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PLN2024-0061 Tree Pruning Letter 929 Cary Rd`nC. I S9%3 CITY OF EDMONDS 121 51h Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020 Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.gov PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION DATE: August 15, 2024 TO: Rex Strickland FROM: Carmen Smith, Planner Carmen.smith@edmondswa.gov RE: Tree Pruning 929 Cary Rd To Whom it May Concern, The City of Edmonds received a report of tree cutting in a critical area under file number COD2024-0187. Per ECDC 23.10.040(E) and ECDC 23.40.220(C)(8)(2), routine landscaping and maintenance of vegetation, such as pruning, does not require a permit. However, overpruning that results in the removal of the tree requires a permit on this property. The pruning work at 929 Cary Rd, as described in the submitted arborist report dated July 26, 2024, is unlikely to result in the death of any of the affected trees (pg. 1). The associated code enforcement case, COD2024-0187, is now closed. Please be aware that any future tree removals on this property, including any of the affected trees mentioned in the July 26, 2024 arborist report, would require a separate permit and may require replanting pursuant to ECDC 23.40.220(C)(8)(b). Per ECDC 23.10.020(V), tree removal means "the direct or indirect removal of a tree(s) or vegetation through actions including, but not limited to: clearing, cutting, girdling, topping, or causing irreversible damage to roots or stems; destroying the structural integrity of trees through improper pruning, unless pruning back to the point where the tree has been previously topped; poisoning; filling, excavating, grading, or trenching within the dripline that results in the loss of more than 20 percent of the tree's root system; or the removal through any of these processes of greater than 50 percent of the live crown of the tree. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, CSC Carmen Smith, Planner RECEIVED 07/30/2,024 CITY OF EDMONDS MyBuildingPermit.com CITY OF EDMONDS 11IDEVELiOPA/ff< ring and Grading Application #1524898 - Tree Pruning_July2024 Applicant First Name Last Name Company Name Rex Strickland Number Street Apartment or Suite Number E-mail Address 929 Cary Road sokpogn@gmail.com City State Zip Phone Number Extension Edmonds WA 98020 (206) 963-3440 Contractor Company Name Owner Number Street Apartment or Suite Number City State Zip Phone Number Extension State License Number License Expiration Date UBI # E-mail Address Project Location Number Street Floor Number Suite or Room Number 929 CARY RD City Zip Code County Parcel Number EDMONDS 98020 27032400210800 Associated Building Permit Number Tenant Name Additional Information (i.e. equipment location or special instructions)_ Work Location Property Owner First Name Last Name or Company Name R T Strickland Number Street Apartment or Suite Number 929 CARY RD City State Zip EDMONDS WA 98020 Certification Statement - The applicant states: I certify that I am the owner of this property or the owner's authorized agent. If acting as an authorized agent, I further certify that I have full power and authority to file this application and to perform, on behalf of the owner, all acts required to enable the jurisdiction to process and review such application. I have furnished true and correct information. I will comply with all provisions of law and ordinance governing this type of application. If the scope of work requires a licensed contractor to perform the work, the information will be provided prior to permit issuance. Date Submitted: 7/30/2024 Submitted By: Rex Strickland Page 1 of 2 RECEIVED 07/30/2,024 CITY OF EDMONDS MyBuildingPermit.com CITY OF EDMONDS P11DEVEL,OPAfff< ring and Grading Application #1524898 - Tree Pruning_July2024 Project Contact Company Name: Name: Address: Gonpo Sokpo 929 Cary Road Edmonds WA 98020 Project Type Single Family Residential Email: sokpogn@gmail.com Phone #: (206) 383-8429 Activity Type Scope of Work Hazard Tree Removal Tree Removal Project Name: Tree Pruning_July2024 Description of Work: Pruning of possibly hazardous trees Project Details Primary Use Other Tree Information We have not removed any trees. We have pruned eight Description (species, diameter) trees (Western red cedars and Douglas firs). The trees are all about 2-3 feet in diameter. Location (front yard, back yard, etc.) The pruned trees are located in the east quadrant of the property Page 2 of 2 RECEIVED 07/30/2024 CITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING &T k DEVELOPMEN Katy Bigelow 206.351.1375 arboristkaty@gmail.com July 26, 2024 R. Tom Strickland 929 Cary Rd. Edmonds, WA 98020 Dear Mr. Strickland: Thank you for asking me to provide a memo stating my observations tree pruning completed on your property in Edmonds, Washington. To evaluate the tree addressed in this letter I combined my field experience and education with current accepted practices as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The tools I used to make this assessment were limited to binoculars, compass, hand mallet, digging tool and laser pointer. A visual tree assessment and other methods are only conclusive for the day of inspection and do not guarantee that conditions will remain the same in the future. I was asked by Mr. Strickland to assess pruning on a row of mature Douglas -fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western red cedar (Thujo plicato) trees (Map 1- General Aerial). I completed a site visit on July 26, 2024 where I completed a Level 2 assessment of all the trees in this row. All Levels of Tree Assessment are described in an attachment to this memo. The trees I assessed are growing as part of a grove. Nearly all of them were significantly over -pruned by removing large diameter branches and a large percentage of live crowns off each tree (Photos 1-3). Photo 4 shows the mounds of foliage and limbs left over from pruning. In my opinion, pruning, though extensive, will unlikely cause any single tree to die nor would be considered "topping" of any tree that has been worked on. However, since the trees have been so extensively limbed up the probability of the tops snapping off any single tree has increased REC E IVssessment — Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDmc` yRce lower branches functioning as wind dampening has been removed/reduced on most of PLANNING & DEVELOPMElhe trees. Map 2-Critical Area shows that very small areas of "Critical Area" exists within the grove of trees that were pruned. Normally, "Alteration" (pruning or removal) in a critical area requires a permit issued prior to work. According to the City of Edmonds Municipal Code, "Alteration" means any human -induced action which changes the existing condition of a critical area or its buffer. Alterations include, but are not limited to: grading; filling; dredging; draining; channelizing; cutting, pruning, limbing or topping, clearing, relocating or removing vegetation; applying herbicides or pesticides or any hazardous or toxic substance; discharging pollutants; paving, construction, application of gravel; modifying for surface water management purposes; or any other human activity that changes the existing landforms, vegetation, hydrology, wildlife or wildlife habitat value of critical areas. In this case, it is unlikely that the critical areas shown on Map 2 are extensive enough to cover any single tree that was pruned (altered) but nonetheless, the designation exists in a small area of the trees that were pruned. This report can be used to apply for a retroactive permit for pruning. Tree risk assessment is a qualification that can be obtained through the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). The TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) methodology has improved risk assessment by teaching assessors to follow a consistent format when examining a tree. Additionally, the TRAQ protocol includes defined terms for tree risk. The four terms under the risk category Likelihood of Failure are Imminent, Probable, Possible and Improbable. Imminent as defined in the TRAQ manual is an infrequent observance that would involve immediate risk mitigation to prevent damage to a nearby target. The majority of trees I and other tree risk assessors observe usually fall into the middle categories of Possible or Probable Likelihood of Failure. Very rarely is a tree rated "Imminent" observed. To assist in visualizing how a tree risk assessor determines risk, the following matrix used as part of the protocols can be referred to below: Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC RECEIVEDssessment— Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Matrix /. Likelihood matrix. Likelihood of Failure Likelihood of Impact Very low Low Medium High Imminent Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely Probable Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Possible Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Improbable Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Matrix 2. Risk rating matrix. Likelihood of Failure & Impact Consequences of Failure Negligible Minor Significant Severe Very likely Low Moderate High Extreme Likely Low Moderate High High Somewhat likely Low Low Moderate Moderate Unlikely Low Low Low Low Keeping this risk rating system in mind during my assessment I found that there is an improbable likelihood of failure of the trees from any of their lower trunks. Due to significant pruning removing most branches from the trees, there is an improbable likelihood of failure of larger diameter branches falling from any pruned tree to any on or off property targets. There is a possible likelihood of failure of smaller diameter branches to on or off property targets as often after extensive or over pruning branches that have become quickly exposed to new or changed wind patterns may be more susceptible to failure than before pruning. Overall these trees currently rate as low risk to any surrounding target especially since the area close to the trees is infrequently occupied. The time frame for this assessment is one year. At this time the best course of action that could stabilize the health and vigor of the trees after having been overpruned is: • Remove all of the pruned branches and scaffold branch pieces that have been pruned off from the area where they were mounded. • Chip up as much of the pruned debris as possible and redistribute the wood chips around each tree pruned in this area. • Wood chips can be spread to create a 4-5" inch layer of mulch throughout the entire grove of trees, pruned or not. • Wood chips should not be mounded against tree trunks. At least 2-3 inches of space should be left between the layer of mulch and any single trunk. • Scaffold branches pruned off that are too large to be chipped can be distributed throughout the grove or removed from the site. Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC REC E IVssessment — Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDMONDS a If pieces are left, ensure they are not mounded on one another. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT • I strongly recommend that these trees be periodically monitored for health and vigor every 1-2 years to ensure they are stabilizing after this pruning cycle. Thank you very much for calling me for your arboricultural concerns. Katy Bigelow Board Master Certified Arborist PNW ISA member # PN-6039B Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Registered Consulting Arborist' #490 Levels of Tree Assessment LEVEL 1: The Level 1 assessment is a visual assessment from a specified perspective of an individual tree or a population of trees near specified targets to identify obvious defects or specified conditions. A limited visual assessment typically focuses on identifying trees with an imminent and/or probable likelihood of failure. Limited visual assessments are the fastest but least thorough means of assessment and are intended primarily for large populations of trees. LEVEL 2: This is a basic assessment completing a detailed visual inspection of a tree and surrounding site, and a synthesis of the information collected. This assessment requires that a tree risk assessor walk completely around the tree —looking at the site, buttress roots, trunk, and branches. A basic assessment may include the use of simple tools to gain additional information about the tree or defects. Basic is the standard assessment that is performed by arborists in response to a client's request for tree risk assessment. Simple tools may be used for measuring the tree and acquiring more information about the tree or defects. However, the use of these tools is not mandatory unless specified in the Scope of Work. LEVEL 3: Advanced assessments are performed to provide detailed information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions. They are usually conducted in conjunction with or after a basic assessment if the tree risk assessor needs additional information and the client approves the additional service. Specialized equipment, data collection and analysis, and/or expertise are usually required for advanced assessments. These assessments are therefore generally more time intensive and more expensive. Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC 4 RECEIV?ssessment — Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDMONDS Map 1 : General Aerial showing location of tree pruning in red circle. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT {� ■l�dYl�li[i� ,�a +'q Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC 5 REC E IVssessment — Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDMONDS Map 2: Critical Areas Map showing location of tree pruning in red circle. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC 6 RECEIV?ssessment — Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Photos Photo 1: Mounds of debris pruned off trees. Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC uv RAI �s a .r r y Yk i� S�F ped '. _ I d 1 �• � ma� iY i .'�/ • � iF' y y �iF � � � r;C Al r ,� �cv�� ,4 9 °;• si r � % .., Y t Slts�a � L,t ;a�Siw. 7 'i :: . .fC � Fah �,�'*��� *•ii � id s�'` � 9i � ���� � ��f��—m„. u i a �!`• W , �he�u. .!t.v �h1 a . V f� a-��a �' t �-'. : ,, . I .:n�.? �1� l •. y i:. °f,.,.� \'` Ji, _aU ,' ., � ..�,� of . All .a r�. i! 7 'Si a+/' J ,: Sr i" �`. d �" /}, k '3f•"� 10 Ilk- PAI kw if no 41 44 . q' �� 1+�'., a V"_''` ,fin ,A � ?! .-u�, • � , a .y�a., ; y tt AN, v�4ti Am r a � «' .a�.*� ` J1. rM�w 4J9rr 4flt dIF ire f�! ?ram! , IN'-'M'1,/ i kAr rt v s 4h�z Y S r i A .i5 :�"� �1q4� s�.���?� � ram. •" `` + "` +"��fd�` ""t'�1 � 1'...."�, a ," , r' i�.n yam, '� •�'k � ; �1 r* v -... ". K „^% kit. � O'•lfff ,.� x � � �' w3� v Y i ":.;f � ,+`�a`td•y} i {[eA,,,, x � r��':. ` rcz. / ! i 7 ' p"r"z .>• .eYx `S' ;°f `i '' IN a t k 'y -� .�i � rx s� ��• c 5 iirl � z .�� L �''-' f � i; ,�,`''..' k L .y�: t - i� f c' • b� �� � "S' 44+ �` <4!., >, 1, t. . "+e �„ .. �.- �.. a<a. ��1'jq� Celt z i- �'C •WF �j, c3'�'�Ct �!" .� i' 1 ,Irr a,. �k '�i 3 to �0 .dY• • •. ,,,gip "y� � �a lit �', 1 � q �r ��� �� 1 1'+t � 4�M• 3 REC E IVssessment — Strickland 929 Cary Rd., Edmonds, WA 98020 07/30/20247-26-2024 CITY OF EDMONDS Assumptions, Limiting Conditions and General Waiver PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT I, Katy Bigelow, certify that: I have personally inspected the tree(s) and or the property referred to in this report; I have no current or prospective financial or other interest in the vegetation or the property which is the subject of this report and have no personal interest or bias in favor of or against any of the involved parties or their respective position(s), if any; The analysis, opinions and conclusions stated herein are the product of my independent professional judgment and based on current scientific procedures and facts, and the foregoing report was prepared according to commercially reasonable and generally accepted arboricultural standards and practices for the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound areas; The information included in this report covers only those trees that were examined and reflects the condition of the trees as of the time and date of inspection; This report and the opinions expressed herein are not intended, nor should they be construed, as any type of warranty or guarantee regarding the condition of the subject trees in the future; Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions ("CC&Rs") may restrict the number, type and height of vegetation on the subject property, and I have made no investigation regarding whether the property is subject to such CC&Rs; and To the best of my knowledge and belief, all statements and information in this report are true and correct and information provided by others is assumed to be true and correct. I am not an attorney or engineer. This report does not cover these areas of expertise and represents advice only of arboricultural nature. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, it is specifically understood that nothing contained in this report is intended as legal advice, or advice or opinions regarding soil stability or zoning laws, and this report should not be relied upon to take the place of such advice. Katy Bigelow Board Master Certified Arborist PNW ISA member # PN-6039B Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Registered Consulting Arborist' #490 Prepared by: Katy Bigelow, Arborist LLC ll