may be hidden. Changes in circumstances and conditions can also cause a rapid deterioration of a trees' health and stability. Adverse amount of time. While I have used every reasonable means to examine these trees, this evaluation represents my opinion of the tree health at this point in time. These findings do not guarantee future safety nor are they predictions of future events. Any legal description provided to the consultant -appraiser is assumed to be correct. Any titles and ownerships to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. No responsibility is assumed for matter legal in character. Any and all property is appraised or evaluated as though free and clear, under responsible ownership and competent management the tree evaluation consists of an external visual inspection of an individual tree's root flare, trunk, and canopy from the ground. Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as possible; however, the consultant/appraiser can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of information provided by others. Sketches, maps, diagrams, graphs and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aid, are not necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or survey. As conditions change, it is the responsibility of the property owners to schedule additional site visits by the necessary professionals to ensure that the long-term success of the project is insured. It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain all required permits form city, county state, for federal agencies. It is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions. If there is a homeowner's association, it is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with all Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&R's) that apply to tree pruning and tree removal. This tree evaluation is to be used to inform and guide the client in the management of their trees. This in no way implies that the evaluator is responsible for performing recommended actions or using other methods or tools to further determine the extent of internal tree problems without written authorizations from the client. Furthermore, the evaluator in no way holds that the opinions and recommendations are the only actions required to ensure that the tree will not fail. A second opinion is recommended. The client shall hold the evaluator harmless for any and all injuries of damages incurred if the evaluator's recommendations are not followed of for acts of nature beyond the evaluator's reasonable expectations, such as severer winds, excessive rains, heavy snow loads, etc. The consultant/appraiser shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of the report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made including payment of an additional fee for such services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement This report and all attachments, enclosures, and references, are confidential and are for the use of the client concerned. Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. They may not be reproduced, used in any way of dispersed in any form without the prior consent of the client concerned and ABC Herron Tree LLC. This report constitutes a whole. No single piece of part can be used without the entire text. Any use or restricted copying nullifies the entire report. Cody Herron ABC Herron Tree LLC 425-293-2443 ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6967A Certified Tree Risk Assessor mountainredd@comcast.net From: Gvara Kirschner To: Shipley, Brad Subject: Re: 517 Alder St. Edmonds Date: Monday, May 24, 2021 2:17:21 PM Hi Brad, Thanks for sending the native Plant Guide, that was helpful. Here is the list that we are considering. We like trees that bloom and have fruit for the birds and wild life. Vine maple Pacific willow Yew Slide alder Bitter cherry Black hawthorn Cascara Hookers Willow Pacific crab apple Pacific Dogwood Shore Pine Hazelnut Dogwood Thanks again Gvara