Arborist ReportArboristsr1__11.A/\/,
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1 710 SW 318PL 44D
Federal Miy WA. 98023
+ECOV, (206) 779-2579
JAN 2 ' 2019
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
COUNTER
Scott Shreve
A team of arborists from ArboristsNW recently inspected the Big Leaf Maples at 737 Bell ST, Edmonds on
(12/14/18) as you requested. We were charged with determining if the proposed crown reduction
would affect the long-term viability of the trees. What follows is a brief discussion of our observations
with recommendations.
The trees are multi -stem Big Leaf Maples a vigorous fast-growing tree. No more than 25% of the foliage
should be removed in any year. When reducing the crown, it is important to leave at the site of the cut a
branch that is at least 1/3 the size of the branch removed. See the photo with suggested cut locations.
When climbing the tree, it is important as this is a trimming and not a removal, to climb the tree spur -
less. Climbing with spurs will damage the tree allowing insects and diseases to infest the trees. Cutting
the ivy is recommended as the well, the established growth will over come the tree and shade out the
foliage killing the tree. Simple cut a gap in the growth close to the ground disconnecting the roots from
the main body of the ivy. The foliage there now will die and decay over time. I would suggest this every
4-5 year as the roots will send up more growth.
In conclusion it is our professional opinion that the proposed reduction will not affect the long-term
viability of the trees.
Respectfully Submitted
Neal Baker
Arbo ristsN W. co m
ISA Cert. PN1075A
TRAQ ISA (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified)
Member AREA & SOCA
206 779 2579
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Arboristsi-,,�"w,
-1710 SW 318fL 44D
Feder.11 W�iy WA. 98023
(206) 779-2579
This is an amendment to the report already submitted.
It discusses a multi -year tree management plan
ArboristsNW LLC was hired to perform a level I visual assessment to International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards on several trees at the property located above. The tools
that were used were a camera.
Our recommendations for the trees are as follows.
Regarding the maple trees: Most of the trees appear to be sprouting from a stump, for
each tree there are many newer trunks growing from a single area covered by blackberry bushes.
As these trunks grow larger, they will spread out in search of light, it can be expected that as the
trunks grow larger that the joint where they grow from will become weaker. Normally there is a
single trunk that grows from the base with roots growing in 360-degree area around the base, the
roots provide a sturdy base to support the tree through its lifetime. In cases like this, where 2 or
more trunks grow out of a single base, it is difficult for the tree to apply defenses in relation to
the forces applied to it and the area where they join is weaker due to the tree not being able to
form the proper response growth. Our recommendations for the maple trees are to every other
year, go and remove 1/3 of the largest sprouts from the tree. This will prevent the sprouts from
getting too large and will reduce total tree failure at the trunk base. This is better than removal in
that the roots of the tree provide structure for the hill, and a small well -maintained tree can
provide numerous benefits to the hill.
Regarding the Douglas firs: The tree appears healthy. It will be important to continue
monitoring the tree as it grows. Just like the maple trees, it provides structure and stability to the
hillside and should not be removed. Topping cuts on a tree can kill trees over time and should be
avoided at all costs. We recommend monitoring the tree alongside regular crown maintenance,
focusing on deadwood, dying and diseased branches. Also, as the tree grows into and above the
view, we recommend raising the lower crown of the tree. It is a natural process for coniferous
trees to lose their lower branches as they grow large in a forest where light does not penetrate to
the lower levels. This will maintain enough foliage for photosynthesis.
Respect l ally submitted
Neal Baker 1/25/19
Arhori stsN W LLC
1067792579
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified
ISA Cert #: pn-1075a
ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified (TRAM)